Coin Weight And Point Of Concern - Coin Community Forum

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Author	Replies: 4 / Views: 1,239
rustyboy Valued Member United States 278 Posts	Posted 06/22/2009 6:47 pm After reading the amazing piece compiled about the counterfeit Trade dollar, I have began to wonder. My craigslist "I buy coins" ad has turned up a few hits that have been worthwhile, mostly not. What got me thinking is counterfeit gold. Gold being so heavy relative to size, its probably goofy to really get too concerned. However, what if I find a $10 Eagle that weighs 16.70g instead of 16.72g, or even 16.50g? I know experience plays a big part in determining authenticity, but because of gold's unique high density, can I ever over emphasize the weight aspect? Just a thought. Report this Post to the Staff

BH1964 Bedrock of the Community United States 10982 Posts	Posted 06/23/2009 03:04 am The weights you've mentioned would not be suspect on a $10 Eagle. Much under 16.50g would be a concern for me unless the coin was heavily worn (under VF). There's a company that makes a neat little plastic tool to verify gold coinage. It checks diameter, thickness, and weight using a fulcrum with a disc cut out for the diameter and a slot for thickness. I can't recall their name but I just use a scale, caliper & common sense. ANA #R3154474 Report this Post to the Staff
biokemist6 Bedrock of the Community United States 12437 Posts	Posted 06/23/2009 11:44 am Only a handful of elements approach the density of gold and they are either uncommon or quite expensive(or both). If a gold coin is of proper size, it should weigh close to spec if gold but if it is not gold, the weight will not be close at all. Incidentally, gold coin forgeries were once made with platinum which is actually a bit denser than gold. Until the latter part of the 1800s, gold was considerably more valuable than platinum so that was the substitute metal of choice. Report this Post to the Staff
jbuck Moderator United States 187862 Posts	Posted 06/23/2009 11:59 am A contemporary fake gold coin made from platinum would be an interesting conversation piece. Coin Collector Since 1978 Avatar Old Avatar 7070 Eisenhower Australia Canada World CCF Members on eBay CCF eBay Search Engine Report this Post to the Staff
johnny54321 Rest in Peace United States 4849 Posts	Posted 06/23/2009 5:59 pm I have heard too that the "platinum" gold fake coins are fairly rare, and are often more valuable numismatically than the authentic ones. Report this Post to the Staff
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