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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,400 |
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New Member
United States
38 Posts |
Hi guys, How would you determine if a silver round/bar/coin is fake or not? Is there a way to test the item to make sure it's 99.9% silver? This is more for buying off ebay. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
There is no way to determine strictly by pictures whether bullion is genuine or not, it would require physical testing. If you are unsure, save yourself the potential pain and do not bid on the item.
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New Member
 United States
38 Posts |
How would one physically test?
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New Member
United States
48 Posts |
Specific gravity is a good way of testing a bar or ingot. Every element has a unique specific gravity. Google it for instructions. Gold is tough because tungsten has a specific gravity very close to gold's. That's why people joke (sometimes) that fort knox is full of gold plated tungsten.
For coins, get a gram scale and a set of calipers. If diameter, thickness and weight all match specs, it's the real thing. You can usually fake 2 of the three, but not all 3.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
Weight, Specific Gravity, and the tissue test. Of course, there are also destructive acid tests, typically used on jewelry and flatware without a hallmark, but that would not be recommended for anything other than a plain generic bar/round/slug. |
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New Member
United States
38 Posts |
Will try the tissue test as soon as I get the coin. Is there any recommended way to clean tarnished coins? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1510 Posts |
you dont clean coins
Retired USAF 1983-2003
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Pillar of the Community
United States
667 Posts |
Normally you don't want to clean coins. Though I don't see any harm on regular bullion silver. since I don't clean them I really can't tell you what top use.
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New Member
United States
38 Posts |
Hahaha. Thanks guys. It sounds like a serious faux pas in the coin community. I guess I meant bullion - but will leave it be. Waiting for my online purchase to come!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
667 Posts |
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,400 |
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Posted 08/11/2011 11:49 am
