Here is how the Fisch works for gold and platinum coins...
- Coin identification; fine gold or platinum content in troy ounces and grams, fineness. ©
or © The Fisch
- Slot checks the maximum diameter and thickness
- Fulcrum checks the minimum weight. The Fisch tips slightly below the manufactured weight to allow for acceptable wear
- Recess checks the shape and locates the coin for the weight check
Select the correct Fisch for gold or platinum coins
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. For the full range of Fisch click here.
Pass the coin through the slot.
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. Reject a coin that does not pass both these checks.
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?
Here is how the Fisch Silver Fake Coin Detector works for silver coins...
- Coin identification; fine silver content; fineness. © or © The Fisch.
- “NO GO” slot checks minimum thickness and diameter. If a coin passes through, it is undersize.
- “GO” slot checks maximum thickness and diameter. If a coin will not pass through, it is oversize.
- Fulcrum checks the weight. A coin of the correct weight will balance the Fisch. A coin that will not balance the Fisch is, depending on which way the Fish tilts, either too light or too heavy
- Recess checks shape and locates coin for weight check
Select the correct Fisch for silver coins
The information panel details the name of the coin the Fisch checks, silver content in troy ounces and fineness.
Using the Fisch requires judgment. Before using the Fisch, read “The Fisch System” for an explanation on how and why the Fisch will detect Silver Dollar counterfeits.
Pass the coin through the GO slot. Try to pass the coin through the NO GO slot..
Pass the coin through the GO (MAX) slot. This slot checks the maximum allowable thickness & diameter. Reject a coin that does not pass through the GO slot.
Attempt to pass the coin through the NO GO (MIN) slot. This slot checks the minimum allowable thickness & diameter of the coin. Reject a coin that passes through the NO GO slot.
If a coin has been dropped, the rim may be slightly deformed. It is acceptable if the coin passes through the slot up to the deformed section.
A highly worn genuine coin may pass through the NO GO (MIN) slot.
Rest the Fisch on a flat, level surface. Place the coin in the recess.
The recess checks the shape of the coin & locates it for the weight check. Reject a coin that does not fit into the recess.
With the coin in the recess, balance the Fisch on the fulcrum (pivots) (Fig 1). If it does not balance: (A) Try moving the coin slightly forwards or backwards in the recess. (B) Rotate the Fisch through 180 degrees. This compensates for a surface that is not level.
Reject a coin that does not balance the Fisch. The coin is too heavy if the recess end of the Fisch tips down completely (Fig 2). The coin is too light if the square end of the Fisch tips down completely (Fig 3).
Note: The Silver Dollar Fisch must balance, although when balancing the Fisch may not be absolutely parallel to the surface on which it sits. Balancing means that the coin weighs enough to be able to lift the opposing side (square end) of the Fisch off the surface, but not too much to drop the recess end onto the surface.
Note: This is a different check to that used for gold or platinum pieces where the Fisch does NOT balance.
