Posted 07/06/2014 8:28 pm
The ring tone of ANY coin is dependent on MANY factors.
The only thing that you can be guaranteed of is that coins of the same design and alloy should ring with EXACTLY the same pitch.
The factors that affect pitch include
- coin thickness
- coin diameter
- alloy
Generally speaking, the denser the alloy, the deeper the pitch with of coins of the same thickness and diameter. However, the pitch of coins of the same alloy but different diameter and / or thickness will have different ring sounds.
This applies mainly to modern struck coins.
Ancient and cast coins (these are often fakes) have usually have no ring sound or at least very dull.
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The comparative ring tone test is a very reliable test that is useful in detecting fake coins, but it should not be used as the ONLY test. This test can be a trifle cumbersome, but with a little developed skill, is very easily carried out.
METHOD:
Set a small pillow or other soft surface under your hands. Balance the 'fake' on the tip pf your finger. Gently tap the edge of the coin with any other coin, and listen for pitch tone. Do the same with the known genuine coin and also listen carefully.
If the pitch sounds to be exactly the same, there is an excellent chance that the 'fake' coin is genuine; if the pitch is different, the 'fake' coin is almost certainly confirmed as fake.
The reason for the pillow is that the coin could easily fall off your finger and it needs a soft landing to avoid rim damage.
To avoid finger prints on mirror proof coins, use gloves.
The only thing that you can be guaranteed of is that coins of the same design and alloy should ring with EXACTLY the same pitch.
The factors that affect pitch include
- coin thickness
- coin diameter
- alloy
Generally speaking, the denser the alloy, the deeper the pitch with of coins of the same thickness and diameter. However, the pitch of coins of the same alloy but different diameter and / or thickness will have different ring sounds.
This applies mainly to modern struck coins.
Ancient and cast coins (these are often fakes) have usually have no ring sound or at least very dull.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The comparative ring tone test is a very reliable test that is useful in detecting fake coins, but it should not be used as the ONLY test. This test can be a trifle cumbersome, but with a little developed skill, is very easily carried out.
METHOD:
Set a small pillow or other soft surface under your hands. Balance the 'fake' on the tip pf your finger. Gently tap the edge of the coin with any other coin, and listen for pitch tone. Do the same with the known genuine coin and also listen carefully.
If the pitch sounds to be exactly the same, there is an excellent chance that the 'fake' coin is genuine; if the pitch is different, the 'fake' coin is almost certainly confirmed as fake.
The reason for the pillow is that the coin could easily fall off your finger and it needs a soft landing to avoid rim damage.
To avoid finger prints on mirror proof coins, use gloves.
