Device for use in detecting counterfeit or altered bullion, coins or metal

摘要

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system for detecting counterfeit or altered coins or bullion includes a sensor system, an alternating current (AC) power supply electrically connected to the sensor system, a detection system electrically connected to the sensor system and the AC power supply, and a data processor configured to communicate with the detection system. The sensor system comprises an impedance component and a measurement circuit. The detection system is configured to determine a calibration complex impedance and a sample complex impedance. The data processor is configured to receive the calibration complex impedance and the sample complex impedance from the detection system, and provide information regarding a composition of the sample to distinguish valid coins and bullion from at least one of counterfeit or altered coins and bullion.