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 Replies: 26 / Views: 6,332 |
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New Member
United States
9 Posts |
I am a coin cutter living in Brooklyn, and I have a question. Though I have been doing this for 20+ years, I come across new coins to cut all of the time. Recently, I was asked to cut a coin for a friend. It was a 2010 DRofC, 10 franc coin featuring a sloth. It was fun to cut, and came out great (see pic). My question is based on the fact that these are sold a "silver" coins, and some sites and ebay sellers go as far as to specify them as .925, sterling. Although the cut turned out great, I couldn't help notice that the inside on the coin was bright yellow, while the outside appeared to be a convincing solid sterling. I checked out the scraps that I cut away from the coin, and it is certainly yellow on the inside, white silver on the outside. And it's weighty. It feels like silver. Is there a chance this is a scam? Counterfeit? Plated? Are there some exceptions to sterling always appearing solidly silver in color? Best yet, does anybody have any solid info on this particular coin? Any help would be greatly appreciated.  |
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Valued Member
United States
337 Posts |
It probably should be called a round, since it has no authorizing country. Is it stamped 0.925 or Sterling silver on the other side or the rim? Unfortunately, even if it is plated and sold as such, resellers could sell it as Sterling.
Gold metal is suspicious. Check the density for an answer, but I doubt it is Sterling..
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New Member
 United States
9 Posts |
This is a 10 franc from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This does not imply an 'authorizing country'?
Pardon my ignorance, I just don't know what that means.
Also, it is def. not magnetic.
Thanks for your reply.
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Valued Member
Canada
453 Posts |
 , lazycat! 10 Francs, Democratic Republic of Congo. From endangered wildlife series. I'm unable to find an official source of specifications for this coin. I see some ads stating .925 and some stating silver plated.  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
726 Posts |
because yu cut it and can see inside....I think we are seeing fraud (plated),,,lousey,,no good...
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New Member
United States
9 Posts |
If some are advertising it as plated, then I would imagine it's true, yes? If any info on it is conveniently vague, then many sellers would list as sterling, but not vice versa.
Bummer. Just bought another one before I realized the scam.
But, thanks!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1314 Posts |
Can't answer your question, but WOW, great cutting. Thanks for sharing.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
3167 Posts |
Edited by noahs-numismatics
03/25/2014 7:04 pm
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New Member
United States
9 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
This coin isn't listed yet in the Krause catalog but checking the other Democratic Republic of Congo 10 Francs coins shows that they are all made of silver plated copper. The last actual silver 10 Francs pieces were made in 2006. They've been silver plated copper since 2008.
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New Member
United States
9 Posts |
Well, they sure aren't excited to admit it. Fooled me twice. Shame on me.
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
9864 Posts |
Silver or not it still makes an impressive cut coin.
Thanks for sharing!
"Dipping" is not considered cleaning...
-from PCGS website
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Valued Member
Canada
453 Posts |
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Valued Member
Canada
95 Posts |
Trying to cut a Canadian quarter myself right now, and I know that it will never look that good.
Quite an amazing job you did.
Still trying to buy the right tools.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
A sloth with a long tail ? Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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New Member
United States
9 Posts |
52Raymo - I was raised in Corvallis. It's where I learned to cut coins. Funny.
cderksen - If you need any tips or tool suggestions, let me know. I use a Swiss, fixed frame saw, with an adjustable German saw on hand, just in case. German or Swiss anything is good. Especially when it comes to blades.
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Replies: 26 / Views: 6,332 |
Posted 03/25/2014 6:45 pm
