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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,233 |
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Valued Member
United States
113 Posts |
I know a "drop test" is used test silver coins. But, while going through a bunch of nickels, I noticed a difference. Being the same composition and dimensions, why do older (- 1970) coins (nickels to be specific) tend to sound duller than more modern (2000) nickels which produce a "ring"? Can slight toning case a difference? Edited by cmdrstp
11/10/2009 8:33 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
Not really sure why there would be a difference, the five cent nickel composition goes back to 1866 and was only changed 1942-45.
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Valued Member
 United States
113 Posts |
I think I found the reason. Any shape deviation of the rim might dampen the resonance. Thus, older coins are more prone to have some wear or damage done to the rim. When looking at the side, some exhibit a good amount of deviation in thickness. If I could ever remove a post! How embarrassing!
Edited by cmdrstp
11/10/2009 11:18 pm
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Moderator
 Australia
16827 Posts |
Toning doesn't change the "ring" - church bells still sound much the same, whether brand new or with centuries of patina on them.
Given that the size, weight and composition have not changed, the only thing I can think of that might change the pitch is the shape. I don't have my US 5 cent collection in front of me, but I seem to recall that the older coins have a much deeper strike, with higher relief and a higher rim.
Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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Valued Member
United States
113 Posts |
Bingo, Sap. I finally noticed the higher rim and relief. I feel stupid! lol.
Edited by cmdrstp
11/10/2009 11:21 pm
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Valued Member
United States
303 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2520 Posts |
Quote:Doesn't the Shield nickel make a dud noise? I don't make a habit of dropping my Shield nickels (or any coins) onto hard surfaces to determine a "ring" or "Dud". But a Shield could very likely have a different tone than other nickels (when dropped on a hard surface) due to it being slightly thicker. Edited by ratman4762
11/11/2009 01:32 am
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Valued Member
United States
303 Posts |
I have a 1940 Canadian nickel made out of 99.9% nickel and it makes a dud noise. It is in XF condition. The Shield nickels are in poor condition with corrosion or pitting, but makes the same dud noise. They are the same diameter and the same thickness. The thickness is smaller than a Liberty nickel or Jefferson nickel. But the diameter is smaller. I have always thought a Shield nickel had more nickel than the known 1:3 ratio of nickel to copper... but I always had stuck to the fact since it is accepted by the coin collecting community. Edited by hc8604
11/11/2009 4:23 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3294 Posts |
Density is very similar between nickel and copper. Something like 1%, so you probably would not be able to determine actual composition that way. I wonder if you could measure a difference in electrical resistance? Seems possible, but most people probably would not have the equipment.
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Valued Member
United States
303 Posts |
If you drop a 99.9% nickel coin vs. a 100% copper Half Cent (don't worry! only dropped about a CM) nickel does not make a ding sound and copper does. But then again, the size comparison is very different and the noise from the copper is more profound than a 95% Lincoln Cent from 1960s, but it still makes a ding than a dud. |
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,233 |
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Posted 11/10/2009 11:08 pm
