Hey everyone ive got a 1859 coinn here that ive taken some pics off. very different look from the 1901 version I have here. The 1859 I have weighs at 3.8? I'm guessing due to loss of metal, however does it look any different from any other copper version to your professionals?
An 1859 should weigh 4.54 g and they were 1/3 thinner than all cents from 1876 and later. It should have a diameter of 2.54 centimeters. When they made them, 100 would weigh exactly 1 pound and 12 strung together was a foot. Your coin does not look like an inch in diameter. The 1901 & '59 should be the same diameter and yours doesn't look like it. Brass or bronze, the dia was 2.54 cm and your weight is way off. Your coin has been in contact with a cleaning agent that has turned it yellowish. If you think it's brass, you will need an XRF, but I wouldn't spend much money to check it .... too many red flags.
So, what are your thoughts as to what could have caused the reduction in weight? Also what gives with the thickness? It doesn't appear top have lost any detailing to make me believe it's been ground down over .5g.
The 1858 & '59 large cents were 1/3 thinner then the British half-pennies that they were intended to be compared to. They were the same diameter as the half-pennies, so they were struck on the same mint presses in London, but made of 95/4/1 bronze rather than the pure copper of the half-pennies. When Canadian cents were next struck, in 1876, the Canadian cents were exactly the same dimensions as the half-penny, again struck in London or Heaton. As far as the weight, I'd say that it's your scale that's wrong.
its a digital scale so it zeros everytime I turn it on. So we all agree this isn't a brass one? lol. We can all wish. I will eventually get it tested so I know for sure.
Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2021 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited. Contact Us | Advertise Here | Privacy Policy / Terms of Use