A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,199
I would be concerned about screener theft - too many sticky fingers around. Besides that, they could scream for the police and get them involved.
Technically, you are free to move as much money as you want through the airport. If traveling outside the country, Customs requires you to declare anything over 10k, but that does NOT mean taking or bringing cash or equivalents over 10k is illegal, contrary to some of the ridiculous comments posted by screeners in this forum. You just need to file a form (on the way out), or check your customs declaration on the way in.
Unfortunately, asset forfeiture laws are used by cops to confiscate pretty much anything they want - forcing you to prove the valuable belongs to you and was not acquired through, or involved in an illegal transaction. If the screeners call over the cops, you're now at their mercy if they decide to confiscate the gold.
It would help to know which airport you're flying from, as that would help color the risk level.