Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about authenticating your precious metal coins with Pingcoin.
What is the ping test?
The ping test is a time-honored method where you tap a coin and listen to its ring. Genuine precious metals produce a distinctive, sustained tone, while counterfeits sound dull. Pingcoin digitizes this test with precision audio analysis, comparing your coin's resonance frequencies against verified reference values.
How accurate is Pingcoin?
Pingcoin is highly effective at detecting most counterfeits because fake coins almost always use wrong materials or dimensions. The app compares your coin's resonance frequencies against verified reference values. While highly effective, we recommend using the ping test alongside other verification methods like weight, dimensions, and visual inspection for valuable coins.
How much does Pingcoin cost?
Pingcoin offers a free plan with 10 verdicts per month and access to all 37 coin types. Premium costs $29/year for unlimited verdicts. Compare this to Sigma Metalytics verifiers at $1,500+ or XRF scanners at $30,000+.
Does Pingcoin work on gold and silver bars?
No, Pingcoin is optimized for coins only. Bars have different acoustic properties due to their shape and may not provide reliable results. For bars, consider other verification methods like weight, dimensions, or professional assay services.
What coins does Pingcoin support?
Pingcoin supports 37 coin types including 23 silver coins (American Silver Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic, British Britannia, Chinese Panda, and more) and 14 gold coins (American Gold Eagle, Krugerrand, Canadian Maple Leaf, Austrian Philharmonic, and more). We're continuously adding new coins.
Does Pingcoin require internet?
No. Once installed, Pingcoin works completely offline. All coin reference data is stored locally on your device. This also means your audio recordings never leave your phone—complete privacy.
What if my authentic coin shows a warning?
Coins have natural variation from manufacturing, wear, and handling. A warning means frequencies are outside the expected range—it doesn't confirm a fake. Try cleaning the coin, tapping in different locations, and comparing with other tests. Some coin types also have overlapping frequency ranges. Join our community for support if you need help.
Can sophisticated counterfeiters beat this test?
Theoretically, a counterfeiter who uses the exact correct precious metal with exact correct dimensions would pass. But at that point, the coin contains the actual gold or silver content, making counterfeiting unprofitable. The ping test catches fakes because counterfeiters use cheaper substitute materials.
How does the acoustic analysis work?
When you tap a coin, it vibrates at specific frequencies determined by its material properties (density, elasticity) and geometry (diameter, thickness). Pingcoin captures this acoustic signature using your device's microphone and performs a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to identify the dominant frequencies. These are compared against known reference values for authentic coins.
What devices are supported?
Pingcoin is available for Android devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. iOS support is coming soon—join our waitlist at pingcoin.com/ios to be notified when it launches.
Does my phone need a good microphone?
Most modern smartphones have sufficient microphone quality for accurate testing. The app analyzes frequency ratios rather than absolute values, making it robust to microphone differences.
Can I test coins in plastic holders or capsules?
For best results, test coins outside of holders. Plastic capsules dampen the ring and may affect accuracy. If you must test in a holder, understand that results may be less reliable.
Is Pingcoin better than a Sigma Metalytics verifier?
They serve different needs. Sigma Metalytics ($1,500+) uses electromagnetic analysis and can test through packaging—ideal for dealers. Pingcoin ($29/year) uses acoustic analysis and is perfect for individual collectors and investors who need an affordable, portable solution. For most personal use cases, Pingcoin provides excellent verification at a fraction of the cost.
How do I get help or report issues?
You can email [email protected], report bugs on our GitHub repository, or join our Discord community for real-time help. We also have comprehensive documentation at pingcoin.com/docs.
Ready to verify your coins?
Join 50,000+ users who trust Pingcoin for their precious metal authentication.
Still have questions? Contact support or check out our documentation.