Everything about certificates in gold

At first glance, it may seem strange that some types of gold come with a certificate while others are traded without. Gold coins, for example, are often sold without a certificate while gold bars almost always come with a certificate. We will tell you more about gold certificates and what they are for, their value and the different types of certificates.
 

What is the value of a gold certificate?

A gold certificate only has value if it is linked to a gold coin. On its own, a certificate has no intrinsic value. If it has no value in itself, what is the value of a gold certificate? The value is tied to the evidence. A certificate for gold proves that the gold coin is real, indicates purity and weight, and often also states the origin of the gold. A gold certificate makes it easier to sell the gold again.
 

Two meanings of gold certificates

There are two meanings that can be linked to gold certificates. The first is a certificate that comes with the gold coin and the other is a stock exchange product that can be used for trading.
 

Characteristic of authenticity and purity

The most common definition of a gold certificate is that it is a mark of authenticity and purity that is included with a gold coin. Certificates are especially included with gold bars and collector coins. Umicore and C. Hafner gold bars are delivered in a blister pack that also serves as a certificate of authenticity. With other brands, the certificate is a separate document.
 
Gold collector coins, unlike other gold coins, come with a certificate of authenticity because the mintages are very limited. In addition, collector coins are often delivered in a presentation box.
 

Gold certificates as a stock market product

It is also possible to define a gold certificate as a stock market product. In this case, it is not a certificate of authenticity but a financial instrument that can be traded instead of real gold. In this case, the certificate represents the value of the gold that is stored elsewhere. On the stock exchange, these are not called gold certificates but Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Because you do not own the gold yourself, you are dependent on a third party and more susceptible to the risks of investing.
 

How to verify that the gold certificate is genuine

It is important to see if the gold certificate is real. To prevent counterfeiting, gold producers have incorporated a number of unique features into the certificates. Firstly, there is always a unique serial number on the certificate and on the gold bar. If these do not match, it may be a counterfeit.
 
The gold certificate also always has a watermark, UV mark or hologram. This is often the logo of the producer, but it can also be a quality mark from a third party. For example, the blister packs of Umicore have a hologram of Good Gold. Some gold producers state on the certificate that they are a refinery with the Good Delivery status of the LBMA.
 
A final way to verify the authenticity of the certificate is to contact the producer. They will tell you directly whether the gold coin and the accompanying certificate are real.