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 Replies: 49 / Views: 5,334 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3535 Posts |
Hey, Just posting a pic of one of my IRRADIATED dimes from The American Museum of Atomic Energy. My dad collected all the different years and capsule types. I have 23 of them. I always thought, couldn't they have used "nicer" quality dimes?    |
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
24994 Posts |
Tacc, very cool! Could you tell us more about the history of these coins? And do they glow in the dark?
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
Edited by HondoB
02/16/2023 12:47 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3535 Posts |
This one doesn't glow, anymore! I remember testing that in the early 70's. This was done at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee. The dimes where exposed to a mixture of radioactive antimony and beryllium Gamma Rays in the "dime irradiator." Each dime was tested with a Geiger counter and then encapsulated. Very minute amounts of radiation ever remained on the dimes for very long. More info here: https://www.orau.org/health-physics...ow%20right). |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4588 Posts |
The half-life of the irradiated atoms is minutes, Quote:
The half lives for 110Ag and 108Ag are 24.6 seconds and 2.42 minutes, respectively. The basic decay processes are n → p + e- + ν° plus a delayed γ, the two silver isotopes decay to the stable elements 110Cd and 108Cd. https://sciencedemonstrations.fas.h...ation-silverJust long enough for the Geiger counter to click when you irradiated your dime. And there aren't enough Cadmium atoms for even an XRF gun to pick up. A lot of people have one or two, collecting a set is rare and impressive. When you get a chance, we want pictures!!!!! -----Burton 50+ year / Life / Emeritus ANA member (joined 12/1/1973) Life member: Numismatics International, CONECA Member: TNA, FtWCC, NETCC, EveryCountry (online) coin club Owned by three cats and a wife of 40+ years (joined 1983) Author: 3rd Edition of the Sample Slabs book, https://www.sampleslabs.info/ |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
24994 Posts |
Tacc, I was absolutely unfamiliar with these dimes, so thank you for educating me (and probably many others) about this fascinating topic. Tacc said: Quote:
This one doesn't glow, anymore! I remember testing that in the early 70's. After my gastric emptying test, I hoped for a least a bit of glow, but no luck!  Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
Very nice!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5823 Posts |
Good idea to start a new collectible area, some collect by year, and few dates are more difficult to assemble.
These are still affordable and available.
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Moderator
United States
94943 Posts |
wow, very cool! I didn't know that was even a thing.
The only thing I have that has been Irradiated is ME! (May 1986)
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3535 Posts |
I had a nice Ceasar Salad for dinner, and the lettuce had been irradiated. Tasted pretty good.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12815 Posts |
These are really cool, Taac, thanks for sharing. And if I haven't said it in another topic:  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
24994 Posts |
Tacc, you really piqued my curiosity. Just picked this one up for a very reasonable price on the bay. And yes, after looking at many offerings it seems that they didn't necessarily pick out the finest dimes to zap.  Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Duh, why is the reverse blank on the OP's coin?
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
24994 Posts |
These irradiated dimes are encased in a holder.
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3535 Posts |
Correct Hondo. OH man I don't have a  1940 Mercury Irradiated. Edited by Tacc
02/17/2023 11:22 am
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Moderator
United States
94943 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3535 Posts |
I just posted one of my 1946's on ebay.... |
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Replies: 49 / Views: 5,334 |
Posted 02/16/2023 1:05 pm
