Can Someone Explain What "European" Gold Looks Like?

Coinosaurus

I understand there has been a lot of U.S. gold sitting in European banks since the 1930s that has been trickling back to the States for a long time.

And apparently you can tell just by looking at it that it came from a European bank. Exactly how is this?

Does their stinky cheese make it tone a certain color or what??

MrEureka

And apparently you can tell just by looking at it that it came from a European bank. Exactly how is this?

You can't. However, if you see a coin that has been cleaned, properly or improperly, it is unlikely to have come directly from an old European bank hoard.

stealer

Practically any dirty coin is dubbed to have "euro dirt," although some purists claim they can see a difference...

I've also heard that when there is too much gold in the numismatic market, dealers sell them back to the European banks.