One of the most common questions when buying physical gold or silver is: how do I know it's real?

For most people, a gold bar or silver coin is not something they can authenticate simply by looking at it. 

Confidence in a bullion dealer comes from understanding where the bullion has come from and what checks are in place before it is sold.

Best Bullion sources new gold and silver bullion through established mints, manufacturers and precious-metal suppliers.

Our range includes products from government mints and private manufacturers such as The Perth Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, The Royal Mint, ABC Bullion, PAMP Suisse, Germania Mint, Scottsdale Mint and Intrinsic Tender.

Every product is clearly identified by the mint or manufacturer, with markings showing its stated weight and purity. Depending on the product, there may also be serial numbers, assay packaging or manufacturer-specific security features.

Bullion also enters our range through the secondary market. Best Bullion buys gold and silver back from customers, and suitable products may then be offered for sale again as pre-owned or Dealer’s Choice bullion.

Because these products have previously been owned, verification becomes an important part of the process before they return to sale.

Pre-owned bullion is assessed using a combination of product identification and physical testing.

Depending on the product, this can include checking its weight, dimensions and manufacturer specifications, along with specialist verification equipment such as the latest Sigma Metalytics precious-metal analysers, XRF testing equipment and precision scales.

No single test is relied upon for every product. Different bars and coins have different characteristics, so the appropriate checks are used together to confirm that the bullion matches the product being assessed.

This allows pre-owned gold and silver to be properly checked before suitable products are offered for sale again.

LBMA accreditation is one of the most widely recognised standards in the international gold and silver market.

It applies to refiners that meet the London Bullion Market Association’s requirements for refining and assaying capability, production standards and responsible sourcing.

Precious-metal products made by an LBMA-accredited refiner can carry broader recognition because the refiner has been assessed against those standards. That can appeal to customers who value familiarity and recognition when buying or later selling bullion.

At the same time, LBMA accreditation is not a requirement for genuine retail bullion. Many established mints and manufacturers operate outside the LBMA Good Delivery system while still producing clearly identified gold and silver products to stated weights and purities.

Non-LBMA bullion may also offer a lower premium, a particular size or design, or simply better value for the amount of precious metal being purchased.

The distinction is therefore not that one is automatically better than the other. LBMA accreditation provides recognised refiner credentials, while non-LBMA products can still be genuine, clearly identified and properly verified.

Confidence in physical gold and silver comes from knowing that the bullion you are buying is genuine and properly verified.

Every gold and silver product sold by Best Bullion is guaranteed for its stated weight and purity. Whether newly manufactured or pre-owned, customers can purchase with trust and peace of mind knowing that Best Bullion stands behind the bullion it sells.

For questions about the origin, manufacturer or verification of a particular product, contact the Best Bullion team on 

Learn where Best Bullion sources its gold and silver and how new and pre-owned bullion is identified, tested and verified before sale.