Category: precious metals

A precision digital scale for silver & gold is one of the most basic tools available that can be used by both investors and precious metals coin collectors to help verify the authenticity of a particular item by comparing to the expected weight. Measuring the weight is one of the easiest and quickest tests to help verify the authenticity of your gold and silver coins. The measured weight is easy to compare with one of the many reference charts online, in an app or even coin reference books that are available online and at local coin stores. A simple scale for measuring gold and silver is a practical tool for all investors.

Digital scales have become ubiquitous in recent years and are sold at nearly every gas stations and corner store. The quality and accuracy of these scales can range from fickle and variable to surprisingly accurate. If in doubt, consult with a reputable coin dealer or expert that owns a Sigma Precious Metals Verifier.

Most of the product listings available on FindBullionPrices.com also list the weight and dimensions for many coins and this can also be found in places like numista.com. This information is available from bullion manufacturers and mints and is also found on the websites of trusted and reputable online bullion dealers.

It is even more important when purchasing via social media, online marketplaces, eBay or individuals and other untrusted sources.

Modern gold coin should be very close to its stated weight (e.g., 1 oz, 1/2 oz, etc.), though minor deviations can occur due to wear or manufacturing tolerances. Also keep in mind, that when measuring circulated gold coins such as old 20 francs, sovereigns and Pre-1933 US gold coins, wear and tear from circulation can slightly reduce the weight.

The weights and dimensions of older gold bullion coins such as British Gold Sovereigns, French Gold Francs, or Mexican Gold Pesos are well known and easy to verify with an accurate scale and simple calipers.

The same is true for 90% silver coins such as Morgan and Peace dollars, silver pesos or junk silver coins.

The scale should be able to accommodate the weight of the items you’ll be measuring. For most precious metals, a scale with a weight capacity of up to 500 grams or a half kilo is generally sufficient. Choose a scale that is easy to calibrate and offers consistent accuracy over time. Some scales come with calibration weights, which are helpful for ensuring accuracy.

When dealing with precious metals, the most important feature is that the scale is able to switch between various measurement systems, including grams, imperial and troy ounces. Some scales may only have grams and imperial and may not include troy ounces. A tare function allows you to subtract the weight of a container or tray from the total weight, essentially zeroing out the scale to allow for accurate measurements.

Some scales for Silver & Gold will come with a set of calibration weights that can be used to verify that the scale is working correctly. By comparing the reading to those of known samples, the scale can often be adjusted back to accuracy. Be sure to place the scale on a level, stable surface and ensure the area is free from magnetic or electronic interference.

Another, often overlooked feature, particularly when dealing with fractional gold coins and bars, is precision to at least two decimal places. When checking the weight of circulated and fractional gold coins and bars, having a scale that can accurately measure to the hundredth of a gram is very important.

Consider that a genuine 1/10 oz gold coin is the equivalent of 3.11 grams. A counterfeit or plated coin will have a weight that is different due to the density of the metal. If only measured to the tenth of a gram, the variance may be slight enough that the scale is unable to determine an accurate weight due to rounding function. This becomes even more critical when dealing with smaller fractional gold coins and bars, such as gram sizes and those weighing 1/20 oz.

It’s common to find scales at the gas station that measure to only tenths of a gram. For a more definitive measurement, be sure that the scale can measure to at least the hundredth decimal place. High-end laboratory scales and those used by professional miners can be accurate to thousandth of a gram!

While it’s important to invest in a reliable scale, you don’t necessarily need to go for the most expensive option. There are accurate scales available across various price points.

The scales for silver & gold below all have the basic capabilities of providing accurate measurements in both troy ounces and grams and are also reasonably inexpensive and readily available.

3. Weigh Gram – 600 gram scale with accuracy to .01 gram

The Weigh Gram scale from Amazon is a basic device capable of measuring in grams (g), troy ounces (ozt), avoirdupois ounces (oz) and pennyweights weights (dwt). It has a maximum measurement capacity of 600 grams and will measure fractions of a gram down to the hundredths.

This scale is small enough to fit in your pocket and is a good choice for measuring the weights of smaller bullion items. For the price, this is the best scale for weighing gold and silver.

Available from Amazon from around $11

2. KitchenTour EG5001 – 500 gram scale with accuracy to .01 gram

The KitchenTour EG5001 from Amazon has a higher capacity, capable of measuring up to 500 grams, or a half of a kilogram. This scale is a good choice for measuring larger silver bullion items such as 10 oz silver bars. The scale has precision to hundredths of a gram and has six different measurement types, including grams, troy ounces, avoidupois ounces, dime weights and others.

Available from Amazon from around $17

1. RESHY High Precision Lab Scale – 5000 gram scale with .01 gram precision – $87.90

The RESHY High Precision Lab Scale from Amazon is a precision analytical balance scale. It has a capacity of up to 5000 grams or 5 kilograms with a precision resolution down to the hundredths of a gram. This is a great scale for measuring larger silver bullion items, including silver kilos and 100 ounce silver bars.

Available from Amazon from $88