How to verify a coin is gold?

[Southbay]

Howdy folks! I'm new to this forum are relatively new to coin cleaning & collecting.
I recently purchased a batch of uncleaned roman coins and have been working on them with olive oil & brushes.

One of the uncleaned coins was about the diameter of a half dollar and 3 times as thick. It was more like a rock than a crusty coin. Olive oil wasn't loosening anything on this one. I finally went at it with a steel brush & scalpel to get through the outer layers.
What I found looks like gold to my untrained eye!
This "coin" isn't very coin-like other than being generally round and about the size of a quarter though. No identifiable features at all.
How can I determine if it is really gold?
If it is gold, is there any reason to preserve this as an ancient coin rather just sell it as a gold nugget?

[Southbay]

Here is a picture of it:

[peterplanchet]

This looks coin-like -- but so corroded you can't see much. I think I see traces of a design. You might try to measure its density to see if it matches gold.

[woodenrory]

hmm i'm not an expert but you can try brushing it and if changes it's appearance it's a fake

Everyone knows the value of the US Dollar is going down - the only thing that keeps its value is metals - In the early 1900's and ounce of Gold bought a real nice suit - Gold then was around $20 an ounce. Today that same Ounce of Gold Will buy a real nice suit but that $20 would maybe get you a nice tie.

To fight off inflation everyone should be purchasing Gold and Silver in some form - Gold Coins - Silver Coins or bullion / bars

The best way to start is to start out with a simple program called Silver Snowball - You can visit my site, join and start your collection today. http://www.silversnowball.com/27

[ceejay2005]

If you aren't sure if your item is created of gold coin, bring it with you, and our professionals can inspect it for you. We use current, precise testing equipment, which ensures that you get the best possible evaluation.



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[anabrenner]

What is the clue to know whether the Coin is Gold or Not? : http://collegefinancialaidloans.com

[avatar]

Rub it over ceramic tiles. If they leave black lines over them then its fake and if it leaves yellow streaks then its gold..

[donaldjeo12]

Usually counterfeits will be slightly off weight. Most dealers don't go beyond a visual inspection (for size & design) and checking the weight to determine if a gold coin is counterfeit.

Specific gracity is a non-destructive test that could be done, but it's nearly impossible to do that at a coin show.

There are also chemical tests that can be done, but again not usually at a coin show.

If the coin looks like the genuine design, and is the right size and weight, and generally looks right, that is about all that is usually done for checking gold coins.

If it is a really rare item, it may be conditionally submitted to a certification service before purchase.

[DaiCroeslan]

Hello, Gold coins never tarnish or accumulate any coating, real gold coins come up like new with washing.
DPH

[Stephen_H_Boatn]

You can get coins that are already verified by trusted coin grading companies. Those coins are called slabbed coins. They look like this http://blog.jtcoins.com/wp-content/uploa… The most trusted coin grading companies are PCGS and the NGC. Since the coin will be graded you won't have to worry about the coin dealer charging the MS 69 price for a MS 67 coin.

[Stephen_H_Boatn]

Hoping for daily updates :-)

[georgesmith]

Coins must be taken to a coin dealer. It may weigh false generally more or less weight. Never do anything that could scratch or damage a piece of gold or silver.

[QuintonMedina]

Is there any way to verify the authenticity? Should I hire an expert?