Knowing the exact specifications of an authentic 1 oz Silver American Eagle is essential for verification. Any deviation from these specifications is a strong indicator of a counterfeit.
Physical Specifications
Weight
31.1g (1 troy oz)
Diameter
40.6mm
Thickness
2.98mm
Purity
.999 fine
Fine Silver Content
1 troy oz
Composition
Silver
99.9%
Note: Pure .999 fine silver
How to Spot a Fake Silver American Eagle
Counterfeit 1 oz Silver American Eagle coins are increasingly common in the precious metals market. Learning to identify fake coins is crucial to protecting your investment. This guide covers everything you need to know about authenticating your Silver American Eagle.
Warning: Sophisticated counterfeits can fool visual inspection alone. Always use multiple authentication methods including the ping test, precise measurements, and weight verification.
Common Counterfeit Types
Silver-plated copper or zinc coins
Lower purity silver (.925 or .900)
Chinese counterfeits with incorrect dimensions
Coins made from base metals with silver plating
Red Flags: Signs of a Fake Coin
Incorrect weight (should be exactly 31.1g)
Wrong diameter (should be 40.6mm)
Dull or flat ping sound instead of bell-like ring
Magnetic properties (pure silver is not magnetic)
Tarnishing pattern doesn't match real silver
Poor detail on Walking Liberty or eagle design
Incorrect edge reeding
Color appears too bright or too dark
Acoustic Authentication: The Ping Test
The ping test is one of the most reliable methods for detecting counterfeit precious metal coins. When tapped, genuine 1 oz Silver American Eagle coins produce a distinctive resonance frequency that counterfeits cannot replicate.
Resonance Frequencies
c0d2
5234 Hz
c0d3
9156 Hz
c0d4
13267 Hz
c1d0
7123 Hz
c1d1
11045 Hz
Acoustic Signature
Clear, bell-like ring characteristic of pure silver
Why the Ping Test Works: The resonance frequency of a coin is determined by its material properties (density, elasticity, composition) and physical dimensions. Even sophisticated counterfeits with similar appearance will produce different frequencies if they don't have the exact same composition and dimensions.
How to Authenticate Your Silver American Eagle
Use these proven methods to verify the authenticity of your 1 oz Silver American Eagle. For best results, use multiple authentication techniques together.
Ping test - authentic Silver Eagles produce a beautiful bell-like ring
Precise weight check (31.1g)
Measure diameter (40.6mm)
Ice test - silver has high thermal conductivity
Magnet test - silver is not magnetic
Visual inspection of fine details
Compare to known authentic coin
About the Silver American Eagle
First minted in 1986, the Silver American Eagle is the official silver bullion coin of the United States and the most popular silver coin in the world.
Authenticate Your Silver American Eagle in Seconds
Download the Pingcoin app and use acoustic authentication to instantly verify your Silver American Eagle and other precious metal coins.
How accurate is the ping test for Silver American Eagle?
The ping test is highly effective for detecting counterfeit 1 oz Silver American Eagle coins. The Pingcoin app analyzes the acoustic signature with precision and compares it against verified reference values. However, we recommend using it alongside other methods like weight and dimension verification for complete confidence.
What should I do if my Silver American Eagle fails the ping test?
If your coin doesn't pass the ping test, it doesn't automatically mean it's fake. Environmental factors or coin damage can affect results. We recommend:
Test multiple times in a quiet environment
Verify weight and dimensions with precise tools
Have the coin professionally authenticated if significant value is at stake
Contact our community on Discord for support
Where can I buy authentic 1 oz Silver American Eagle coins?
Purchase from reputable dealers such as:
Government mints directly
Established precious metals dealers with good reputations
Major online bullion retailers with buyer protection
Local coin shops with verifiable credentials
Always authenticate coins immediately upon receipt, especially when buying from new sources.