Aug 2024

What is Bullion DNA™?

By StoneX Bullion

The Royal Canadian Mint has long been recognized for producing some of the highest purity bullion products in the world. From the iconic Gold Maple Leaf to the Silver Maple Leaf, their coins are valuable investments and symbols of exceptional craftsmanship in the precious metals market. But as counterfeiting has grown more sophisticated, it’s become increasingly difficult to discern between authentic and fake Silver and Gold Maple Leaf coins.

Enter Bullion DNA™. The Royal Canadian Mint, always known for their innovation, has developed a state-of-the-art anti-counterfeiting technology to protect the integrity of their coins. Utilizing advanced micro-engraving and secure digital authentication, Bullion DNA provides investors with unparalleled assurance that their Royal Canadian Mint bullion coins are authentic.

In this article, we’ll explore what exactly Bullion DNA is, how it works, and other anti-counterfeiting technologies in the world of bullion bars and coins.

What is Bullion DNA?

Bullion DNA, short for Digital Non-Destructive Activation, is an innovative technology designed by the Royal Canadian Mint in collaboration with Signoptic® to secure bullion coins and prevent coin counterfeiting. The technology works by embedding a unique micro-engraved code onto the surface of Gold and Silver Maple Leaf Coins. All Gold Maple Leaf coins dated 2014 and later, and all Silver Maple Leaf bullion coins dated 2015 and later, feature this unique anti-counterfeiting security mark.

The string of code on a bullion coin, which is so small that it’s invisible to the naked eye, is registered in the Mint’s secure database. When a coin’s authenticity needs to be verified, a special proprietary Bullion DNA reader uses a laser to scan the micro-engraving and match it against the database. If the code matches then it confirms the coin is genuine.

There are two components to the Bullion DNA technology: the Bullion DNA reader, which is the physical device used to take a high-resolution photo of the coin, and a matching software application that connects to the Mint’s server and matches the coin with its corresponding image in the database.

With its cutting-edge precision and unmatched reliability, the Bullion DNA technology is distinct from other security features that appear on bullion coins. For example, many coins use holograms or tamper-proof packaging to prevent counterfeiting, however this can sometimes be replicated. On the other hand, the micro-engraving used in Bullion DNA technology, combined with the registered database images, is essentially impossible to replicate.

Which coins are protected with Bullion DNA?

Bullion DNA technology has been incorporated into the Royal Canadian Mint’s most popular coins: the Gold Maple Leaf and Silver Maple Leaf. These coins have always stood out amongst other coins in the bullion industry for their exceptional 99.99% purity and advanced security features.

Every Gold Maple Leaf coin dated 2014 and above has been integrated with Bullion DNA technology, as well as every Silver Maple Leaf coin dated 2015 and above.

Each of these coins is micro-engraved with a unique code that can only be seen under magnification. This code is scanned, encrypted, and registered in the Royal Mint’s secure database. This means that when you buy one of these coins, you’re protected with a built-in guarantee of authenticity.

See: How to Tell The Difference Between Real and Fake Silver

How does Bullion DNA technology work?

Each die used to strike the Canadian Gold and Silver Maple Leaf coins is laser micro-engraved with a security mark consisting of a textured maple leaf. Etched within this maple leaf are the last two numerals of the coin’s year of issue.

This security mark, which is only visible under magnification, is then captured and converted into a complex, encrypted digital string of codes using the digital non-destructive activation (DNA) technology. Each code is then registered and stored in the Royal Canadian Mint’s secure database.

An authorized dealer or investor can then use the accompanying Bullion DNA reader to scan a Maple Leaf coin, check it against the Mint’s database, and verify its authenticity.

What is a Bullion DNA reader?

Bullion DNA readers are a proprietary software and hardware tool that brings the Royal Canadian Mint’s unique authentication technology to life. These small, portable devices are capable of scanning a coin’s micro-engraving and verifying its authenticity in just a few seconds.

How to use a Bullion DNA reader to authenticate coins

Below is a step-by-step process on how authorized dealers can use a Bullion DNA reader to authenticate registered Gold and Silver Maple Leaf bullion coins.

Step 1: Insert coin into the reader

The first step is to insert the Gold Maple Leaf or Silver Maple Leaf coin that needs to be authenticated into the Bullion DNA reader. To do this, pull out the device's tray by pushing its edge from the same side as the vertical indent. Place the coin on the tray with the maple leaf design facing up. To close the tray, rotate it back until it is fully aligned with the device.

Step 2: Open the preview and align the coin

Next, a series of onscreen steps will prompt you to choose the coin you’re authenticating and its year of issue. Once you’ve inputted the information, a camera preview will appear with an onscreen dial. You’ll want to rotate your coin until its maple leaf security mark aligns with the circle overlay on the preview screen.

Step 3: Take the photo

When the maple leaf security mark is aligned with the overlay circle, you can click the Camera icon at the bottom of the screen to take a high-resolution image of the coin.

Step 4: Begin authentication

Next, click the Authenticate button to initiate the authentication process, which can take up to ten seconds.

Step 5: View authentication results

When authentication is complete, you’ll see either one of these results:

Authentication Success: This means the coin you’re authenticating is genuine and has been registered with the Royal Canadian Mint.
Authentication Error: This could be due to various technical issues, such as:
- Misaligned coin in the tray
- Issues with your internet connection
- Error with the Royal Canadian Mint’s DNA server
- Damage on or near the coin’s security mark.

If you see the Authentication Error message, check your internet connection, realign the coin, and then go through the authentication process again.

Authentication Failure: If you see this message, or consistently receive error messages, contact the entity from whom you purchased the coin. It could be a sign of counterfeit.

What are Bullion DNA authorized dealers?

Bullion DNA relies on a network of authorized dealers to authenticate coins equipped with the technology. These dealers possess specialized Bullion DNA readers, which are the only devices capable of reading the micro-engraved codes on the Maple Leaf coins.

When a dealer scans a coin with the Bullion DNA reader, the device instantly checks the code against the Royal Canadian Mint’s database. If the code matches, the coin is verified as genuine. This process not only protects dealers from unwittingly selling counterfeit products, but also provides investors with the confidence that they’re purchasing authentic bullion.

If you’re interested in purchasing Maple Leaf coins, it helps to do so from an authorized dealer who provides assurance that you’re purchasing a genuine product. While unauthorized dealers can sometimes offer more attractive prices, they won’t be able to match the level of assurance that comes with Bullion DNA verification.

Other anti-counterfeit bullion technologies

Bullion DNA is a revolutionary anti-counterfeit technology, but it’s not the only way to secure bullion products. Many other mints have pioneered their own unique technologies and security features to protect the authenticity of their coins and bars. These include:

PAMP Suisse’s Veriscan technology

In 2015, PAMP Suisse, one of the most prestigious precious metals brands, launched their own proprietary security system called Veriscan™. Veriscan allows any user to instantly authenticate any PAMP product that features the Veriscan logo on its assay card or product certificate.

Like Bullion DNA, Veriscan utilizes an advanced scanning technology that identifies and compares the microscopic 'surface profile' of a PAMP product with digital records captured at production stage. The main advantage that VERISCAN has over Bullion DNA is that it doesn’t require a specialized device, just a free smartphone app. When a user scans their product using the Veriscan mobile app, the image will be checked against those stored in the PAMP database to verify authenticity.

Buy PAMP Suisse gold bars protected with Veriscan technology:

Argor-Heraeus Kinebar

Argor-Heraeus is another leading Swiss refinery investing in quality anti-counterfeiting features. Every gold bullion bar in their Kinebar range is embossed with a light-diffracting optically variable image device (essentially a security hologram) into the surface. These security devices, called Kinegram, add depth and movement to the design and are extremely difficult to replicate. Kinegrams not only confirm the authenticity of Argor-Heraeus Kinebars but also add a strikingly unique visual appeal.

Buy Argor-Heraeus gold kinebars now:

Keep Reading: Pros and Cons of Buying Gold Bars vs Gold Coins

The Royal Mint’s Britannia

Since 2021, the Royal Mint’s iconic Britannia gold and silver bullion coins have been integrated with the following security features:

Latent image: The coins are marked with a latent image that, like a hologram, changes from a padlock to a trident when viewing the coin at different angles.
Micro-text inscription: Using specialist lasers, each coin is inscribed with the Latin motto, DECUS ET TUTAMEN, which means ‘an ornament and a safeguard’.
Surface animation: Using advanced picosecond lasers, microdetails on the coin come together to create the illusion of waves in the coin’s background. These are only visible when the coin is rotated.
Tincture lines: These are very finely detailed colors and patterns which are extremely hard to recreate.

Buy secure Britannia gold and silver coins:

Buy authentic bullion products from the world’s best mints

With its unmatched level of security, Bullion DNA takes the bullion market one step closer to eliminating counterfeiting. Whether you’re an investor safeguarding your assets or a collector seeking genuine pieces, anti-counterfeit technology ensures your coins are genuine and of the quality you expect.

Unfortunately, not all bullion products feature such advanced security measures. For that reason, it’s essential to choose a trusted dealer when purchasing bullion products. At StoneX Bullion, we’re proud to offer an impressive range of investment-grade precious metals bars and coins from the world’s leading mints and refineries. As a Fortune 500 company and member of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), we’re committed to providing the highest-quality products at the fairest prices so you can buy with confidence.

Browse our range of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium products and start growing your precious metals portfolio today.