Business

Tungsten-Filled Gold Bar Found in U.K. — Here’s Why You Should be Worried

Here’s an unsettling story out of the U.K.:

Last week, the gold dealer ABC Bullion received an email from one of its refinery partners warning them about a Metalor 1000gm Au bar that had been drilled out and filled with Tungsten.

Uh Oh: Tungsten Filled Gold Bar Found in U.K.“This bar was purchased by staff of a scrap dealer in [the] UK,” the email states.

“The bar appeared to be perfect other than the fact that it was 2gms underweight…The owner of the business that purchased the bar only became suspicious when he realized the weight discrepancy and had the bar cropped. He estimates between 30-40% of the weight of the bar to be Tungsten.”

With the price of gold skyrocketing, should we expect to see an increase in these types of gimmicks? Probably.

Uh Oh: Tungsten Filled Gold Bar Found in U.K.

In fact, as the writers at Zero Hedge point out, this is the second time in two years this sort of thing has happened.

“The last time a story of Tungsten-filled gold appeared on the scene was just two years ago, and involved a 500  gram bar of gold full of tungsten, at the W.C. Heraeus foundry, the world’s largest metal refiner and fabricator,” the Hedge reports.

Uh Oh: Tungsten Filled Gold Bar Found in U.K.
“So two documented incidents in two years: isolated? Or indication of the same phenomenon of precious metal debasement that marked the declining phase of the Roman empire.”

Carousel photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

Comments (217)

1 2 3 4
  • fobama
    Posted on March 26, 2012 at 2:49pm

    I buy scrap jewelry only… serves 2 purposes, 1 pays in weight, an 2 someone will always have money, an you can swap it for food, or supplies… helps I own a swap shop!

    Report Post » fobama  
    • lukerw
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 3:40pm

      There is nothing that Humans, who make the originals… cannot Fake or Counterfeit!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • JohnTwoFeathers
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 4:12pm

      Just like Oschmuckos Oblamocare bill. Open it up and its full of snakeheads.

      Report Post »  
    • turkey13
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 4:22pm

      Hope old George Soreass ends up with it since he is the one buying up all the large bars of gold.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 4:22pm

      @JOHN…
      And… MAGIC SPELLS!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 4:35pm

      I buy scrap gold and silver. I test it and send the fake crap back to the owner for a full refund. There is so much fake14K gold jewelry now it isnt even funny so I usually buy 24K. Easier to test.

      I also buy silver US coins. Hard to fake, easy to spot one.

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 7:35pm

      And Tungsten prices are dropping like a, well, like a rock.

      http://www.metal-pages.com/metalprices/tungsten/

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • NOTALOTTAYITTAYADDA
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 7:58pm

      Tungsten is used in light bulb element, another industry destroyed by the fed gov.

      PS it’s also used to toughen steel.

      Report Post »  
    • M1A2_Tanker
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 8:16pm

      This has been happening for a long time. There was a story a few years ago about the U.S. GOV being forced to exchange gold bars it had given to china. These fakes have been circulating for years and years. Search it. They have been found in most countries and Ft.Knox.

      Report Post »  
    • VII
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 8:26pm

      I tell you it is written

      “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
      “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
      “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
      “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

      Report Post »  
    • FreedomPurveyor
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 8:51pm

      “Sponsored Message
      Learn how to diversify with precious metals”

      Report Post » FreedomPurveyor  
    • jzs
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 8:53pm

      Pay attention, because this should worry you. If you’re like me, you realize that buying gold is the only hedge against the coming Apocalypse. Of course it’s necessary to buy guns and ammo for protection, buy hearty seeds, store water and store freeze dried and canned foods in preparation for the upcoming collapse of the US government, dictatorship and rule by Muslims, what with the Caliphate, Muslim Brotherhood and liberal sociology professors and so on.

      If you’re like me, you want to make sure the gold you buy is real and trustworthy and purchased at a price way above the market value of gold. I done a lot of this, bought some gold that after the fact proved to be only a gold overlay on what was otherwise mostly tungsten or lead. But I have found on trustworthy source for gold: GOLDLINE. They have a friendly, helpful staff and their Mission Statement is simple: help the customer buy genuine gold coins. You can trust Goldline. I’ve been around the block on purchasing gold, and now I won’t go anywhere Goldline. Ask around if you want, compare prices, but in the end I‘m sure that you’ll believe like I do that during your preparation for the Great Calamity, Goldline is your trusted “go to” source for real gold.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • gypsy639
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 8:54pm

      To Lukerw. There is one gold source that’s impossible to counterfeit. http://karatbars.com

      Report Post » gypsy639  
    • VII
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 9:08pm

      if you are a brother in our Lord Jesus Christ and struggle to understand the bible start off with the new testaments. Study and learn from your Lord Jesus Christ analyze His words, parables, commands, and warnings. write them down. Study the books of the apostles, turn to them to help elaborate, and to better understand.

      Don’t leave yourself fixed on endless genealogies while you are still struggling to understand what he asks of us

      For one may be fortunate enough to make it into the kingdom of heaven even if they do not understand how many generations are between Abraham and David, from David until the captivity of Babylon, from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ.

      Though he who is not ready I pray for your eyes to be opened.

      It is written

      “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

      You who already believe our Lord Jesus Christ, you are blessed. Turn your life over to him and seek him with every idle moment lest you be deceived.

      Report Post »  
    • Formula382
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 9:22pm

      And your scrap can’t be confiscated when Obummer comes a-knocking in a few years.

      Report Post »  
    • Pretribrapture
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 9:42pm

      If you guys think gold is going to save you or be worth anything think again. Bread will be far more expensive than gold…..

      Report Post »  
    • addie
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 10:39pm

      Just curious, if the economy collapses how will gold hold any value either? Value is based on need and what can gold do for need? My guess would be ammo, guns and food with be the only items of value and worth anything for trade. Seriously, if I owned 2 million in gold and the economy collapses or there is some major catastrophic event, what exactly will gold get me? Because I can’t eat gold and you cant shoot gold. (Well I suppose you could shoot gold if you used it for a shell casing but then again it’s too soft for a shell casing.) I dont see what value gold will have if there is some major event, gold cant stop a thief and gold cant protect your family and gold cant protect your food source and if it comes to a free for all, no one is going to care how much gold you have or how much you are willing to pay. Ammo does protect your family and your food source.

      I’m just asking…

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on March 27, 2012 at 12:06am

      Soylent Blue is Tungsten….

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • JohnofOregon
      Posted on March 27, 2012 at 12:14am

      The best gold to buy is in chain. That is the old currency. Coins are inflated.

      I prefer to invest in hardened steel . I find American the best. I also like Italian. Russian is good to buy too and for kicks I even own Chinese forged steel. Of course you have to be well supplied with brass and nothing is better then American brass. If you looking forward to possible results from the power transfer to the government of soros you can buy lots of off brand brrass but be prepared for the gumming effects.

      Has anyone noticed all the food available in stores now with a 25 year shelf life. Not a lot faith out there in our corrupt leaders.

      Report Post »  
    • spikebu
      Posted on March 27, 2012 at 12:49am

      @JZS…I simply sigh and shake my head when I read your posts. You reek of liberal progressivism, even over the net!

      Report Post »  
    • Tridentine Catholic
      Posted on March 27, 2012 at 2:10am

      Here is another kind they can’t counterfeit, a good company too. I have bought a lot directly from the refinery. http://www.mygoldgram.com/store/images/D/090418_10gr_pkg_frnt.jpg

      Report Post » Tridentine Catholic  
    • KICKILLEGALSOUT
      Posted on March 27, 2012 at 7:27am

      This has already been happening for a while especially with Chinese fakes. You have to be extra careful if you buy Gold online to make sure it isn’t from a Chinese person. Hong Kong jewelers were hit hard last year. http://www.chinapost.com.tw/business/asia/singapore/2010/12/04/282293/Singapore-on.htm
      Chinese counterfeit coins
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bun2ZgdNbWs
      Chinese producing high quality fake coins
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inn8iVASxLY

      Report Post » KICKILLEGALSOUT  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on March 27, 2012 at 10:36am

      @V11

      Amen to your posts!

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on March 27, 2012 at 12:25pm

      @spikebu…I simply sigh and shake my head when I write my posts.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • TulsaYeeHaw
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:09am

      @JZS

      I love your posts, whether I agree or not. You make me laugh my ass off…..

      Report Post »  
  • flyingeagle
    Posted on March 26, 2012 at 2:46pm

    Well this isn’t the first time someone was selling rain maker! So now if you buy what you thought was not what you bought! Is anyone by now wondering about what is in Fort Knock’s is it gold or just some other kind of rock? It is such a shame that people on Planet Earth have no screwples when it comes to wealth! This was found out to be true in that someone is what they think to be clever enuf to get away with this action! This was rooted out by someone from a first world Nation! But what about though‘s who trust in a person’s word and are sitting on far less Economicly than was thought witch would cripple they‘re abillity to suport they’re Citesen’s? Because now they‘re will be alot of mistrust in the back of peoples mind’s and if it was done twice it will be tried agian and agian! It is a shame how much and how far people are willing to go just for a buck!

    Report Post »  
    • Ruckus_Tom
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 3:27pm

      Great points, I’m sure.

      Too bad, like loralillie, I couldn’t follow along through the grammar and spelling issues though.

      Report Post »  
    • copatriots
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 3:44pm

      Oh great……..welcome to the two newest additions to the spelling police. Did you both create accounts specifically to critique other poster’s spelling? Nice to see your priority as Rome burns.

      Quite right, FLYINGEAGLE! The depths of depravity and theft of humanity truly knows no bounds!

      Report Post »  
    • Spaceman61
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 3:50pm

      I kind of like the way he spelled screw-ples. It fits.

      Report Post »  
    • bartjoebob
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 4:00pm

      Let me guess, you vote democrat and show up to Tea Party rallies with misspelled posters. Beat it troll.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 4:03pm

      @LORA…
      Have you ever looked at the Writings of the Founders? They even noted that they took Great Pride in their Creative Spelling!

      Are you Fluking me?

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 4:36pm

      I started laughing half way through reading it. It must be a deliberate joke. No-one’s spelling is that bad, surely.

      Report Post »  
    • CS_GUY
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 4:57pm

      Less texting and more reading…………….misspelled words cause readers to lose interest in your thought. Shows a shallow background……no offense intended.

      Report Post »  
    • Mikev5
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 6:18pm

      Poor guy must be dyslexic like me it’s hard to put together any words that’s how bad I am it sucks I work hard to get things together things still come out weird at times. But keeping quiet in this age only leads to another Obummer in office Leave the guy alone at least he’s speaking up.

      Report Post » Mikev5  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 6:24pm

      Sorry, folks: spelling isn’t everything — but spelling counts.

      Report Post »  
    • MAMMY_NUNN
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 6:32pm

      It‘s not the spelling that count’s ! It is the intent to voice a opinion or point a First Amendment Right
      If you can’t understand try applying some reasoning and comprehension skills.
      Or would you rather those less fortunate stay silent ?

      Report Post »  
    • Lucy Larue
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 7:26pm

      @LORALILLIE,
      And YOU should take a class in MANNERS!
      That’s your only comment?! A spelling criticism?! UGH!
      BTW…,I had no problem reading FLYING EAGLE’S post, despite the misspellings.

      Dyslexia or no, he made good points. What points did you share LORALILLIE?

      Report Post »  
    • michael48
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 7:28pm

      well for all you elitist , arrogant twits…he more than likely has more “work ethic” than 99% of the countries indoctrinated , useless tools…get a calorie count of your MBAs and PHDs and I’ll get a calorie count of his ability to WORK and feed his family…with whats ahead…he’ll have a chance ..and YOU???? if this is what your meaning in life is ..then YOU ARE MEANINGLESS..LIONS eat very well, writing and spelling …not so good…

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 7:47pm

      @copatriots
      Here are their sign up dates;

      loralillie 26 March 2012
      Ruckus_Tom 24 March 2012
      flyingeagle 27 Aug 2011

      I had no problems understanding flyingeagle‘s post and I’m glad he posted his/hers thoughts. Keep them coming flyingeagle.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • what4
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 8:27pm

      Nice work Monk!! Weed out the Rats!

      Report Post »  
    • taxpro4u03
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 8:28pm

      Yeah so – Snopes.com ‘d it (BIASED) and a faux snooze article — still — ‘interesting’ for the grammar/spelling Poe-Leece — geeeeze…. zzzzzzzzz :-)

      http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,511177,00.html

      Report Post »  
    • taxpro4u03
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 8:29pm

      “Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteers be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.”

      Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,511177,00.html#ixzz1qGxRyCrY

      Report Post »  
    • addie
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 10:55pm

      Flying dont listen to the the grammar/spelling police! If someone cant understand what you wrote, they are the stupid ones!

      Sorry people but dyslexia is a serious problem with a lot of people and by chastising him, you are not helping!!! Grow up! If you cant make out what he was writing, you are even more stupid then the liberals are!

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 11:03pm

      @taxpro4u03 and what4

      Read a similar article on that subject in the mid 1970′s from VPI. Nice work and thanks to you and what4. Let’s keep it real and not divide ourselves.

      Oh and Timmy Tim Timmy… go skewel yourself.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Tom K
      Posted on March 27, 2012 at 11:03am

      @ FLYINGEAGLE: I enjoy your posts but sometimes it is difficult to understand you. I too am a product of Government Schools. Keep up the good work. God Bless You. Back to this article – put your trust in our Lord Jesus Christ. All of this nonsense here on earth is about to end for God’s elect.

      Report Post »  
  • collectorbob810
    Posted on March 26, 2012 at 2:42pm

    what you expect. they are selling gold for the dollar thats soon to be worthless. they are playing you for fools. this is an example of a poor fake. a good fake, you can not tell the differents without testing equipment. they will blend the gold with other metals.

    Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 4:08pm

      For a while, I was collecting old Japanese Coins… then, I started to discover Fakes… and they were coming from CHINA!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • chazmo
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 4:54pm

      um… sorry you would only blend Gold with Tungsten, and Silver with Molybdenum. Reason: Close in weight, and not too expensive/rare. Check the Periodic table and you will see. So here is a lesson. Weigh your large purchases of Gold, ie; 10oz, 100oz etc bars. As for silver. Well honestly at this point in the price it’s not worth adding Moly unless of course you are making 100 ounce bars. And then it’s almost not worth the hassle. Stick to Silver Coins from reputable companies. Apmex, Gainsville, etc. Above ground silver has MANY commercial uses. It’s an undervalued commodity.

      Report Post » chazmo  
    • chips1
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 8:28pm

      Silver was supposed to be 1/16 of the cost of gold. It’s way under that now. Either gold will go down or silver will shoot up. I don’t know much more than that. Maybe I’m on the wrong track, but silver was cheaper to buy, so I went with that.

      Report Post »  
    • mlite9
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 10:15pm

      Yes, gold will go down HARD, and when it does, all the people who have fallen for the earnestly presented pleadings of this and that radio host will be hurting. Listen to Warren Buffet – we are in a fed-created bubble, and when it settles, as it has done many, many times, it’s gonna hurt. Gold is a raw material in my trade, and I’ve seen it too many times, and watched too many gold brokers come and go to believe what they’re peddling. It’s all about the money, NOW. They don’t care if you lose your @ss.

      Report Post »  
    • BannedByHuffpo
      Posted on March 27, 2012 at 10:02am

      Gold? …Silver? …………..meh.

      On a hot tip from an industry insider (my ne’er do well brother in law) I’ve been investing my savings in OSTRICH and EMU EGGS!

      OK, you laugh now, but see who’s wearing the fanciest cowboy boots in a few years.

      Report Post » BannedByHuffpo  
  • IndyGuy
    Posted on March 26, 2012 at 2:27pm

    Won’t our government be surprised when they confiscate all our gold only to find 90% of it is tungsten…

    Report Post » IndyGuy  
    • kentuckypatriot
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 3:35pm

      LOL best quote today. thx for the laugh!

      Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
    • lukerw
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 4:30pm

      Today… Nano Technology allows the movement and reconfiguation of Molecules… but a Pico Technology would allow for Atoms… then, we can just Make GOLD.

      Unfortunately… Rarity (LIMIT) creates Value… so Trade your Freedom wisely!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Salamander
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 4:52pm

      Tungsten? Isn’t that what they USED to put in light bulbs? (And, not mercury!)

      Report Post »  
    • BuzzardSays
      Posted on March 26, 2012 at 5:03pm

      They won‘t be gettin’ no gold they don’t know about.

      Report Post » <