The Indonesian gold investment landscape has recently been shaken by the emergence of counterfeit Antam gold certificate issues. A staggering 109 tons of gold were falsified by six former General Managers of UBPP LM PT Antam Tbk. This illicit sale of fake Antam gold constitutes illegal activity and violates brand usage regulations in Indonesia.
However, PT Antam’s CEO, Nico Kanter, clarified that this case involves brand misuse rather than gold counterfeiting itself. To protect yourself from scams involving fake Antam gold certificates, let’s delve into a comprehensive guide on how to verify the authenticity of your gold.
Understanding the Antam Fake Gold Certificate Case
The misuse of the Antam brand, involving 109 tons of gold and resulting in state losses, occurred between 2010 and 2022. The six perpetrators illegally produced gold, affixing the Antam logo and issuing certificates without PT Antam’s authorization. This action blatantly disregards the exclusive rights of PT Antam to its brand, making any unauthorized use by private entities a violation of Indonesian brand usage laws.
Antam management asserts that the 109 tons of gold products are indeed genuine Antam gold. However, the unauthorized branding and certification are illegal. The existence of these ‘fake Antam gold certificates’ impacts the market price of officially produced and certified Antam gold, undermining its value and causing financial losses to the state.
Despite this issue, rest assured that genuine Antam gold currently in circulation is authentic and comes with certified proof of purity.
Methods to Verify Antam Gold Authenticity
To avoid falling victim to fake Antam gold, it’s crucial to know how to check its authenticity. One popular Antam gold product is Antam LM Classic, available in bullion or bar form. Here’s a step-by-step guide to verifying its authenticity:
1. Weighing the Gold
One of the primary methods to distinguish between real and fake gold is by weighing it. For precise measurements, use a digital scale. Antam LM Classic gold comes in two forms: portrait and landscape. The portrait form typically weighs 10 grams, while the landscape form weighs 100 grams. If the weight matches the weight indicated on the Antam certificate, it’s a strong indication of authenticity. A minor weight tolerance of approximately 0.01 grams is generally acceptable for all Antam gold products.
2. Examining the Antam Stamp
Another way to check Antam gold’s authenticity is by carefully examining the Antam stamp on its surface. Authentic stamps of “Fine Gold” and “999.9” are embossed and raised, while the serial number is engraved inwards. On the reverse side, you should find a hologram logo that displays the letters “M” and “L” when viewed from different angles. Looking straight at it, you’ll see “M,” but viewing it from the side, bottom, right, or left reveals the letter “L.”
3. Magnet Test
Before scrutinizing the Antam gold certificate for authenticity, try the magnet test. For example, 24-karat Antam LM Classic gold will not react when placed near a magnet because pure gold is not magnetic. If the gold is attracted to the magnet, it indicates the presence of other metals, meaning its purity is less than 24 karats and it’s likely not genuine Antam gold.
4. Certificate Authenticity Checks
Fake Antam gold certificates can be detected using a UV light. Place the certificate under a UV light machine. A genuine certificate will reveal a hologram with a precious metal symbol on its surface when exposed to UV light. Another method to verify the certificate is to hold it up to the light. A real certificate should exhibit a specific watermark that is difficult to counterfeit.
5. Utilizing the CertiEye Application
You can also verify the authenticity of the Antam gold certificate using the CertiEye application. Download it from the Play Store or App Store and follow these steps:
- Open the CertiEye application.
- Scan the QR code located on the Antam gold certificate.
- Wait for the scanning process to complete.
- If the Antam gold product is genuine, the ANTAM LM logo along with the word “AUTHENTICATED” will appear on your device screen.
Purchasing Authentic Gold at Pegadaian
Understanding the fake Antam gold certificate issue and knowing how to verify authenticity are crucial steps. To avoid purchasing illegal 24-karat bullion or bar gold products, always buy gold from trusted sources. Galeri 24, a retail gold and jewelry company and a subsidiary of PT Pegadaian, is a highly recommended place to purchase certified authentic 24-karat gold bars or bullion.
Galeri 24 is an official wholesale buyer of PT Antam Tbk, sourcing its products directly from PT Antam Tbk. Galeri 24 also offers quality-assured jewelry and manufactures its own gold units following Indonesian National Standards (SNI). For further assurance, Pegadaian’s Certification Service provides professional gold authenticity testing at their gemological laboratory, staffed by gemologists, alchemists, and geologists. This service is available for various products, including gold, diamonds, jewelry, and gemstones, with fees varying by product type. Test results are provided upon completion of the procedure.
Avoid the uncertainties of self-checking gold authenticity and consider utilizing Pegadaian’s laboratory services for peace of mind.
