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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,606 |
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Valued Member
United States
201 Posts |
Can you use regular drinking water for the gravity test
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Valued Member
United States
117 Posts |
I am assuming you are asking a question about determining the specific density of a coin? If it is a coin that matters, I would only use distilled water to perform the test. Also you will need a beaker that has a milliters measure to the 100ths. Most measuring cups will leaving you guessing. I have used this method for rocks, it will be harder to perform on a small coin. Also if you are trying to use it to test against a counterfeit coin, it could be made of material that is close to the specific gravity of the coin it is proposed to be.
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Valued Member
 United States
201 Posts |
Ok I'm very new to this so I think I'll just hang on to it it's the s 1971 d Kennedy half dollar just seems different from all the others and feels a little heavier
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3668 Posts |
Here's a link to a post I did about specific gravity tests. The test measures relative values, rather than absolute values. While distilled water is preferred, it is not essential. I suspect that you are trying to distinguish between a silver clad half dollar (specific gravity 9.53) and CNC half dollar (specific gravity 8.92). The differences are large enough that ordinary tap water would not affect the relative numbers. Running the specific gravity test two or three times and averaging the results should provide enough consistency.
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Valued Member
United States
117 Posts |
$10 and you can have a gram scale delivered to your door that weighs to the 1/100th of a gram. Amazon.com Your Kennedy should weigh 11.3 grams which is close to the weight of 2 State Quarters.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
Before going to a specific gravity test, there are other more simple tests that can be applied first:
1. Weight (by itself), 2. Comparative ping tone test, 3. Post pictures here in the CCF, for opinions, 4. Ask a coin dealer. 5. Examine surface metal texture, style, fabric, XRF, check data bases for fakes, specific gravity test. (4. and 5. mainly for ancient coins.)
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Quote:You can also try the tissue test. Isn't that just for 90% Silver ? 
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
Not sure. I would think it would look different than a 90% silver and different on a clad nickel. John1 
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,606 |
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