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 Replies: 22 / Views: 8,081 |
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New Member
United States
3 Posts |
Hello Everyone! I am new to collecting coins and I really appreciate the help here! I recently was going through some coins and came across a 1965 Kennedy half dollar Coin. The weird part is that I'm very confident it is 90% silver and not 40%. (I have a couple 1964 in 90% to compare it to, as well as a 1968 that is 40%) What's the best way to prove something like this and has anyone heard of it before? Maybe it's not that big of a deal, but I haven't found anything stating there are any. Thanks again for the feedback. I am new, so go easy on me... haha Jared |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3463 Posts |
 Weigh it. How much does it weigh? A 40% Silver half should weigh 11.5 grams. If it is 90% Silver, it will weigh 12.5 grams. Edited by cwb
06/11/2015 9:49 pm
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New Member
 United States
3 Posts |
I don't have a scale, but I will get to one and see. Had no idea what they should weigh, so that helps a lot!
Thanks CWB!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6478 Posts |
We have a lot of experts on hand to help with all questions asked. I started out here in the error section too and now know a lot about errors. Stick around and you will learn a whole lot! And we need weight and pics. |
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Moderator
 United States
14463 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4963 Posts |
If it's actually 90%, then yes, this is a big deal. I don't know how new you are to numismatics, but have you ever heard of the 1943 copper cent? As they were supposed to be struck in steel, some were erroneously struck on bronze planchets (blanks) from the year before, resulting in a very famous transitional error of which there are only a dozen or two known. If this turns out to be 90%, it would also be considered a transitional error.
Just one question- what makes you think it is 90%?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4963 Posts |
Even if it is only 40%, still a decent find with a couple dollars worth of silver in it.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
To weigh it,
take it to the local pharmacy. They may be able to help you.
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2376 Posts |
Do not shine it to make it pass the tissue test! Cleaning or shining a coin is a big mistake that can severally affect it's value! |
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Or take it to local coin shop for weight. I hope it's 90%.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
62064 Posts |
The edges of the 40% silver ones do not show copper. tissue test would only tell if it is a 40% one. If toned, then that test wouldn't work.  74 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3463 Posts |
You could use a popsicle stick as a balance scale. Use a known 90% Silver half on the other side.
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Valued Member
United States
51 Posts |
CWB. Thats some McGuyver testing skills right there
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2376 Posts |
I have seen that very thing, hot glued together to test 1982 cents and for that dream 83 cent , to see which ones are copper and which zincoln.
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
 Yes it works very well. and doesn't cost anything. |
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Replies: 22 / Views: 8,081 |
Posted 06/11/2015 9:55 pm
