Knowing the exact specifications of an authentic 1 oz Silver Britannia 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
38.61mm
Thickness
3mm
Purity
.999 fine
Fine Silver Content
1 troy oz
Composition
Silver
99.9%
Note: Pure .999 fine silver
How to Spot a Fake Silver Britannia
Counterfeit 1 oz Silver Britannia 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 Britannia.
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 sterling)
Chinese counterfeits with incorrect dimensions
Base metal coins with silver plating
Red Flags: Signs of a Fake Coin
Incorrect weight (should be exactly 31.1g)
Wrong diameter (should be 38.61mm)
Dull or flat ping sound instead of bell-like ring
Missing or fake security features
Magnetic properties
Poor detail on Britannia figure
Tarnishing pattern doesn't match genuine silver
Incorrect edge design
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 Britannia coins produce a distinctive resonance frequency that counterfeits cannot replicate.
Resonance Frequencies
c0d2
5378 Hz
c0d3
9267 Hz
c0d4
13423 Hz
c1d0
7234 Hz
c1d1
11156 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 Britannia
Use these proven methods to verify the authenticity of your 1 oz Silver Britannia. For best results, use multiple authentication techniques together.
Ping test - authentic Silver Britannias produce a beautiful sustained ring
Precise weight check (31.1g)
Verify diameter (38.61mm)
Inspect modern security features (surface animation, micro-text)
Ice test - silver has high thermal conductivity
Magnet test
Visual inspection of fine details
Compare to known authentic coin
About the Silver Britannia
First minted in 1997, the Silver Britannia is the UK's premier silver bullion coin and is CGT exempt for UK residents as legal tender. Updated security features added in 2021.
Authenticate Your Silver Britannia in Seconds
Download the Pingcoin app and use acoustic authentication to instantly verify your Silver Britannia and other precious metal coins.
How accurate is the ping test for Silver Britannia?
The ping test is highly effective for detecting counterfeit 1 oz Silver Britannia 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 Britannia 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 Britannia 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.