Hallmarking, HUID and what to check on a coin

Physical gold is where purity claims meet reality. Fortunately, India has a marking system that makes checking straightforward.

What BIS hallmarking means

A hallmark is a certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards that the item has been tested at a recognised centre and meets the stated purity. On a 24K coin you should see the purity mark for 999 fineness alongside the BIS mark.

HUID

The Hallmark Unique Identification is a six-character alphanumeric code assigned to a hallmarked item, allowing it to be traced back to the testing centre and the jeweller. Where it applies, it should be present and legible.

What to check when your delivery arrives

• The packaging seal is intact before you open it — photograph it if it is not
• The weight and purity on the invoice match the coin and your order
• The BIS mark and, where applicable, the HUID are present
• The invoice shows gold value, making charges, packaging, delivery and tax separately

If something is wrong

Report it within the window stated in the refund policy, with photographs of the unopened package where the seal was broken. Damaged or wrong-specification items are replaced or refunded.