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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,675 |
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Valued Member
United States
113 Posts |
What is the typical weight loss from circulated coins? For example, I have several circulated condition Morgans (VF-20 average grade in my novice opinion) and I know they are supposed to weigh 26.73g.
1878 - 26.44g
1881 - 26.45g
1883 - 26.61g
1883 - 26.66g
1883 - 26.50g
1889 - 26.37g
1899 - 26.72g
When I weigh recent, modern coins (same condition of minimal wear) I typically get within +/- 0.03g (Dimes) AND +/- 0.05g (Quarters). It seems the larger the coin gets, the larger the degree of discrepancy.
The scale I have is consistent when reweighing the same coin. It's AMW-100 pocket scale (0.01g).
Are these weight variances normal or is this scale just too cheap? At what weight discrepancy would you consider a coin suspect?
Thank you.
Stephen
Edited by cmdrstp
12/10/2009 12:07 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
Quote:
Are these weight variances normal... Very normal. Well worn Morgans in G or VG can easily drop under 26g. Morgan planchets can be up to 2% under weight (26.2g) from the get go. I've weighed Morgans in G04 at 25.6 grams. |
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Valued Member
 United States
113 Posts |
Thank you, Bherring1964.
So, I guess going just by weight is limited in evaluating autheticity of circulated coins?
Is it normal to have a few "flyers" in modern coins as well?
Edited by cmdrstp
12/10/2009 12:19 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
968 Posts |
I wouldn't say it is overly limited. For one thing, if the coin is over weight then you know something is up. Also, the counterfeit may be noticeably underweight (i.e. off by several grams). While I'm no expert on counterfeits, I'd assume a lot of them would try to mimic the higher grades, and the higher the grade the closer to its original weight an authentic coin should be.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:
Morgan planchets can be up to 2% under weight (26.2g) from the get go. No not that much. The mint specs were 26.73 grams +/- .1 grams |
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Valued Member
United States
113 Posts |
Thank you about the Morgans!
I just figured some coins just show some slight variances in weight. I just wanted to make sure my variances were within normal limits.
Also, on newer coins, I figure a few "flyers" in weight is to be expected. How do you make hundreds of millions and yet keep them all within +/- 0.01g consistency?!
Again, thank you for taking your time to explain. I really appreciate it.
Stephen
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
Interesting. I don't have a scale yet, better put one on the list. Have you checked the weight of Merc's I have always thought some of the really slick merc's have to be very much under weight.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
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No not that much. The mint specs were 26.73 grams +/- .1 grams You are correct. My bad. I was thinking back to some tolerances on copper. The mint did attempt to hold +/- 0.1 grams which is amazing when you think of 1880's Carson City with no electricity! |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I wonder how much weight dirt adds to some coins. I've seen many coins that look like they've gained almost double in dirt and/or whatever that stuff might be. And to government statistics on coin weights, I'd assume that is as accurate as where our taxes are spent.
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Valued Member
United States
113 Posts |
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,675 |
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Posted 12/10/2009 12:17 am
