New technology

sbeverly

I would think that PCGS might be interested in licencing this technology
as an additional layer of protection.
In light of the increasing counterfeiting which I believe will increase as well
as get better as the PM prices rise.

The following from Sinclair...

REAL gold and silver:

A science oriented CIGA has developed a technological application that is unique to the precious metals market for the purpose of determining if your bullion has been counterfeited by including tungsten alloy. This technology is completely safe and non-destructive to the precious metal, and will be effective on everything from fractional ounce coins all the way up to the full size 100 and 1,000 ounce COMEX bars of gold and silver.
This technological application has been developed in response to the growing threat to the bullion community from tungsten/lead alloy adulteration. Tungsten has a density nearly identical to gold, and tungsten mixed with lead will have a density nearly identical to pure silver. The threat arises from unscrupulous individuals and possibly institutions that have been removing precious metal from the center of bullion bars and replacing it with tungsten or tungsten-lead alloy. Modern computer-aided machine tools are then used to seamlessly re-smooth the surface of the bullion product to hide any trace of the theft that has just happened.
Traditionally, the use of a density calculation (mass divided by volume) has been the simple solution to verify the assay purity of bullion. Unfortunately, the insidious use of tungsten alloys that match the densities of gold and silver make this test completely useless for this type of problem.
Other types of commonly available bullion verification testing include:
X-Ray Fluorescence: This is a very accurate surface test, but unfortunately can only analyze the surface and immediate sub-surface of the bullion product. In a situation where tungsten alloy has been hidden in the core of a bullion product, it is unlikely that this technique would successfully identify it.
Acid testing: Can only test the surface of the gold product that is exposed to the acid.
Electronic Testing: Can confirm purity through electrical conductivity resistance of the surface layer of the bullion but cannot "see" the tungsten that is embedded deep in the core of the bar or coin.
Fire assay, drilling and similar techniques are highly destructive and in the case of collector coins can completely ruin their value.
This CIGA’s new detection technologies are unique to the bullion market. They can detect tungsten/lead and other impurities and cavities that are hidden at any depth inside the bullion product, no matter how large or how small, and are 100% completely non-destructive and safe.
In addition, he is are preparing to produce tamper-resistant holographic-sealed assay certificates with the analysis results for the bullion item that bear a digital image of the bullion product and show the serial number and hallmark if present. These tamper-resistant assay certificates could then trade with the bullion product and give both buyers and sellers a sense of real security.
He is seeking input from prospective customers to determine if there is interest in this technology and if you would want to use it for your bullion holdings. The cost would be very reasonable, analysis work would be timely and the safe return delivery of your gold and silver bullion would be guaranteed.
Please email him at info@bullionanalysis.com to let him know if you are interested in this service.
As always, I have no business interest in this project, but bring it to your attention because of the continuing talk in the community about falsification of bullion and coins.
Respectfully yours,
Jim