). Always use a cross reference to verify.
Posted 08/18/2010 03:14 am
I depends on how you measure the thickness: 1)at the edge, where in most cases that is the thickest point, or 2)the minimum thickness which would be between two flat points in the field on corresponding sides of the coin.
The problem with the second alternative is that it would have to be measured with a micrometer screw gauge, and the metal jaws if the instrument would almost certainly damage the coin.
There is a third alternative and that would be with a density calculation. This would be to find the published diameter and mass of the coin. The density of the coin is rather hard to calculate, because most coins are alloyed.
You have to know the proportions by mass of the metals which make up the alloy, and the density of the pure metals which make up the alloy. The 'weighted' density of the coin can be calculated with this information.
Density equals mass divided by volume, in this case solve for volume, and then calculate the AVERAGE thickness of the coin. I have done these calculations and rarely; it may be useful in detecting a fake coin. Besides, you might have a warm fuzzy feeling inside after you have successfully calculated the thickness of your coin.
For the most part however, it can be an exercise to maintain your arithmetical ability, or more likely, just an exercise in futility!
The problem with the second alternative is that it would have to be measured with a micrometer screw gauge, and the metal jaws if the instrument would almost certainly damage the coin.
There is a third alternative and that would be with a density calculation. This would be to find the published diameter and mass of the coin. The density of the coin is rather hard to calculate, because most coins are alloyed.
You have to know the proportions by mass of the metals which make up the alloy, and the density of the pure metals which make up the alloy. The 'weighted' density of the coin can be calculated with this information.
Density equals mass divided by volume, in this case solve for volume, and then calculate the AVERAGE thickness of the coin. I have done these calculations and rarely; it may be useful in detecting a fake coin. Besides, you might have a warm fuzzy feeling inside after you have successfully calculated the thickness of your coin.
For the most part however, it can be an exercise to maintain your arithmetical ability, or more likely, just an exercise in futility!
