One of the essential tools that investors and precious metals coin collectors need to help verify the authenticity of a particular item is a precision digital scale that measures silver and gold and comparing it it to the expected weight.

The weight can be verified with one of the many reference charts online, in an app, or even coin reference books available online and at local coin stores.

Where can I buy a scale for silver and gold?

Digital scales have become ubiquitous in recent years, and you can buy one at nearly every gas station and corner store.

The quality and accuracy of these scales can range from inconsistent and variable to surprisingly accurate. If in doubt, consult a reputable coin dealer or expert owning a Sigma Precious Metals Verifier.

Most of the product listings available on FindBullionPrices.com also list the weight and dimensions of many coins, and you can also find them on websites like numista.com. This information is available from bullion manufacturers and mints and on the websites of trusted and reputable online bullion dealers.

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

A simple scale for measuring gold and silver is a practical tool for all investors.

The Basics of Weighing Silver and Gold

A 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% of silver coins, such as Morgan and Peace dollars, silver pesos, or junk silver coins.

Scale Capacity

The scale should accommodate the weight of the items you’ll be measuring. A scale with a weight capacity of up to 500 grams or a half kilo is generally sufficient for most precious metals.

Choose a scale that is easy to calibrate and offers consistent accuracy over time. Some scales come with calibration weights, which help ensure accuracy.

When dealing with precious metals, the most important feature is that the scale can 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.

Scale Calibration

Some silver and gold scales 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.

Scale Precision

Another often overlooked feature, mainly 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 the hundredth of a gram is very important.

Consider that a genuine 1/10 oz gold coin equals 3.11 grams. A counterfeit or plated coin will have a different weight 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 the rounding function.

A scale that measures to the hundredth of a gram 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 measuring only tenths of a gram at the gas station. For a more definitive measurement, ensure 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 a thousandth of a gram!

While it’s important to invest in a reliable scale, you don’t necessarily need to choose the most expensive option. Accurate scales are available at various price points.

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

Inexpensive Silver and Gold Scales

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 (oz), 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

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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 half a kilogram. This scale is a good choice for measuring larger silver bullion items such as 10 oz silver bars. The scale is precision to hundredths of a gram and has six different measurement types, including grams, troy ounces, avoirdupois ounces, dime weights, and others.

Available from Amazon from around $17

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

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

Available from Amazon from $88