How the Fisch Works

Here is how the Fisch works for gold coins...

These 4 checks of weight, diameter or width, thickness & shape will detect all common metal gold coin counterfeits.

Select The Correct Fisch

Identification

Using the Fisch requires judgment. Before you use the Fisch, read “The Fisch Principle” to understand why the Fisch works and how much a fake coin would be "out" if it was a common metal fake.

Some Fisch check other coins* of the same size, weight & fineness not listed on the Fisch. See the inside front cover for the list of coins checked with the Fisch. *“coin” is used for simplicity. The Fisch also checks medallions and small bars.

For details on the wallet you should use click here.

Pass the coin through the slot.

Thinkness & Diameter

A: Genuine gold coins are not all identical in thickness & diameter. They vary within their mints specified tolerances and are sometimes even outside the tolerances. Some will pass through the slot easily while others may require force. Some will fit into the recess easily, others not.

B: If a coin has been dropped, the rim may be slightly deformed. It is fine if the coin only passes through the slot up to the deformed section.

The slot checks the maximum allowable thickness & diameter of a coin (or the maximum thickness & width of a bar).
Reject a coin that does not pass both these checks.

Rest the Fisch on a flat, level surface. Place the coin in the recess..

Weight & Shape Check

Rest the Fisch on a flat level surface. Place the coin in the recess. The recess checks the shape of the coin. Reject a coin that does not fit in the recess. Press down lightly on the information panel. Release gently. If it is the correct weight, the coin will tip the recess end downwards (fig. A). Reject a coin that does not tip the recess end downwards (fig. B).

The recess checks the shape of the coin and locates it for the weight check. Reject a coin that does not fit into the recess. (See A & B in step 2)

Press down lightly on the information panel. Release gently. If it is the correct weight, the coin will tip the recess end of the Fisch downwards. Do not expect the Fisch to balance on the fulcrum - a genuine coin or bar will make it tip.

If it does not tip:

(a) Rotate the Fisch through 180° and repeat the check. This compensates for a surface that is not level.
(b) Examine the Fisch for damage.
(c) Rapid rubbing of the Fisch could cause a build-up of static electricity. This may affect the delicate balance of the Fisch. To eliminate this effect repeat the check with a piece of paper placed under the square end of the Fisch. Reject a coin or bar that does not tip the Fisch. The Fisch is set to tip slightly below the standard mint weight. This is to allow for acceptable wear.

 

THE Fisch CANNOT MAKE A MISTAKE

It is impossible to make a common metal fake that is identical to a genuine gold coin in both weight and size. Because of the density of gold, a common metal fake will either be the correct weight, but too big, or the correct size, but too light. The Fisch can't make a mistake. See Why The Fisch Works.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE FOR THE INDEPENDENT INVESTOR

With the Fisch you can buy gold coins from whom you want, when you want and where you want. You can pay by cash, check or trade. Just check the coin with the Fisch. If it passes, it is not a common metal fake.

Protect your gold investment. The Fisch will make you your own gold expert. And, after all, who can look after you better than yourself?

"I bought the entire set of Fisch tools about a bit over a year ago. In the time I've had them, they've saved me from buying 2 fake sovereigns and 1 fake Mexican 50 peso...in short, they've paid for themselves many times over.

Now there are those who argue you can accomplish the same with a micrometer & digital scale. I don't disagree, but I like the ease & simplicity of the Fisch. I don't go gold shopping without ‘em!"

https://www.kitcomm.com/showthread.php?p=201203&highlight=fisch#post201203

	"Reports of fake gold coins continue to surface throughout the United States. Often the most disturbing aspect of reports is that the people who have been 'burnt' by the fakes are dealers and jewellers - people you would think would be able to detect a fake before buying it." - Coin Collector's Yearbook, 1983