Precious metal authentication system and method

Abstract

Structures, systems, and methods verify the authenticity of a precious metal unit. A “ping bar” is designed to have a distinctive sound only if authentic and unadulterated. A “waffle bar” is shaped to discourage adulteration, damage, or counterfeiting and to facilitate easy core sampling and assay of the constituent metal's purity. Reeded edge features may additionally be employed to discourage tampering. An RFID device and a global registry system verify various attributes and ownership of the precious metal units.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A precious metal bullion object having anti-counterfeiting features, comprising:
 a precious metal bullion object comprising one or more anti-counterfeiting features configured to result in noticeable deformation of the precious metal bullion object from attempts to drill, shave, or otherwise alter the precious metal bullion object, wherein the precious metal bullion object is cast in a form resembling a waffle pattern.   
     
     
         11 . The precious metal bullion object of  claim 10 , wherein the precious metal bullion object further comprises a plurality of pits, wherein the precious metal bullion object can be scratch-tested or drilled in one or more of the pits to determine the composition of the interior of the precious metal bullion object with minimal aesthetic damage to the precious metal bullion object. 
     
     
         12 - 47 . (canceled)