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“ This from a reader who wishes to remain anonymous:

While it won't detect tungsten counterfeits, the Fisch system (http://www.fisch.co.za/home.htm) to detect bogus gold and silver coins is well worth considering. I've used the Fisch system for over 25-years now and I can attest to the impeccable reliability these instruments offer.

I've had only two occasions where Mexican 50-peso gold pieces were detected, failing the "weight" check when subjected to the Fisch system. The coins were drilled and filled with lead. The edges of the coins were re-plated with gold and almost non-detectable to the untrained eye.

These Fisch instruments have saved me much angst and aggravation over the many, many years I've used them. ”

“ While the other avenues such as pawnshops, auction websites, etc. allow cheaper gold purchases (because you are purchasing from existing gold owners), it is important to be sure that the gold that you are purchasing, is authentic. One way to ensure that your gold is authentic, would be to buy a fisch instrument. ”

“ ...a quick and easy test for your gold coins? I am amazed there arent more "gold bugs" and advocates mentioning this tool more...

May I recommend for all coin buyers the fisch instrument (fisch.co.za/). It’s a full proof mechanism to check the authenticity of the coin(s) in question. I just received my order from kitco today and ran them through the Fisch. I feel much better knowing I own actual bullion. I searched long and hard to find a “fake gold coin detector” on the internet and I can attest to its accuracy. ”

“ An easier and more practical way to test the density of a coin is to use a tool called a Fisch, a plastic tool that first checks the physical diameter and thickness and finally serves as a simple tip balance to test the weight... This tool is highly recommended by gold dealers and bankers...  ”

“ I like my collection of Fisch fake gold coin detectors. Makes everything quite simple. One can test all denoms of AGE's, Krug's, IOF Angels, Brittania's, Sov's, Maples, Platinum Nobles, Mexican Peso's all denoms. No counterfeit worries when you have a Fisch instrument. It's quick & no nasty chemicals needed. I like! ”

“ Get yourself a Fisch, much easier and portable than a scale and set of calipers when out shopping. ”

“ My amazing deal on Maples
I just picked up 10 Canadian Maples for $880 each. All were in fine condition, and passed authentication thru the Fisch and under a loupe. Person selling had inherited them, and needed some cash to pay a debt, but didn't want to sell stocks to raise the money.

I was a bit leery of the deal at first; he wanted me to come to him, in a relatively industrial part of Brooklyn, to meet at his office. He sounded fine over the phone, but my antenna were definitely up. Still, at $880 oz. for Maples, I figured I'd take a chance.

I went to the bank and withdrew the cash. Then I left a note for my wife, telling her exactly where I was, what I was doing, who I was meeting, and when I should be expected back. Then I went to the safe, and took out my Glock 27 and an extra mag, and did a chamber check. I drove out to the place where I was supposed to meet the guy. I sat in the car for 30 seconds, and told myself, "If things go sideways, stay cool. If things go really bad, remember front sight, slack out, press, follow-through."

He turned out to be a very nice guy, however, so I didn't have to double tap him. ”

“ Read what investors say about the Fisch  goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=229938&highlight=fisch ”

“ 9 June 2005
I used to own a Fisch fake coin detector. Works well and I sold it after I had bought the bulk of my coins. Google for Fisch to find their website.

13 October 2006
I test all my coins using a Fisch gold detector device to ensure they're real.

17 April 2007
I use a Fisch  gold detector - pretty much foolproof. I've got wallet #2, which contains detectors for my main purchases - Krugerands and Sovereigns. I buy from a trusted coin dealer who's already checked the coins and doesn't mind in the slightest when I check my potential purchases... ”

“ 19 August 2004
Thanks for such an excellent, informative, and well written review! The only info I can add is that I understand the Fisch gauge mentioned is no longer being produced and is being sold from existing inventory only.

For anyone starting out, I'd suggest getting the Fish gauge(s) first, partly because they're no longer being made and partly because they also incorporate a scale feature (a balance-type scale) that's probably accurate enough for general, everyday use.

19 February 2006
Actually, that reminds me, I've been using a Fisch fake detector for years on krugerrands ever since I saw a big dealer in London using one on sovereigns.
http://www.fisch.co.za/index.html
Works on other coins too, depending on what set you buy.

18 March 2006
Never, but NEVER sell short the idea that there ARE fake gold coins out there. In the years I have been buying, trading, collecting, and generally dealing in PMs and numismatics, I have encountered MANY different fakes. While the general notion that gold coins can't be faked and retain their size, shape, and correct specific gravity may be true, the more common ploy is to make a fake using "slightly" less gold than is used in the genuine article. This is where the testers come in very handy, especially so to those of us who go through alot of coins. The Fisch instruments are excellent in this regard, and basically measure the shape, thickness, diameter, and specific gravity of the coin in a very quick and easy process of passing the coin through a slot, and then placing it in a small tray to check the "balance" of the coin to the correct specific gravity of the gold alloy mix for the specific coin. I have used these little instruments since the big rush circa 79-80, and have never seen them fooled by a fake, though they have identified many "off-weight" fakes over the years.18 March 2006
I've used the Fisch for krugs and sovereigns when buying "off the beaten path." Great little device...buy them while you can because he's not making any more.

3 April 2006
Really nice (and brilliant) little tools...however...expensive, especially when you can't order them individually. For example, "Wallet #3" has exactly ONE tool that is useful for me (for Saints), and three that are of no use for me.

4 April 2006
I really don't have any fool-proof suggestion for detecting "copies" of collectibles, other than observe due diligence and have a bit of luck. However, I would like to chime-in regarding the cost/price/value of the Fisch detectors. As I see it cost is a relative thing. I took a look at their website and all five wallets were going for $225. Well, lets see .... detect one base metal phony priced at $225 and all the detectors have paid for themselves.

I've used some of the same reasoning in the purchase of tools. Yes, I own a few "expensive" specialty tools and I thought long and hard before I bought them. I also admit to improvising a tool rather than buying a tool, but there is also a cost involved as well. Your time in making that tool is worth something and God forbid you damage something valuable with your makeshift item.

Got to go now - I've got a truck engine to overhaul and the cocktail napkin and bar stool I'm using for a support might give way!!!
Take care all,

5 April 2006
Of late, I use a Fisch, but I have physically measured and weighed in the past. IMHO, the Fisch is convenient without being too complacent. I don't buy frequently, but when I do, I want what I'm paying for.

26 December 2006
I bought a couple sets of Fisch Fake Coin Identification Detectors for gold bullion coins. They had a set for silver coins but they were sold out and he's not making anymore. They work great and I keep them in the car so I have them when I need them. ”

“ I started a Fisch thread a while back--I purchased the testers this fall (I got the Eagle and the Maple wallets)--they work perfectly...very handy when you are trolling the flea markets and such.

I showed it to my local dealer and he pulled out a Krug he was stuck with that he knew was counterfeit (I cocked an eyebrow when he did that and he said he keeps it around for "comparison purposes"--besides, he sure as hell can't sell it!)

Anyhow...the detector worked like a charm--the coin couldn't pass all the tests.

25 November 2006:
I've been searching around online for info about how to detect fake gold coins because I want to start shopping locally. I came across mentions of the Fisch detector on several sites, and I hemmed and hawed about ordering it (mainly because I was concerned about the security of the online ordering page). I finally took the plunge and ordered it--by fax, 'cause I don't think the webpage is secure, and they arrived yesterday.

I'm thrilled with them--very easy to use, and I'm pleased to say all my gold passed the test (whew!)

If you are concerned about picking up a counterfeit coin, I really recommend these--I feel much more confident about making purchases now. I only wish they still made the one for silver coins.... ”

“ Extract from Survivalblog.com


Re: Letter on Precious Metals for Barter

Jim,
I read your post of 10/15 about barter items and the problems with fake gold coins.
You wrote: "The other major problem with using gold coins for survival barter, regardless of their weight, is that they will be immediately suspect as counterfeit by the individual on the other side of the table."

You are quite correct, but an easy and affordable solution is available. Please note that I am not a salesman for this product nor affiliated with the company in any way. I am simply someone who has been working on preparedness for 40 years and have found this product valuable.

There is a fake gold coin detection product made by Fisch Instruments. The detector, detectors really, consist of plastic fulcrums that measure the diameter, thickness, and weight of a coin. Because of gold's unique properties, no coin can pass these three tests and be a counterfeit. (Okay, okay, they could be made out of platinum alloy or palladium, but that doesn't seem too probable). I have had a set of these detectors for about 25 years. I am not a coin collector; I just have them in case I find myself being presented gold coins for payment for food or ammo.
I would not normally make much noise about this except the owner is closing down the business. At some point in the future, these will not be available any longer. For less money than a cheap shotgun, your readers could add to their arsenal of tools for not getting cheated is some future the normal economy has become discombobulated. ”

“ Get a Fisch and you don't have to worry.

I like that fisch; genius in it's simplicity. ”

“ P.S. Anybody who is going to collect bullion sovereigns needs to get a FISCH Instruments tester kit! There are a lot of sovs out there from the Beirut Mint! ”

“ I've read that there are lots of counterfeit sovereigns, mostly from the Middle East. Better have a Fisch detector. ”

“ Your guy in Sacramento is doing a great Job!  I used to live there and had the pleasure of meeting him.  Well best wishes and thanks for writing back! ”

“ Hello Ken: The package arrived today: thank you very much for your attention. The mail is slower here during the summer months, and that probably accounted for the delay. Thank you very much again for your attention. I am delighted to have found such a well designed and simple device to check gold coins. Wished I had known it before!

Kind regards ”

“ Hi Ken,

Just thought you would like to know that I just finished closing a deal on some Sovereigns. I felt VERY confident as I tested each coin with my snazzy detector (you could almost hear the oohs and aahs). Really, the individual was just a wee bit put out because the middle man, a coin dealer, had checked them out first with his micrometer before I got there and found two fakes, and here I was checking them out again with some mysterious gadget.

Of course I did'nt know this at the time, nor would it have made any
difference, as it was my money being spent. (I was born AT night but not LAST night!). Your product more than paid for itself on my first deal.

Again, thanks for the detectors.

------------------

I recently purchase Wallet #2 & #4.

I checked Krugerrands that I had purchased years ago and was relieved to find they all passed the Fisch test (as well as all weighed identical on an electronic scale).

Today, I picked up an order of Maple Leafs and Krugerrands. The employees of the dealer were surprised I was checking the coins and advised they had never seen a Fisch before. I'm so glad I had the Fisch, as one of the Krugerrands definitely did not fit. The color appeared the same as the others. By weight in hand I didn't notice anything significant. The width of the coin started to pass thru the slot, however, about 1/4 of the way thru it couldn't continue passing thru. The diameter was way too big. I immediately rejected the coin and requested a replacement.

The dealer was immediately interested in the Fisch instrument and wrote down the name of it.

I sure wish you had more of the Fisch for the Silver Dollars..... Sure hope you consider making more of them.

They are worth their weight, well in gold and silver ! :-) ”

“ Hi Ken,

Thanks for getting back to me. I'm sorry to hear you've moved on - I really enjoy the simplicity the Fisch offers and I can't imagine not checking my PM's. I check every one. However, as a fellow entrepreneur I can understand your business decision if there is no demand or supply is an issue.

I'm curious as to your current recommendations on PM's and advice on checking them if a Fisch isn't available.

If things change or a business opportunity opens up - please let me know. ”

“ Hi Ken,

I'll go to Western Union first thing in the morning and send the money ($85+ $35 air mail= $120)for Wallet #2 (Eagles, Sovereigns, etc.). PLEASE SEND ASAP. I will e-mail you again when the money is sent, giving you the Control Number. You can check on it on their web site, but it should be available long before W.C. wakes up in the morning.

Please use extra padding/wrapping as stuff really gets beat up coming this far. Please do NOT put an invoice in the package, or use your company return address! If you do, it will go to customs, they will open it up and play with it, then call us to come pick it up from across the country (we have no car), and charge us an import fee/tax. Just HAND WRITE a personal return address like it's from a friend, which you are.

Thanks!

Again, please do NOT put the invoice, instructions, etc. in the package - you MAY put in a Snickers candy bar if extra padding is needed!!! Please mail them in a separate envelope if you like. Is it possible to ship today? ”

“ Hi Ken,

Thanks for sending my order out so soon. I really appreciate it. I'll let you know when it arrives.

All the best, ”

“ Hi Ken & Will,

You guys are a riot!!! The Detectors arrived today along with a Snickers for extra padding. Ha! If I would have known you were going to take me THAT serious, I would have asked you to send a cast iron wood stove instead of a Snickers! It REALLY made our day. Oh, and the detectors are nice too.
One problem...how do I know that the Snickers is for real and not a fake?
There was no "Snickers Detector" enclosed. Maybe that should be your next project. We took a chance on it being genuine and ate it promptly.

Thanks for getting the detectors shipped right away. ”

“ Hi Ken,

I received the package today.

Thank you for the lightning-fast shipping and for inventing such great tools!

Best regards,

PS. BTW, very nice product. I'm very pleased ”