■ Is there any special labeling that is required to appear on genuine gold bars?
All precious metal ingots or bars are, by law, marked with specific information. These rules are imposed by the London Bullion Market. These markings must identify the characteristics, weight, purity, producer, origin, year of manufacture, and a serial number for each ingot. These markings cannot change the shape, size, or weight of the ingot.
■ How are the ingots marked?
Any of four technologies is used to mark bars or ingots. These are strike, microdot, smear, or laser markings. Striking is the fastest and most economical way to mark a bar. Microdot markings have the greatest flexibility since it uses electronic technology. Serial numbers are crucial for tracking the origin and history of trades of…
