Would it matter if my bullion doesn’t come with a Certificate?

Would it matter if my bullion doesn’t come with a Certificate?

“Would it matter if my bullion doesn’t come with a Certificate?” This is one of the most common questions we received all the time. While buying bullion with or without certificate is a preference of the clients, it is crucial to understand the meaning or purpose of Certificate of Authenticity.

 

What is a Certificate of Authenticity?

A Certificate of Authenticity, which is also known as “Cert” in short, is usually a sticker or seal on the items or a printed authentication slip. A “Cert” bears the serial number, refinery hallmark, purity, weight and assayer’s signature. For small bars, the “Cert” is ordinarily set within a laminated card with a transparent design which allows for easy viewing of both the bar’s obverse and reverse and gives protection to the bar. However, there are still some bullion that may not come with a “Cert”.

 

Why some bars or coins have no “Cert”?

Some bars may not have a “Cert” when they are sold in bulk or they may come with an assay proof, an analysis to test the composition in the precious metals within each shipment. For coins, most of them carry a face value or legal tender value which means that it can be used by the clients to make payments in that country that it was minted. Therefore, the “Cert” is not necessary in all cases.

 

The existence of a “Cert” will only be useful when the bullion has a unique serial number that matches the “Cert”. Generally, small coins or bars will not have serial number so the “Cert” has no importance.

 

Government mints such as Perth Mint, Royal Canadian Mint or Austrian Mint do not offer “Cert” for Silver bullion. Nevertheless, some limited edition, commemorative pieces or special release bullion with collectible value may come with “Cert”.

 

How do I ensure the authenticity of the bullion I bought if they do not come with “Cert”?

The simplest way to ensure authenticity is to purchase from authorized, reputable bullion dealers. As a client, you can always request for basic checks on the bullion bought from the dealer. At GSC, we want our clients to have full confidence that their bullion meet the standards and requirement of purity and we have 3 devices  to authenticate the bullion.

 

Also, if your bullion has no “Cert” issued but accompanied by a LBMA good delivery refinery Assayer mark on it, you can be rest assured of its authenticity. The mints/refineries that fabricated the bullion guarantee its purity and they have been accredited by LBMA to have met the exacting standards for trading on the global OTC market.

 

 

Would it matter if my bullion has no Certificate?

This really depends if the bullion originally comes with the “Cert”. If it originally doesn’t come with a “Cert” then the answer is no, it does not matter as it will not affect the buyback value. However if the bullion originally comes with a “Cert”, most bullion dealers will be willing to pay slightly more for the bullion as compared to one that the “Cert” is missing. Usually the difference will not be much. What really matters is the authenticity, purity and condition of the bullion.

 

We hope that you have a better understanding of the “Cert” now. If you have doubts or queries in buying physical bullion, feel free to send us a message! We are more than happy to assist!

 

Evonne