[PGR88]

The counterfeits in these cases are subtler: The gold is real, and very high purity, with only the markings faked.

At the end of the day, if the gold is real, the markings do not matter

[Truthoverpower]

Right? Who gives a crap about the markings if it’s gold 99.99% then who cares what shape it is ?

This is the Richie rich elite talking to themselves

[BitWielder1]

Illicit sources matter.
Could be from conflict zones or stolen gold.
Conflict diamonds sold to fund illegal activities and tyrant states is a real problem. So is this.

If you make a product, any product, and someone else makes the same thing with your label and just as good but you don't get paid and your reputation and value drops, is that not a problem?

[ProtectOurFreedom]

At the end of the day, if the gold is real, the markings do not matter

That's what I would have figured, too. But the article explains: "Without the stamp of a prestigious refinery, such gold would be forced into underground networks, or priced at a discount. By pirating Swiss and other major brands, metal that has been mined or processed in places that would not otherwise be legal or acceptable in the West – for example in parts of Africa, Venezuela or North Korea – can be injected into the market, channeling funds to criminals or regimes that are sanctioned."

So apparently the markings do add a measure of value as it assures the buyer it has not come from illegal sources or not involved in criminal activity. What is not said is exactly how much value is added by the markings and how much the criminals injecting the counterfeit bars are able to make. I would think that the great majority of value (99%+?) is in the base metal, not in the markings.

If there is a lot of value in the markings, it sounds like a cartel operation like De Beers.

[M-cubed]

At the end of the day, if the gold is real, the markings do not matter <<

You are so right!..I don't offer this to everyone but the way you think makes me compelled to offer you the Bridge I own in Brooklyn for 50% below real value

Please inspect it 1st and send the check as soon as possible...Once your check clears..I have a friend in Nigeria that you could sell it to for 100 times its value..

Please hurry ‘cause this deal will only go to the 1st respondent!!