In physical precious metals investing, authenticity is everything. With counterfeit silver bars and plated coins growing increasingly sophisticated, traditional verification methods like acid testing or drilling are outdated, messy, and ruin the numismatic value of your bullion.
Modern stackers and top-tier bullion dealers rely on Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Verifiers (PMV)—an industry-standard, non-destructive testing system that evaluates the metallic core of silver in under a second.
Here is how electromagnetic resistivity testing works, why it outperforms basic density checks, and how Altrukom Bullion leverages this technology to protect every shipment leaving our Peoria, Arizona facility.
How Sigma Metalytics PMVs Work: Electromagnetic Resistivity
Unlike surface-level acid tests, a Sigma Metalytics PMV reads the bulk electromagnetic resistivity of the metal. Every pure metal and specific alloy has a unique electrical resistance footprint.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ SIGMA METALYTICS PMV │
│ │
│ [ Sensor ] ─── electromagnetic waves ───► [ Bullion ]│
│ │
│ Measures bulk resistivity beneath surface plating │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
When a silver coin or bar is placed on the PMV sensor, the device sends a small electromagnetic wave deep beneath the surface.
-
Penetrates Plating: The wave passes right through silver plating, lacquer, or thin surface coatings to measure the actual core metal.
-
Reads Through Protective Packaging: PMV sensors take precise readings through plastic flips, coin capsules, zip bags, and assay cards without needing to break official mint seals.
-
Instant Visual Confirmation: The screen displays brackets showing the expected range for pure .999+ fine silver, sterling (.925), or pre-1965 90% U.S. constitutional silver. If the reading falls cleanly within the brackets, the sample is authentic.
Why Density and Weight Scales Aren't Enough
A standard digital scale and caliper check weight and dimensions, but counterfeiters often use core metals with similar density profiles. For example, copper plated in pure silver can closely mimic physical dimensions, but its electrical resistivity is completely different from genuine .999 silver.
When placed on a Sigma Metalytics PMV set to pure silver, a silver-plated copper bar will register far outside the target brackets. The PMV identifies the counterfeit instantly—without scratching, filing, or applying chemical reagents.
The Altrukom Quality Guarantee: Peoria-Verified Bullion
Counterfeit risk is why Altrukom Bullion operates a rigorous non-destructive testing protocol in Peoria, Arizona. Before any order is packed into insured, plain packaging, every piece of metal is physically tested across multiple sensors:
-
Bullion & Bars: Verified using deep-penetration sensors on the Sigma PMV.
-
Fractional & Sovereign Coins: Tested across dedicated wand sensors to match official mint tolerances.
-
Spendable Constitutional Coins: Hand-sorted and tested for consistent 90% silver purity.
Whether you build a heavy physical stack through Pure Silver Subscriptions, hold fractional gold with Pure Gold Subscriptions, or collect spendable reserves with 90% Constitutional Silver Subscriptions and Goldback® Subscriptions, Altrukom guarantees 100% verified purity on every single piece delivered to your door.
Automate your wealth accumulation with complete peace of mind. Visit altrukom.com today to select your subscription tier.