Bullion Test

Timmy Brolin

About this app

This app offers a cheap and easy to use method to help detect fake bullion coins, by examining their resonance frequencies.

The resonance frequencies of an object are determined by the objects shape and material. If the shape and weight of a silver coin is correct, but the material is not actually silver, then a resonance test could detect this.
This is also known as a "ring test" or "ping test".

Unlike the manual "ring test", this app does not require that the user knows exactly how each coin should sound. The app will also detect resonance frequencies above the range of human hearing.

This youtube video shows how to use this app:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pZnqp3bl3A

Currently, these coins are supported:
1oz American Silver Eagle
1oz Silver Buffalo, flat edge
1oz Silver Buffalo, reeded edge (Sunshine mint)
1oz Liberty Silver
1oz African Wildlife Elephant
1oz Silver Maple Leaf
1oz Philharmonic
1oz Australian Kookaburra
1oz Australian Koala
2oz Australian Lunar
1oz Chinese Panda
Swedish 100kr commemorative
Swedish 5kr 1954-71
Morgan and Peace silver dollars
1oz Krugerrand
1oz Australian Gold Kangaroo
1oz American Gold Eagle
1oz Gold Vienna Philharmonic
1oz Gold Lunar
1oz Gold Buffalo
1oz Gold Maple Leaf
$20 Double Eagle gold coin
20 Franc gold coin
Brittish sovereign gold coin

There is also a "generic" feature wich supports ALL .999 1oz silver coins with diameter 36-42mm.
Just enter the diameter of your coin, and the app will automatically calculate what it's resonance frequencies are.


How to use this app:
1. For best results you should perform this test in a reasonably silent room. Some electronic devices may produce high-pitch noises which could interfere with the test.
2. Select the type of bullion coin to test from the drop-down list.
3. Press the microphone button to start the test.
4. Blue lines indicate the expected resonance frequencies of the selected coin.
5. Balance the coin on your finger, near the microphone of your smartphone. Tap the coin using your fingernail, or use some hard object. Do NOT use a second coin to tap the first one, since the sound from the second coin may affect the results. The sound level required depends on the sensitivity of the microphone in your Android device. For most devices is it sufficient to gently tap the coin with your fingernail.
6a. If the sound matches the expected resonance frequencies of the selected coin, you will see a green check-mark.
6b. If there is too much noise, or if the sound does not match the expected frequencies, then you will se a red cross.
6c. Some Android devices have microphones which are unable to record high frequencies above ~10kHz. If the app detects two out of three expected frequencies, it will indicate this with the fraction "2/3", and report that device limitations might be the reason why the last frequency was not detected.
7. Some practice may be needed to produce a clean enough sound from the coin. The app is sound-activated, you can tap the coin again to do another test.

Needed permissions:
Record audio - To record the sound of the coin.
Storage - Necessary to enable "sharing" of test results.

Disclaimer:
There are no guarantees whatsoever regarding the function and accuracy of this app.
There are many factors which could cause this app to report false positive or false negative results.
This app should only be used to complement other testing methods, not replace them.

Forum thread for discussions and information about this app:
http://forums.silverstackers.com/topic-38955-android-app-uses-resonance-test-to-detect-fake-silver-coins.html

Ratings and reviews

Amazing, this app works spot-on with all my coins. Gold and silver testing equipment can add up in cost. This test costs very little yet is one of the best for detecting the flood of counterfeits out there on the market. This is one great tool in your belt while you still do all the other simple tests such as measuring, weighing, specific gravity, resistance, acid, magnetic slide and the Ping test this takes the Ping test to the next level. I hope the app is expanded soon to include the smaller denominations as well!

Hasn't been updated awhile. Other do it yourself testing methods such as measuring size & weight, magnet attraction, ice test for silver, etc. are relatively easy to do but frequently testing is not easy to do without a highly trained ear. This app makes it easy and has allowed to me test every 1 oz investment gold and silver coin I have except for one Aussie silver coin that's over 42mm in diameter a Canadian 1.25 oz silver bison.

App is easy, and much more affordable than a sigma! I have trouble using this while holding the coin due to physical disability, but I was able to place onto a microfiber blanket and ping with a plastic tool. The generic test comes in handy for stuff like old libertad because the diameter is smaller (36mm vs 40mm). Please be careful, there are counterfeits circulating.

What's new

Updated to support latest Android version