1. Visual examination

Use a magnifying glass to carefully inspect your item. Look for the hallmark, the stamp indicating purity and carat, and check the edges, sides, and corners: discolorations or signs of rust reveal materials different from gold.

2. Bite test

Pure gold is relatively soft and leaves a small dent under light pressure. Apply a gentle bite in a hidden spot: if an imprint forms, it is likely gold; if it remains intact, it is almost certainly not pure gold.

3. Magnet test

Thanks to its diamagnetism, gold is not attracted to a magnet. Bring a strong magnet close: if the object moves or sticks, it’s not gold.

4. Density test (Archimedes’ test)

What you need: precision scale, graduated test tube, water, marker, calculator.
1. Mark the initial water level.
2. Immerse the object and note the new level.
3. Calculate density using the formula ρ = m/V.
4. A result close to 19 g/cm³ confirms gold.

5. Ceramic test

Gently scrape the object on an unglazed ceramic plate. If a black streak appears, it is fake or plated.

6. Acid test

A professional method that requires gloves and safety goggles.
1. Make a small scratch in a hidden spot.
2. Apply a few drops of nitric acid:
‣ No reaction → real gold
‣ Green fizzing → different metal or lower carat

7. Hallmark check

Hallmarks (carat, assay office, manufacturer’s mark) guarantee origin and quality. In Europe, the CCM mark standardizes certification.

8. Gold carats

24 K – 100% pure gold
22 K – 91.6%
18 K – 75%
14 K – 58.5%
10 K – 41.7%

9. Skin test

Hold the object against clean skin for a few minutes. If black or green spots appear, the object is not pure gold.

10. Final warning

These home tests are useful but not foolproof. For a certain confirmation, consult a professional gold buyer, who has the necessary tools and expertise.

1. Composition and value of gold

The value of gold depends on its carat, not its color: the price is determined by the amount of pure gold per thousand parts present in the alloy. The added metals—copper, palladium, silver, nickel, zinc, platinum—influence ductility and tone, but not the valuation based on gold content.

2. Percentages of pure gold by carat

8 Kt gold – 33.3% pure gold
9 Kt gold – 37.5% pure gold
12 Kt gold – 50% pure gold
14 Kt gold – 58.5% pure gold
18 Kt gold – 75% pure gold
22 Kt gold – 91.5% pure gold
24 Kt gold – 99.99% pure gold

3. Colors and carat with the same gold content

At the same carat, there is no difference in value between white gold, rose gold, and red gold: the price is based only on the pure gold content, not on the alloy metal that determines its color.

4. Calculating value based on the gold price

To appraise a gold jewel, determine its carat and apply the price of pure gold to the percentage weight of gold it contains:
Value = (pure gold price × percentage of pure gold) × weight in grams.

5. Exception: alloys with more precious metals

An exception concerns alloys containing platinum or palladium: these rare compounds can increase the overall value beyond just the gold carat.

1. Market analysis and timing

Before investing in gold, it’s essential to monitor prices: buy when prices are not at their peak and wait for a favorable moment to sell, maximizing profits.

2. Defining the investment capital

Decide the percentage of your capital to allocate to gold: generally, between 10% and 20% of your total portfolio, to protect savings and reduce risk.

3. Portfolio diversification

Don’t limit yourself to gold: combine investments in precious metals (gold, diamonds) and liquid assets such as bonds or stocks, creating a balance between stability and liquidity.

4. Shares in mining and trading companies

Invest indirectly in gold by purchasing shares of companies that mine or trade precious metals, avoiding physical management and profiting from the performance of commodity-related stocks.

5. Auctions and specialized sales

Participate in auctions and group sales to buy gold pieces at competitive prices: this strategy requires expertise but can offer valuable opportunities.

6. Support from a financial advisor

If you lack experience in this field, rely on a financial advisor: their expertise will help you develop effective gold investment strategies and optimize your returns.

1. Storage of physical gold

Physical gold requires secure storage, preferably in bank safe deposit boxes or with professional storage services. Keep bars and coins away from moisture and corrosive substances; avoid contact with other metals that may cause oxidation. The average cost of a safe deposit box ranges between €3 and €4.5 per liter per month.

2. Insurance coverage

Check that your home insurance policy covers possible damage or theft of gold at home. If you choose an external storage service, make sure you have extended insurance coverage for the deposit, thus protecting your investment.

3. Buying from reliable dealers

Purchase physical gold only from recognized professional dealers: consult the official list on the Bank of Italy’s website to find regulated dealers. A trusted dealer guarantees certified purity and transparent purchase conditions.

4. Gold purity and carat

The carat (in carats or thousandths) determines the value: prefer items with at least 21 carats (875 thousandths) for a solid investment. However, remember that high-carat gold is more sensitive to scratches and requires greater care in storage.

Introduction

Looking to invest in precious metals but don’t know where to start? Remember that the sale of silver, platinum, and palladium bars and coins is subject to 22% VAT, which reduces the net capital you can realize at the time of sale.

1. oz Maple Leaf (Canada) – Silver 999

The 1 oz Maple Leaf coin is one of the most popular in the world. Chosen by investors for its high liquidity and low premium over the market price. Weight: 31.11 g; purity: 999.0 thousandths.

2. oz Britannia (United Kingdom) – Silver 999

The 1 oz Britannia is renowned in the UK and beyond. It offers excellent recognition and ease of exchange. Weight: 31.11 g; purity: 999.0 thousandths.

3. kg Bar – Silver 999

1 kg bars are preferred by those seeking a high concentration of silver in a single product. Purity: 999.0 thousandths. Ideal for diversifying your physical portfolio.

4. oz American Eagle (USA) – Silver 999

The 1 oz American Eagle coin is famous for its historic design and recognized quality. Weight: 31.11 g; purity: 999.0 per thousand.

5. oz Palladium Maple Leaf (Canada) – Palladium 999.5

One of the few palladium coins in circulation, composed of 99.95% pure palladium. Issued since 2005, it represents a rare and valuable option for diversifying with palladium.

6. oz Britannia (2024) – Platinum 999.5

The 2024 1 oz Britannia in platinum contains 31.1 g of 999.5 platinum. Minted by the Royal Mint in Llantrisant (Wales), it features: - micro-detailed waves in the background - Britannia’s shield with line details - Latin text on the inner edge - a hologram alternating a padlock and a trident On the reverse, a portrait of Charles III by Martin Jennings. Legal tender value: £100.

1. Investment coins: what are they?

Investment coins are minted from precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) and valued according to the weight and purity of the metal they contain, not for their rarity or condition.

2. Difference from numismatic coins

The value of numismatic coins depends on rarity, mintage, and condition, while the value of investment coins is calculated solely on the thousandths of precious metal present.

3. Formats and purity

Investment coins are available in various formats: 1 ounce, half an ounce, a quarter, or a tenth of an ounce. Purity varies by issuer, generally at least 999 thousandths.

4. Main investment coins

4.1 Krugerrand (South Africa)

The first gold investment coin (1970), contains 1 oz of pure gold at 22 carats (916.7 thousandths) and does not bear a face value, but is recognized worldwide.

4.2 American Eagle (USA)

The official US coin with a face value of $50, combines the authenticity of the U.S. Mint with 1 oz of pure 22K gold, a popular choice among international investors.

4.3 Maple Leaf (Canada)

Minted by the Royal Canadian Mint, 1 oz of 24K pure gold (999.9 thousandths), appreciated for its purity, clean design, and global recognition.

4.4 Kangaroo (Australia)

Also known as Nugget, issued by the Perth Mint in 1 oz of 24K pure gold, with annually changing designs and controlled mintage to encourage collecting.

4.5 Philharmonic (Austria)

Gold Philharmonic, issued by Münze Österreich since 1989, 1 oz of 24K pure gold with face value in euros, famous for its musical details and high liquidity.

4.6 Panda (China)

Minted by the Shanghai Mint, offers 1 oz of 24K pure gold with an annual panda-themed design, combining investment value with numismatic appeal.

4.7 Gold Sovereign (United Kingdom)

Gold Sovereign (1/4 oz, 22K) issued by the Royal Mint, with legal tender status and long tradition, valued for its prestige and market stability.

4.8 Marengo (Italy)

Historic Italian coin (issued 1861–1923), 1/4 oz of 24K pure gold, ideal for those who want to combine gold investment with national collectible value.

1. Advantages of investment coins

Investment coins offer several benefits:
– Practical and secure storage, easier to transport than bars;
– High liquidity, immediate conversion into FIAT currency;
– Stable value, often quoted up to 15% above the spot price of gold;
– Guaranteed certification of purity and authenticity;
– Steady returns over time;
– Simple buying and selling through authorized dealers and platforms.

2. Disadvantages of investment coins

It’s important to consider the downsides as well:
– Long-term investment, immobilizes part of your capital;
– Purchase and sale commissions reduce net profit;
– Requires a minimum initial capital to achieve significant returns.

3. Storage and transport

Storing a set of coins is more practical than storing bars: you can keep them in special boxes or bank safe deposit boxes, reducing storage costs and protecting your investment from theft or damage.

4. Liquidity and market

Investment coins are quickly traded on the precious metals market. Even less common issues find specialized buyers; however, rare and numismatic coins require time to find the right collector.

5. Value and returns

In general, a gold coin is priced 5–15% higher than the spot price, thanks to certified purity. Ancient and limited edition coins further increase their numismatic value over time.

6. Capitalization and costs

Although you can start with small denominations (e.g., 1 oz Eagle), to achieve appreciable returns it is advisable to allocate an adequate percentage of your portfolio (10–20%). Remember that each transaction carries variable commissions depending on the dealer.

1. Full liquidity

Investing in physical gold offers a highly liquid asset: you can easily convert your reserves into cash thanks to a well-established global market for buying and selling gold.

2. Protection from political uncertainties

Gold is a recognized safe haven asset against inflation and currency fluctuations. In times of geopolitical instability, it preserves its value better than currencies and traditional financial instruments.

3. Portfolio diversification

Thanks to its low correlation with stocks and bonds, gold improves portfolio stability. Including physical gold among your investments reduces overall risk and protects against market crashes.

4. Preservation of value

High value density allows you to store large amounts of capital in small spaces. A small quantity of gold in a safe deposit box is more practical than real estate or other commodities.

5. No guaranteed return

The price of gold can fluctuate significantly in the short term. Although it maintains value over the long term, there is no guarantee of immediate profit.

6. Correlation with the US dollar

Since gold is quoted in US dollars, its price tends to move inversely to the dollar. A strong dollar lowers the spot price of gold and vice versa.

7. Storage and insurance costs

Storing and protecting physical gold requires safe deposit boxes or safes and dedicated insurance policies, which increase the overall costs of the investment.

1. Introduction to the Metal Bank

An alternative solution to Gold Buyers (“Compro Oro”) for selling gold and precious jewelry is the Metal Bank (“Banco Metalli”), a private business authorized by the Bank of Italy that offers specialist services beyond simple buying and selling.

2. Authorization and relevant law

The Metal Bank was established with Law 7/2000, which introduced strict rules to prevent criminal infiltration. Only those with a license from the Bank of Italy may carry out this activity.

3. Corporate requirements

The activity must be carried out by a limited liability company (Srl) with a share capital of at least €50,000 (equivalent to a joint-stock company, SpA).

4. Corporate purpose

The company’s articles of association must clearly state the trading of precious metals. Without this wording, authorization cannot be requested.

5. Honorability requirement

According to articles 16 and 108 of the Consolidated Law on Credit, all shareholders and managers must meet honorability requirements and conduct the business according to the “good family father” rule (due diligence and good faith).

6. Registration with the Bank of Italy

Authorized businesses are registered in an official register, with a registration number stamped on bars, coins, and investment tokens to guarantee traceability and transparency.

7. Exclusive services of the Metal Bank

In addition to buying and selling gold, silver, and other precious metals, the Metal Bank can:

– carry out melting and refining of used precious metals;

– produce gold bars and tokens for investment;

– collect and recycle unsold gold from jewelers and Gold Buyers.

8. Clients and B2B services

Thanks to its authorization and technical expertise, a Metal Bank (like Target) serves both individuals and companies (jewelers, Gold Buyers, workshops), providing a point of reference for all B2B services in the precious metals sector.