SilverStorm

My only advice on stacking (regardless of which PM) is that you look after your daily/monthly/annual needs first.  There's no point buying and stacking PM if you hit a financial road bump, and then forced to sell the metal at a loss.   So this means taking care of rent/mortgage/utilities/retirement plan/health plan/etc first.   And then have enough cash savings on hand in the bank - just in case you get laid off from work, and you need cash to pay your bills.   So anywhere from 3-6 months of your salary.   Then if you got any extra money left, you can then consider buying some silver or gold.   Good luck!

I recently purchased the GVS Bullion Tester from GVS Bullion Group based in Austria.   While I do have the Sigma Metalytics PMV Pro Mini, I always firmly believed that no one testing equipment or method is perfect.  If you can throw a battery of tests at a precious metal in question and it passes each one, then you can be very confident that the PM you have in your hand is genuine.  
What I liked about the GVS Bullion Tester is that it shares one feature with the Sigma - it can test through packaging or capsules like the Sigma.  This advantage (among others) is what caught my interest and helped me to pull the trigger on getting one.
When UPS delivered my order to me, I was surprised to see how big the box was.  Upon closer inspection, it is actually two smaller boxes taped together.   The first box contained the scale, and the second box contained a powerful magnet.  Both items were carefully wrapped and placed in a styrofoam tray; both items were protected with a massive amount of peanut foam packaging to protect it from shipping damage.   I give 10/10 to GVS for really going over and beyond for their packaging!
The scale is super easy to use.  Instructions are succinct and to the point.  Some easy assembly is required (just follow the instructions) and let the scale sit for a minimum of 12 hours for the springs in the scale to settle.  Turn the power on and wait for it to cycle through, which takes a few seconds.   Then Tare the display to zero and start testing the precious metals.   Compare digital readout display to GVS PM charts and see the range for what you are testing for.   If it is within range, it is genuine.   If it is fake, it will throw a very high negative value as well as having an extremely strong pull from the scale's magnet.    
When combining the Sigma and the GVS scale to test precious metals, I am 99% confident of the test results and the authenticity of the precious metal in question.   Next to the Sigma, the GVS Bullion Tester is a significant piece of equipment that works as described.  It is well built and and does what it claims.   I have tested a few fakes in my possession and it caught them all.  
My purchase price for the GVS Bullion Tester was 805 Euros + 45.90 Euros for expedited shipping (which is approximately $1,296.10 Canadian dollars, which I charged to my MasterCard).  Import brokerage charges and taxes came to $72.14 Canadian dollars.   Total cost landed came to $1,368.24 Canadian dollars.    Edit: GVS has increased the price of this unit from the time I bought it.  This magnetic scale is now selling at 966 Euros + shipping, as per their website.
For more information on the GVS Bullion Tester, see the link below:
 
GVS Bullion | Test Devices (gvs-bullion.com)
 
Here are some pictures of the GVS Bullion Tester...






 
Conclusions:
After testing the GVS Bullion Tester, I personally feel that it is a good piece of equipment that can help you to detect fakes and validate your PM.  This equipment is not for everyone.  You'll need to be a serious stacker and/or collector in order to take advantage of this useful equipment.  If you are only buying several ounces of PM, your best bet would be to get your local bullion dealer to authenticate your PM.   If you can only afford to buy one test equipment and money is an issue, the GVS Bullion Tester would be my first choice over the Sigma.   Not saying the Sigma is bad, but if you are looking for reliable but lowest price testing equipment, the GVS Bullion Tester wins hands down.  If you are in the market for new testing equipment, I hope this review helps you decide.
Pros:
1) Can test through capsules and packaging like the Sigma
2) Cost of purchase is approximately 50% cheaper than my Sigma PMV Pro Mini (at time of writing)
3) Can detect fakes that the Sigma failed to pick up
4) Can test a stack of bullion coins or individually
5) A PM's magnetism can't be faked, making this a perfect tool 
6) Comes with a universal AC power adapter plug that works anywhere worldwide (make sure to inquire and request one that fits and works specifically for your country)
7) Can be combined with other testing methodologies to (double or triple) confirm the authenticity of a PM 
Cons:
1) It is still relatively expensive to buy when compared to other testing methodologies
2) You cannot use the magnetic scale near metallic objects (minimum distance required from metal objects is 3.28 feet, or 1 meter)
3) You need to "Tare" the scale every time you test a new PM.
4) Magnetic scale is a sensitive piece of equipment, and therefore caution is needed for proper handling, use, and storage
 
 
 

For anyone interested in the GVS Bullion Tester, see the YouTube video below posted by SWP (a private, independent vaulting service located in the Cayman Islands).  The guy shows the GVS machine in action and explains how it works.  I recommend all to watch the video from the beginning, but if you only want to see the GVS, then go to 8:23 mark of the video.
 
 

I did not reply to your other comments as I felt I could not add anything that would leave you satisfied.   So why bother.  I did not provide more details on the Sovereigns because it is in storage, and I am not going to the bank safety deposit box to retrieve it just to take better pictures.  I have never stated I have full knowledge of proper testing procedures or methodologies; I certainly don't.   I'm just a regular guy that loves to stack and test my precious metals.  Period.  Full stop.   
I am not a bullion dealer nor in the PM business.  Therefore, the level of accountability for my post is lower than it is for you.  You are a professional bullion dealer, and therefore you have a higher accountability to be accurate.   You also have a reputation to uphold.  Therefore, YOU need to be as accurate as possible.  Me, I'm just a regular guy on the forum posting my experience.  I got into PM in early 2021, and I'm still learning. So while you may see inconsistencies or errors in my review, it is as truthful as I can make it from my point of view.  And there is nothing wrong with that.  It would be unfair to compare your decades worth of experience to my almost 2 years of experience.  If everyone was required to provide Lawrence Chard's level of experience and expertise when posting, then what's the point of posting anything at all?  Because you have more knowledge and expertise than 95% of the forum! 
My GVS post is part of the learning experience/process for me.  Take it for what it's worth.  Or not.   IMHO, the GVS test results confirmed the Sigma's results, and that is all that matters to me.   That my stack is free of fakes.  And when it didn't, it raised a red flag that required further investigation.   And in the end, knowing my stack is free of fakes is all that matters to me.
I'm not against learning as you have erroneously inferred.  If you want me to do a better job testing the GVS next time, you could outline the proper steps you would take to ensure that the testing process is accurate as possible.  I may consider it the next time I use the GVS machine.  And on a side note, it is your brash responses that I dislike.  If you were more diplomatic in your tone and way of questioning, I would be more receptive to your suggestions and questions.  But I suspect you will not.  
 

The Sigma is consistent; if the Sovereign was 1 oz, the measured diameter would be approximately 45 mm.   The fact that I may have forgotten to zero out the Krugerrand input is user error, not the machine.  

Agree, the bridge is worth the extra expense for its scanning depth.   I believe the wand has a scanning depth limitation, so you need to take that into consideration.  

👆 lol good luck with that. Trade in gold for fiat currency?  Those guys are smoking some pretty good weed!  🤣

I did not reply to your other comments as I felt I could not add anything that would leave you satisfied.   So why bother.  I did not provide more details on the Sovereigns because it is in storage, and I am not going to the bank safety deposit box to retrieve it just to take better pictures.  I have never stated I have full knowledge of proper testing procedures or methodologies; I certainly don't.   I'm just a regular guy that loves to stack and test my precious metals.  Period.  Full stop.   
I am not a bullion dealer nor in the PM business.  Therefore, the level of accountability for my post is lower than it is for you.  You are a professional bullion dealer, and therefore you have a higher accountability to be accurate.   You also have a reputation to uphold.  Therefore, YOU need to be as accurate as possible.  Me, I'm just a regular guy on the forum posting my experience.  I got into PM in early 2021, and I'm still learning. So while you may see inconsistencies or errors in my review, it is as truthful as I can make it from my point of view.  And there is nothing wrong with that.  It would be unfair to compare your decades worth of experience to my almost 2 years of experience.  If everyone was required to provide Lawrence Chard's level of experience and expertise when posting, then what's the point of posting anything at all?  Because you have more knowledge and expertise than 95% of the forum! 
My GVS post is part of the learning experience/process for me.  Take it for what it's worth.  Or not.   IMHO, the GVS test results confirmed the Sigma's results, and that is all that matters to me.   That my stack is free of fakes.  And when it didn't, it raised a red flag that required further investigation.   And in the end, knowing my stack is free of fakes is all that matters to me.
I'm not against learning as you have erroneously inferred.  If you want me to do a better job testing the GVS next time, you could outline the proper steps you would take to ensure that the testing process is accurate as possible.  I may consider it the next time I use the GVS machine.  And on a side note, it is your brash responses that I dislike.  If you were more diplomatic in your tone and way of questioning, I would be more receptive to your suggestions and questions.  But I suspect you will not.  
 

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2022 Majestic Polar Bear, 1 oz 99.99% pure silver.  First Strikes limited to 5,000 mintage, comes in light gray packaging.   Regular is limited to 35,000 mintage, comes in blue packaging.   I apologize for less than perfect pictures in not ideal lighting conditions; I am not taking the plastic wrapping off in order to maintain the authenticity seal at the back of the packaging.   Enjoy! 
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@PapaLazarou Not just me then…

More like "today was completed" 

I believe EMK still has some available for sale.  And silvergoldbull.ca also has it.  

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2022 Majestic Polar Bear, 1 oz 99.99% pure silver.  First Strikes limited to 5,000 mintage, comes in light gray packaging.   Regular is limited to 35,000 mintage, comes in blue packaging.   I apologize for less than perfect pictures in not ideal lighting conditions; I am not taking the plastic wrapping off in order to maintain the authenticity seal at the back of the packaging.   Enjoy! 
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Just came in 20 minutes ago via Purolator Courier.  Royal Canadian Mint's 2022 The Majestic Polar Bear 1/10 oz 99.99% gold premium bullion, First Strikes, limited mintage of 1,000.  Face value of $5.  Sorry for the picture quality, I'm not looking to remove the plastic wrapping over the assay card.  So picture quality will be a bit blurry unfortunately.   Enjoy!

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2022 Majestic Polar Bear, 1 oz 99.99% pure silver.  First Strikes limited to 5,000 mintage, comes in light gray packaging.   Regular is limited to 35,000 mintage, comes in blue packaging.   I apologize for less than perfect pictures in not ideal lighting conditions; I am not taking the plastic wrapping off in order to maintain the authenticity seal at the back of the packaging.   Enjoy! 
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For me, stacking gold is more suitable in jewellery shape. So, my main gold stack is in pre-owned carat gold, from 9ct up to 22ct. I am buying every month some, mostly at spot price. Very easy to travel, sell, buy everywhere around the Europe without too many questions at borders. Also, I consider them a kind of fractional gold. If necessary, I can sell at any pawn shop in any country a ring or a light chain to fill my fuel tank.😁
Of course, I am accumulating as well sovereigns and gold francs, easy to sell everywhere in minutes for the right price.

The gold that you should stack should be the coin (or bar) that is most popular in your country.   As a Canadian, I stack gold maple leaf.  An American would stack the American gold eagle or the Buffalo.  And for you Brits over there, the Sovereign and/or Britannia.  The reason you want to stack popular gold coins in your home country is because it will be easier for you to liquidate for a higher price when you need to convert gold to fiat.   But having said that, stacking the major gold bullion from Canada, USA, UK, Australia, Austria, South Africa...you can't really go wrong as they all have international appeal.  
IMHO...if money is a factor, save up for the 1/10 oz size.  Buy on a regular basis to take advantage of dollar cost averaging.   You can never time the market (price) perfectly, so don't worry about price fluctuations.  If you are consistent in your buying, the average cost will correct itself in the long run.  What's important is to define your gold stacking goal and stick with it for the long run.  Your future self will thank you.  My 2 cents.

The gold that you should stack should be the coin (or bar) that is most popular in your country.   As a Canadian, I stack gold maple leaf.  An American would stack the American gold eagle or the Buffalo.  And for you Brits over there, the Sovereign and/or Britannia.  The reason you want to stack popular gold coins in your home country is because it will be easier for you to liquidate for a higher price when you need to convert gold to fiat.   But having said that, stacking the major gold bullion from Canada, USA, UK, Australia, Austria, South Africa...you can't really go wrong as they all have international appeal.  
IMHO...if money is a factor, save up for the 1/10 oz size.  Buy on a regular basis to take advantage of dollar cost averaging.   You can never time the market (price) perfectly, so don't worry about price fluctuations.  If you are consistent in your buying, the average cost will correct itself in the long run.  What's important is to define your gold stacking goal and stick with it for the long run.  Your future self will thank you.  My 2 cents.

The gold that you should stack should be the coin (or bar) that is most popular in your country.   As a Canadian, I stack gold maple leaf.  An American would stack the American gold eagle or the Buffalo.  And for you Brits over there, the Sovereign and/or Britannia.  The reason you want to stack popular gold coins in your home country is because it will be easier for you to liquidate for a higher price when you need to convert gold to fiat.   But having said that, stacking the major gold bullion from Canada, USA, UK, Australia, Austria, South Africa...you can't really go wrong as they all have international appeal.  
IMHO...if money is a factor, save up for the 1/10 oz size.  Buy on a regular basis to take advantage of dollar cost averaging.   You can never time the market (price) perfectly, so don't worry about price fluctuations.  If you are consistent in your buying, the average cost will correct itself in the long run.  What's important is to define your gold stacking goal and stick with it for the long run.  Your future self will thank you.  My 2 cents.

The gold that you should stack should be the coin (or bar) that is most popular in your country.   As a Canadian, I stack gold maple leaf.  An American would stack the American gold eagle or the Buffalo.  And for you Brits over there, the Sovereign and/or Britannia.  The reason you want to stack popular gold coins in your home country is because it will be easier for you to liquidate for a higher price when you need to convert gold to fiat.   But having said that, stacking the major gold bullion from Canada, USA, UK, Australia, Austria, South Africa...you can't really go wrong as they all have international appeal.  
IMHO...if money is a factor, save up for the 1/10 oz size.  Buy on a regular basis to take advantage of dollar cost averaging.   You can never time the market (price) perfectly, so don't worry about price fluctuations.  If you are consistent in your buying, the average cost will correct itself in the long run.  What's important is to define your gold stacking goal and stick with it for the long run.  Your future self will thank you.  My 2 cents.