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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Verifying gold content in coin

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Expert: - 11/3/2008


Question
Dan-
How does a dealer/ expert validate that certain apparent gold coin, like the modern bullion strikes, St Gaudens or Centenarios actually have the correct gold content and are not lead plated replicas etc. Are there tests that don't damage the coins to verify content, such as specific gravity etc.?

Answer
TJ,

Usually counterfeits will be slightly off weight.  Most dealers don't go beyond a visual inspection (for size & design) and checking the weight to determine if a gold coin is counterfeit.

Specific gracity is a non-destructive test that could be done, but it's nearly impossible to do that at a coin show.

There are also chemical tests that can be done, but again not usually at a coin show.

If the coin looks like the genuine design, and is the right size and weight, and generally looks right, that is about all that is usually done for checking gold coins.

If it is a really rare item, it may be conditionally submitted to a certification service before purchase.

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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