How to determine the authenticity of silver coins: proven methods from numismatists
The history of counterfeit coins goes back to the time when the first money was made and put into circulation. Throughout the centuries, there have been people who wanted to quickly get rich at the expense of the state.
Fake Roman denarii with silver plating
The first evidence of the discovery of the very fact of counterfeiting comes from the Greek island of Aegina. It was there that a copy of a silver coin from the 6th century BC was discovered. It was made of copper, but on top it was covered with a layer of silver for similarity. It is worth noting that it was made of quite high quality.
Where do counterfeit coins come from?
Today, few people undertake to counterfeit modern everyday coins due to their modest denomination and the need to produce a large batch. A much more “profitable” business is working with collectibles.
After all, prices for some coins reach numbers with six zeros. As one famous British economist John Maynard Keynes said: “Demand creates supply,” unfortunately, this idea was quickly picked up by counterfeiters. For example, in our market it is quite easy to find counterfeit coins of Tsarist Russia.
It is worth noting that they are developing very quickly in this area. Previously, fakes were created using molds into which molten metal was cast. It was relatively easy to distinguish.
Counterfeit coin mold
You just had to look closely at the small details inherent in the original coin; on the fake they were more rounded and fuzzy.
There could also be small air bubbles on a smooth field. They are practically impossible to remove, even after careful polishing.
Another popular method for making counterfeit money is minting. To do this, an original coin was taken and stamps were made from it.
Press for making counterfeit coins
Further, almost factory technology was followed. The quality of the resulting product depended only on the skill of the person.
You can also read our article: Classification of the condition of coins in numismatics, deciphering abbreviations
How to recognize a fake
As you already understand, fakes can differ radically from each other. They can be either thoroughly worked out or quickly made in the nearest garages, to put it simply. It all depends on the appropriateness of the approach. For example, no one will try very hard to make an ordinary silver fifty-kopeck piece from 1924.
In order to be completely confident in the silver coin in the collection, you need to resort to one of the methods described below.
Cheap counterfeit rubles of Tsarist Russia
Some of them will only give approximate data, but if in doubt, do not stop and move on to the next item on the list.
Sound when falling
Another interesting way to determine the authenticity of a product is to check it by sound. To do this, you don’t have to have an ear for music; the difference is easily perceptible even to an ordinary person. To check, you need to hit the coin with some metal with a little force.
Silver
If you hear a continuous ringing, then it is silver. Cheap fakes will most often produce a dull sound. Unfortunately, the method does not allow one to accurately determine the authenticity, since in the manufacture of expensive counterfeits, precious metal is also used as a base.
Exact weight
Checking the exact weight will quickly put everything in its place regarding its originality.
Electronic scales are best for this process as they are highly accurate. Deviations within just 0.5 grams from the original weight are allowed.
Coin on electronic scales
Initial data can be easily found in numismatic catalogs or the Internet. At the moment, scammers are trying to comply with this indicator by changing other parameters, such as thickness or diameter.
Chemical reactions with silver
In order to check the silver content in a coin at home, there are several ways:
Iodine
The most affordable verification option, since it can be quickly found in any home. For the test, you need to carefully drop it on a coin and wait a little.
Vial of iodine
If a dark spot appears, then the alloy contains silver. The darker it is, the greater its sample. The disadvantages include the difficulty of getting rid of this very stain, in case of authenticity.
lapis pencil
It can be purchased at the pharmacy, as it is used in the removal of warts and other skin diseases. Numismatists have known about it for a long time; to check it, they need to run it over the product.
lapis pencil
Silver will allow you to quickly erase the mark, and return to the original appearance; on a fake, the line cannot be erased so quickly.
Sulfuric ointment
It is also used when carrying out patination of coins, that is, artificial obsolescence.
Sulfuric ointment
Apply a small area of the field and wait a few hours. If this area darkens, then there is silver in front of you.
Chalk
At first glance, this is a primitive method, but simpler does not always mean worse.
Chalk
Run the chalk over the coin, and if its edge turns gray, then you have precious metal in front of you.
Specialized reagent
The most correct method of verification is to use the means intended for this action. You can buy it at a hardware store for a very reasonable 100 rubles.
Reagents for testing silver samples
It will allow you to accurately predict the sample. All you need to do is follow the instructions.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more difficult for collectors to acquire truly worthwhile coins. Nobody wants to be deceived.
To ensure better reliability of the transaction, we recommend that you purchase items only from trusted sellers or at numismatic auctions where outright fakes will not be allowed to be displayed. Also, such auctions often have their own experts present who carefully monitor this.
100% METHOD for identifying counterfeit coins and copies. SERIES 1
Source: https://gdebaraholka.com.ua/blog/numizmatika/kak-otlichit-serebryanuyu-monetu-ot-poddelki/
How to determine technical silver at home
Not only jewelry, but also cutlery and interior items can be made from silver. There is also another type of precious metal - technical. It is widely used in industry and production process.
The quality of silver is determined by its breakdown. The sample indicates how much metal is contained in 1 kg of alloy. Thus, in the manufacture of jewelry, spoons and other utensils, silver of the 875, 916, 925 standard is used as a basis. The technical metal is very different - the standard is always 999, and the material itself is extremely plastic and bends easily.
Why know how to test technical silver?
They have learned to make fake silver so professionally that without certain knowledge it is difficult to distinguish it from a precious metal. To prevent a fraudster from profiting from the buyer’s gullibility, experts recommend checking the authenticity at home using improvised means, especially since everyone has them.
Of course, a visual assessment is carried out in a jewelry store or when concluding a transaction with a friend. However, do not forget that the surface layer may indeed be silver. But this does not mean that ordinary stainless steel is not hidden underneath.
Methods for determining silver in a store
What the jewelry is made of can be determined with an accuracy of up to 80% when purchasing the product. Squeeze the thing in your hand and wait for it to warm up. Precious metal always weighs a lot, aluminum, on the contrary, is as light as feathers. Therefore, if in front of you there is supposedly a silver spoon, but it weighs suspiciously little, then your fears are not in vain. Don't overpay for a fake.
Also inspect the product. If zinc is hidden inside, a noticeable dark coating will remain on your hands. Inspect the surface of the decoration inside. If a precious metal is present, it is always stamped with a breakdown. The stamp has clear boundaries and the numbers are clearly visible. The stamp with the hallmark is located clearly in the middle, the same distance is maintained from one and the other edge.
Household methods for determining technical silver
If you managed to bring the silver jewelry home, the following simple tests will help determine its authenticity:
- Magnet application, using a rare earth neodymium magnet piece. Silver is not supplied to the magnet. The same test is also suitable for identifying a silver bar. The ingot is held at an angle of 45 degrees, a magnetic piece is placed on top, making sure that it does not end up at the bottom. If the magnet is delayed, most likely the standard of the bar is not as stated, and it is not worth the money the seller is asking for.
- If you need to check the condition of the coins, take 1 ice cube and place it on the coin. See exactly how the ice melts. Silver is distinguished by high thermal conductivity. If the precious metal is of high standard, the ice piece will melt in just 3-5 seconds.
- If you have iodine on hand, apply it to the product carefully, preferably pointwise, so that it does not stain the item. Dark spots will appear on the original metal.
- Buy sulfur ointment at your nearest pharmacy. Then go over the test piece with sandpaper and apply a small amount of sulfur ointment to the area. Leave the product for 15 minutes. Next, evaluate the appearance of the treated area. If a stain is present, the jewelry is real. In other cases, the stain will not appear.
- Take a lapis pencil. Moisten the thing and leave a stroke with a pencil. If the mark turns a different color, this is a fake.
Simple methods for determining technical silver
Simplified options on how to independently determine technical silver can be read on the Internet:
- Rub the decoration thoroughly with a piece of chalk. If dark lines appear on the chalk from a silver-plated item, this means the item is made of precious metal.
- The definition of commercial silver includes the use of boiling water. The product is immersed in a glass of boiling water for only 2 seconds, and then taken out. Silver jewelry will instantly become hot, but fake jewelry will not.
- Scratch the decoration with a thin needle. Do not be afraid to damage the product; if it is made of silver, there will be no marks from the needle.
- You can simply rub the product with sandpaper. The top layer will be cleared, what is underneath will become clear immediately.
Source: https://SerebroExpert.ru/proby/kak-opredelit-tehnicheskoe-serebro-v-domashnih-usloviyah.html
How to test silver at home: 11 ways to determine authenticity | mk-soyuz.rf
Hello again, dear readers. Recently, there has been an increase in the popularity of silver jewelry, so I have prepared a short review on how to check silver for authenticity. There are many simple ways, each of which deserves attention. So, let's begin.
Methods for checking the quality and authenticity of silver at home
I’m willing to bet that in every home there will be not only an unidentified thing - an antique spoon or a candlestick that you want to recognize, but also the means to carry out the test immediately after reading the article, without leaving home.
Before carrying out tests, it is worth considering that there are fakes coated with a thin layer of noble metal. For accuracy, it is better to scratch the product a little to remove the top layer and conduct more than just a superficial analysis.
Sample and stamp
Products made from precious metals have been branded for a very long time. On an object, if it is made of a noble alloy, there will definitely be a corresponding stamp with a hallmark. The mark must be executed with high quality, legibly and clearly. But with the current level of technology, a sample can also turn out to be a fake.
Magnet
Silver and copper, which is usually used as the alloying component of the alloy, are diamagnetic. When such products are exposed to a magnet, they will not be attracted to it. To find out if the silver in front of you is real, simply hold it up to a magnet. If the item being tested is magnetic, it means there is no precious metal there.
Thermal conductivity
Silver holds the record among other metals for thermal conductivity. It can heat up and cool down almost instantly. This property allows you to check the metal for authenticity. Take the thing you are testing and, for comparison, put another metal object, for example a tablespoon, in hot water for a moment, take it out and touch it. The silver will have time to heat up, but the spoon will not.
You can, on the contrary, cool the objects and then pick them up. The noble alloy will immediately become warm.
Voice test
This method is good for determining the authenticity of coins. If you tap a silver coin with a metal object, the sound will be clear and clear. If the sound is dull, then the coin, alas, is ordinary. For this type of test, it is advisable to have a genuine item for comparison.
Iodine and chalk
When it comes into contact with iodine, a dark stain appears on the silver. It is almost impossible to get rid of it completely, so this method is applicable for ingots or products that are not a pity. Starch applied to the remaining trace will help to partially neutralize the effect of iodine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpHf6RpLlkI
When chalk comes into contact with genuine silver, it will itself acquire a grayish tint, while the metal will only become lighter. By the way, in the old days chalk was used to clean family silver from plaque.
Bleach
When in contact with chlorine, the noble metal will darken. Therefore, try not to conduct such experiments with a chain or earrings, but the inside of the ring can be carefully treated with a small drop of the product.
Vinegar
To test silver, use regular table vinegar. The liquid will not have any effect on the genuine metal, but the counterfeit will be covered with a white coating. To check, just place the item in liquid for a while.
Nitric acid
This testing method gives the most accurate result, but it is also advisable to choose a place where the remaining stain will be least noticeable. Carefully apply a little acid to the item.
The result obtained will allow you not only to check the silver, but also to understand what kind of alloy is in front of you: a brass or cupronickel silver object will become greenish, low-grade silver will darken, and samples of 925 sample and higher will become creamy at the site of exposure.
Physical impact
You can distinguish between fake and genuine jewelry without the use of chemicals. Counterfeits usually contain zinc impurities. If you turn such a thing in your hands for several minutes, a dirty residue will remain on your fingers. Pure silver will not leave any traces during such a test.
You can also check using a sewing needle. Run the tip across the metal surface without pressing. If it is a silver-plated fake, then the top layer is deformed. If the product is solid, then there will be no scratches.
How to determine technical silver
This metal is widely used in industry; it is used in the production of electrical equipment, batteries, radio components and much more. It can be either pure metal or all kinds of alloys. This kind of silver is called technical silver.
One of the above methods is suitable for checking. But most often, a solution of nitric acid and sodium bichromate in equal parts is used to test technical metal. An intense red tint to the liquid will indicate a high content of precious metal.
Checking old silver items
It is better to have antique silver checked by a specialist. An experienced jeweler, using a magnifying glass and hydrostatic weighing, will be able to accurately determine the authenticity of the metal without damaging the integrity of the object or exposing it to aggressive liquids.
How to tell if a spoon is silver or not
If searching for a sample turns up nothing, you can easily use one or more of the methods above to check the authenticity of the silver. For example, heat, vinegar or lapis pencil.
How to check in the store when purchasing
To check an item in a store, a magnet from home, as well as physical interaction, are perfect. Rub the product with your fingers for a couple of minutes under the pretext of a detailed examination of the proposed purchase.
You can even determine its authenticity by smell - silver has a fairly noticeable characteristic aroma. And a fake will most likely not smell like anything.
How to distinguish silver from cupronickel
Silver items must be hallmarked. If there is a mark with the letters MNC, then it is cupronickel. In addition, cupronickel quickly oxidizes in water, becoming covered with a greenish coating. To carry out a simple test, just leave the object in a container of water for a while.
Products made from these two alloys differ markedly in weight: silver is heavier. If you have something to compare with, you can simply weigh the object in your hand.
A lapis pencil moistened with water will leave a dark coating on the cupronickel at the point of contact. You can again use your sense of smell: cupronickel smells noticeably of copper, since it is contained in significant quantities in this alloy.
Your own jeweler: how to test silver at home - 5 accurate methods
Noble metal
Silver is a noble and highly sought-after metal in our area, which we constantly encounter in everyday life. Despite the fact that it is counterfeited less often than gold jewelry, the question of how to check silver for authenticity is still relevant. Below you will learn about the most effective methods for identifying counterfeits.
What you need to know about silver products
The first thing you need to know about real silver is that it is always hallmarked. A unique mark is placed on a silver product, and this is not always 925 standard. A similar figure is most often found in the CIS.
925 is not the only quality metal sample
In each country, there can be a sample from 800 to 999. To find out more precisely about the product you have on hand (especially if we are talking about an old and valuable item), you can always find out what a particular stamp means.
Samples vary - it all depends on the country of manufacture of the product
A master of his craft will always be able to distinguish real silver by its appearance:
- like some other noble metals, silver perfectly reflects light, which is why you can notice a strong shine on it;
- it has a peculiar silvery-white tint;
- If you don’t take care of silver for a long time and don’t clean it, it seems to be covered with a dull dark film and acquires a pinkish tint.
Not only a jeweler can verify the quality of the metal
By eye and touch
Are you unsure of the true value of your items or silverware? Then you should definitely check out the methods below to help you learn how to check the authenticity of silver at home. Despite their simplicity, they are very effective.
You can check the coin yourself
If you are careful, it is not particularly difficult to determine the authenticity of silver. Here are some simple options:
| Hue | It is quite easy to distinguish worn ordinary cupronickel dishes from silver ones. Under the slightly whitish top layer, metal of a different color begins to appear. For example, chrome will have a slight blue tint, nickel alloy will have a barely noticeable yellow tint. Silver will not lose its color, remaining white both outside and inside. |
| Temperature | You can determine the authenticity of an accessory with your own hands, just by touch. Since silver, like gold, is an excellent conductor of heat, it heats up very quickly and almost immediately takes on the temperature of your body. This method can hardly be called accurate, but people who are familiar with noble metals definitely know how to use it. |
| Weight | It is easy to distinguish silver from aluminum - just rely on their weight. The first material is much denser and, accordingly, heavier than ordinary aluminum. A silver product will be immediately felt in your hand. |
| Raid | If the product is made of zinc, it will definitely leave a subtle residue on your hand (if you hold it for a long time). This, of course, does not happen with silver. |
A silver spoon will quickly heat up in your hand Zinc products will leave a subtle mark on the skin
Other verification methods
If you don't trust your tactile sensations, you can use more detailed methods. How to identify real silver?
Option 1. Magnetic experiment
You can determine the value of the metal that is in front of you using a magnet. This experiment is based on the fact that real silver is not magnetic.
A magnet will help determine the authenticity of the metal
So you will only need to bring the magnet to the item being tested - if it does not react to the item in any way, there is a high probability that it is true silver. However, keep in mind that if you can get a super-powerful magnet, even this metal will react a little to it.
Among other things, it is worth remembering that there are many non-magnetic materials similar to silver. So such a test will not give 100% probability and should be carried out in conjunction with other checks.
Option 2. Slip test
This option is best suited for checking ingots. And it also requires a magnet. You need:
- Place the ingot on a flat surface at an angle of 45 degrees.
- Place a magnet on the ingot so that it can slide down.
- The magnet will slide very smoothly on real silver.
The photo shows how you can check a whole ingot
Someone may notice some illogicality, because it was stated above that silver is non-magnetic. The thing is that in this case, the direct magnetic field of the magnet itself will create a braking effect, which will contribute to the deceleration.
Whole bars can also be checked with a magnet
Option 3. Ice check
Ordinary ice will help you check the authenticity of silver at home. Just don’t take it out of the freezer until the experiment is carried out.
Ice will help identify the real material
This option is best suited for bars and coins, but it does not work correctly enough for small accessories.
- Remove ice from freezer.
- Place it on the metal product being tested.
- When placed on real silver , the ice will melt as if it were placed on something hot.
Option 4. Iodine-sulfur test
There are not many precious metals that are susceptible to other substances. For example, if you anoint true silver with iodine, a stain will remain on its surface.
Iodine is a very effective testing tool, the price of which is affordable for everyone
It is worth noting that this method should be used extremely carefully, as there is a risk of damaging jewelry that is dear to the heart. To carry it out, you should use a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of iodine, apply the product to an inconspicuous area and rinse it off immediately.
A tiny drop of iodine is enough for the experiment.
Sulfur-based ointment can also cause a similar reaction. You can buy it at the pharmacy. You need:
- Lightly rub the product with fine-grained sandpaper.
- Apply a small amount of sulfur ointment to an inconspicuous area.
- Leave the product for about 10-15 minutes and carefully inspect its surface.
- A dark spot on the item indicates silver. There simply won’t be such a stain on ordinary stainless steel or nickel.
Iodine is one of the most authentic ways to check the authenticity of silver
Option 5. Chemical test
Another way to find out silver at home is to use a special chemical test. Don’t be afraid, you won’t have to “chemically” yourself - everything you need can be bought at the pharmacy. Be careful when using this method, otherwise you risk damaging the surface.
To check, you can use the chemical method
Instructions for using the chemistry set are as follows:
- Wear protective gloves to protect your hands from chemical burns.
- Find the most inconspicuous place on the product and scratch it a little. This can be done with a thin needle or a metal file.
- Apply the purchased acid to the area from which part of the layer has just been removed.
- Evaluate the results of the test . They can be analyzed using the scale presented below.
You don't have to be a chemist to test silver, you just need to follow the instructions
| Color | Characteristic |
| Red | If the shade is bright red, then this is pure silver; if the color is dark red, it is 925 standard. |
| Brown | A light shade indicates 800 proof. If the color is dark brown, you have brass. |
| Green | Color indicating 500 proof. |
| Yellow | If the sample turns yellow, you have tin or lead. |
| Blue | This shade indicates that the product is made of nickel. |
Some colors after the test indicate a fake
You can learn even more useful information about how to identify silver without going to specialists from the video in this article.
How to distinguish a silver coin from a fake?
Attention! If you want to buy or sell the coins described in the article, write about it in the comments below. Our site is visited by thousands of people a day, you are sure to find a buyer or seller.
Silver coins are highly valued and occupy a worthy place in any collection. Of course, their prices are always high and stable.
In some cases, silver items are valued higher than their gold counterparts. By the way, the most expensive coin in the world, called “Flowing Hair,” is cast from silver. There are many other coins made of this metal that have a decent price. True, silver also has a drawback - it is easy to counterfeit, which is what scammers take advantage of. We need to learn to accurately distinguish the original from the fake.
So, how can you tell a real silver coin from a fake?
How to distinguish a silver coin from a copy
Counterfeits have existed for a very long time - they appeared when the originals appeared. Some of them are quite highly prized, although everyone knows that they are copies. It's a matter of the age of the fake. Antique counterfeit coins are expensive, but, of course, not more expensive than the original.
But we will talk about modern fakes made specifically for deception. So, you have a silver coin in your hands, the authenticity of which is in doubt. We are not talking about those copies, one look at which you can immediately tell that they are a fake.
There are some, but we are talking about high-quality copies, the appearance of which inspires a certain confidence.
Method No. 1
The easiest way is to test the coin for magnetism. Silver is not a magnetic metal, and counterfeits are usually made from steel, covering it with a thin layer of silver. Is the coin magnetic? That's it, the check is completed, this coin is an obvious fake. What if the coin is not magnetic?
Method No. 2
Checking the weight of a coin. Yes, this requires special scales, but finding them is not a problem. The weight of a fake is almost always different from the original. The weight of the original is very easy to find on any numismatic site.
Method No. 3
A real coin makes a characteristic sound when dropped on a hard surface. For example, in silver it is a ringing sound that lasts quite a long time. The fake usually falls with a sound similar to a thud.
Method No. 4
Naturally, no one canceled a simple inspection of the coin, which can tell a lot. And if you have a magnifying glass, you can easily notice any imperfections. This could be a poor-quality edge, a poorly embossed pattern, or a broken reverse-obverse alignment.
Method No. 5
There are also purely primitive, folk ways of testing silver. This is the reaction of the metal to sulfur ointment. If the smeared area turns black, then you have silver in front of you. You can also use iodine, which also turns silver black.
Method number 6
Very often, nickel coins are passed off as silver. How to distinguish a silver coin from a nickel one? With the help of lapis - silver nitrate. Here everything will happen the other way around: the silver coin will remain unchanged, but the nickel coin will immediately darken.
Unfortunately, counterfeiters are also improving and making beautiful copies that are difficult to distinguish from the original. Most of all they counterfeit royal coins, which have a high price. Silver royal coins, which are quite difficult to distinguish as counterfeit, must be checked especially carefully.
For example, using the hydrostatic weighing method. It is now publicly available. We have provided some simple ways that we hope will help you distinguish a real coin from a counterfeit one. The main thing is not to be careless, but to immediately check the coin.
Then your collection will only contain originals.
Source: https://monetainfo.ru/kak-otlichit-serebryanuyu-monetu-ot-poddelki/
Counterfeiting silver coins of Tsarist Russia: how to distinguish a fake?
Silver coins of Tsarist Russia are valued quite highly today. Sometimes they can cost even more than gold pieces. An example is the “Flowing Hair” coin, made of silver. Other specimens made of this metal also have a very respectable price. However, silver coins also have a significant drawback - they are very easy to counterfeit. This only plays into the hands of scammers.
Often, counterfeits of silver coins from Tsarist Russia are made so skillfully that they are difficult to recognize. However, there are certain authentication methods that allow you to do without the help of specialists. Everyone who deals with collecting royal silver coins needs to know them. They help protect yourself from scammers and not purchase a fake.
How to distinguish original from fake
To begin with, let’s decide that we are talking specifically about fakes made for the purpose of profit, and not about remakes. So, in front of you is a silver coin. At first glance, its appearance is unmistakable. But what if this is just a high quality copy? Counterfeiting of silver coins from Tsarist Russia is all too common; how can you tell the difference between an original and a fake?
The simplest and most effective way is to check with a magnet. Silver does not react to it, and counterfeit coins are usually cast from steel, covering them with a thin layer of precious metal. If the product is magnetic, you don’t have to check further; this is an obvious fake. If the test specimen does not respond, other methods should be used to determine its authenticity. These include:
1.Visual inspection. He can explain a lot. If you have a magnifying glass, you can easily detect all the flaws of the specimen, for example, a poorly embossed pattern.
2. Examine the coin by touch. Silver is characterized by high thermal conductivity; if you pick it up in your hands, it immediately becomes the same temperature. If the palms remain clean, then the quality of the silver is beyond doubt; if they become dirty, the alloy contains a significant proportion of zinc.
3. Weight check. This will require special scales, but they are not difficult to find. The weight of a fake will almost always not coincide with the original (its value can be clarified in any numismatic catalogue).
There are also more primitive ways to verify the authenticity of silver coins. For example, the specimen under study can be rubbed with chalk or ordinary sulfur ointment, which is sold in a pharmacy. If the treated area turns black, it means that you have silver in front of you.
Another life hack for identifying a fake is iodine treatment. However, in this case you need to act extremely carefully. A real coin will turn black where it is processed, quite noticeably if the concentration of silver is high. But removing this stain is very difficult.
If the above mentioned remedies are not at hand, you can place the product in regular rye bread. If it turns black, it is a fake.
Check carefully!
Using all these methods, it should be remembered that scammers are also improving; they can make a copy that even an experienced collector will find quite difficult to distinguish from the original. Most often, items of high value are counterfeited, for example, imperial rubles from the time of Nicholas II. Such coins need to be checked with special care. For example, the method of hydrostatic weighing, which is generally available today.
But in this case, it is best to seek help from specialists. This way you will be 100% sure of the authenticity of the copy you are purchasing and will definitely not buy a counterfeit coin.
Source: https://monitex.com.ua/stati/poddelka-serebrjanyh-monet-tsarskoj-rossii-kak-otlichit-falshivku/
How to determine the authenticity of a coin and distinguish it from a fake
The first coins appeared around 3200 BC. e., along with them the first fakes. Counterfeiters were looking for ways to make money - they skillfully copied money from precious metals (gold and silver), using cheaper material. But already in those days they knew how to check the authenticity of a coin.
Nowadays, increased interest in investment and collector's series has increased again, which has provoked a new increase in counterfeits. It has become much more difficult to distinguish modern copies from the original, since they are minted using high-tech equipment with knowledge of all the intricacies of production.
What methods are used to counterfeit coins?
In the 20th century counterfeiting of silver coins was popular. A hole (sometimes several) was made in the surface, the removed piece of silver was sent to be melted down, and the cavity was filled with lead or tin. It was impossible to determine the authenticity of such a copy.
Gold samples did not respond to this effect, so another method was invented. Counterfeiters would etch the image from the surface or cut the coin in half along the edge and then fill it with base metal. In both cases, the difference between the fake and the original was only in weight.
Did you know? During the war, enemy countries produced counterfeit coins of the country they were fighting with. This method was invented to collapse the enemy’s economy. One famous case involves the British government flooding America with counterfeit currency during the 1776 Revolutionary War. The British did it again during World War II. The most obvious reason was the possibility of creating hyperinflation.
An attempt to mint counterfeit coins in the 19th and 20th centuries did not lead to the desired result. It is impossible to repeat the pattern and ribbed edge using cheap equipment. The image and letters were blurry. Other methods, such as casting or making fake samples by hand, were unprofitable - they took a lot of time and effort, and the result was unsatisfactory.
Later, professional equipment appeared on which counterfeits of improved quality were mass-produced. To do this, the alloy was diluted or replaced with a cheaper analogue.
Modern fakes – investment and collectible coins. They are difficult to distinguish from the original, but if you have special equipment, you can identify the main parameters, even if the numismatist is not a professional:
- weight;
- edge quality;
- presence of a collar;
- sound when falling.
For counterfeiting, casting in special molds is used (clichés for the obverse and reverse of the coin). A cheap alloy is poured into the cavity, and then it is taken out and painted in the desired color.
The relief is clear, and there are no bubbles on the surface. Weighing will help distinguish a fake from the original. For rare specimens, a copycat stamp is used (the method is too labor-intensive and expensive).
Did you know? The £1 round coin, issued in 1983, was one of the oldest British coins in circulation. Over time, it has become increasingly counterfeited, resulting in significant costs to industry, the general public, taxpayers and society as a whole. As a consequence, a new 12-sided £1 coin was introduced into circulation on 28 March 2017.
Counterfeiters have learned to fake patina (a beautiful coating on ancient coins that appears due to oxidation and always serves as a guarantee of the original). Artificial aging applies to Chinese counterfeit coins. This is done in several ways - baking in the oven, burning with a blowtorch, bleaching, fumigating and applying acid. The surface is less shiny, but still remains fake.
Authenticity Tools
An obvious fake can be distinguished by placing the original and the sample side by side. If this method does not produce results or you still have doubts, there is a set of tools with which you can understand how to distinguish a counterfeit coin from an original:
- Detailed catalog of gold and silver coins of the world. Special magazines contain a complete description of collectible and investment coins. The information indicates the weight, diameter, type of coinage and edge, images on the obverse and reverse, physical and chemical properties (alloy, composition).
- Electronic balance. Each coin has an exact weight down to hundredths, so any deviation from these numbers will mean that the sample is a fake.
- Magnifying glass. Using this device, you can carefully examine small details and compare them with the original coin or the catalog version. Proof quality coins are the most difficult to counterfeit, since the glossy surface and letters at an angle of 90° relative to the base are not so easy to copy.
- Spectrometer. The device shows the most accurate result of whether the sample is original or fake. It can be used to determine the amount of impurities in the metal.
Did you know? Today, depending on the severity of the crime, counterfeiters are likely to be fined. But in the 18th century it was a different story. Benjamin Franklin himself printed warnings about counterfeit 20 shillings, which stated “counterfeiting is death.” And people who were caught counterfeiting money in England in the 17th century were hanged or quartered.
It is often difficult to understand how to distinguish a fake if these are royal coins. The actual weight, as well as the condition of the edge and letters, varied from sample to sample and often deviated from the norm. On copies of the 18th century, these parameters were not the same even for a circulation of the same year. It is known that the coins of Catherine II, Paul and Alexander I differ by 2-2.5 grams, so you need to focus on the pattern of the cord-like edge.
How to determine the authenticity of a coin?
In the production facility where original coins are minted, high-tech equipment and manual labor are used. This ensures high-quality surface design taking into account all technical and geometric features. In “handicraft” conditions it is quite difficult to repeat this, therefore, the more complex the coin is made, the easier it is to determine any deviations from the requirements of the standard.
Did you know? Trade publications note that factories in China make thousands of copies of popular coins such as the American Silver Eagle, Canadian Gold Maple Leaf and American Buffalo coins (the most expensive and profitable sterling gold bullion coins). The cost of such copies in Chinese markets is from 1 to 3 $.
There are several simple ways to check the authenticity of a silver or gold coin:
- Weight. The weight of counterfeit coins differs significantly from real ones, but when checking, you should pay attention to chips and abrasions. These nuances also result in weight loss.
- Dimensions. You need to take a closer look and then measure the diameter and thickness of the coin using a caliper. Errors in such cases are permissible only for royal coins.
- Metal sample. A significant deviation from the hallmark is noted only in royal coins, so it will be difficult to determine how to distinguish a silver coin of 1718 from a fake.
- Obverse, reverse, edge. One of the easiest ways to check is to place a coin on its edge. If it falls, then it is an obvious fake. You should also inspect the edge for grooves and seams. The presence of one of these elements indicates a fake. On the reverse and obverse of such coins, small details are missing or poorly drawn, and there are also bubbles that are visible even without a lens.
- Color and shine. If the shine is too intense, the coin contains too much zinc. The dullness indicates that the sample is simply gold plated.
Did you know? Sometimes counterfeiting collectible coins is a really profitable business. A rare 1920 Liberty half dollar was copied by counterfeiters and sold for $40,000.
A replica, a coin defect (sometimes they are even more valuable among numismatists than the original) or a mint coin (an official copy of the mint) are not considered counterfeits.
Source: https://goldadvert.com/knowledgebase/ru/poddelki-monet-kak-opredelit-podlinnost/
How to distinguish a silver coin from a fake
It is difficult to say when the first counterfeit coins appeared - probably around the same time as their originals. It is quite natural that counterfeit coins differed from original ones in the past in that they were inferior in quality of workmanship and materials. Today we will talk about how to distinguish a fake in our article.
However, if the age of such specimens is measured in centuries, then they are also of interest to collectors, since they themselves are antiques.
Another thing is modern counterfeits of coins that have collectible value and enormous value. They are of no historical value and were specially created for the purpose of profit. That is why it is important to know the signs by which you can distinguish an original from a fake.
Before reading this article, you need to find out which coins can bring profit to a novice numismatist - the article is about which coins are best to collect at the initial stage.
It should be remembered that the coin may not be counterfeit, but only another variety of a certain specimen. For example, a 10 kopeck coin from 2003, which is discussed in this article. For numismatists who collect USSR coins, the article http://lifecoins will be of interest.
ru/50-rublej-1993-goda.html - about how to distinguish an original from a fake 50 ruble coin from 1993.
How coins are counterfeited
Previously, the most common methods of counterfeiting were the banal dilution of the alloy or the replacement of the precious metal with similar-looking but cheaper analogues.
If we talk about the method of making counterfeit coins, then in the case of gold it was casting, since this metal pours very well. Copper and silver coins were most often counterfeited by copying the stamp.
Naturally, such a method did not provide 100% similarity with the original, so fakes were quickly identified even with ordinary visual analysis. However, modern technologies make it possible to reduce the differences between counterfeit and original coins to a minimum.
Examples of counterfeit coins
Below we present photographs of some counterfeit coins, the differences from the originals are minimal.
Casting method Embossing with a fake stamp
Casting method Hand engraving
What to look for when identifying a fake
Of course, without having at least some experience and precise instruments, one has to, as they say, “by eye” to determine whether a coin is genuine or not. But still, most numismatists advise paying attention to certain parameters and indicators characteristic of certain coins. We will consider them further.
Source: http://moneyinvesto.com/kak-otlichit-serebrjanuju-monetu-ot-poddelki.html
8 ways to check the authenticity of silver at home
Do you want to determine what exactly this nice owner of an antique goods store is trying to sell you, or maybe you were given a new silver chain, the quality of which you doubt? Thinking about how to test silver at home? No, we will not suggest that you take the product to the laboratory for spectral analysis. Instead, let's try to limit ourselves to the means available to everyone, which, most likely, will be at hand and at your disposal.
Temperature
Taking a silver spoon in your hands, you will feel that the product very quickly acquired the temperature of your body. This is due to the high thermal conductivity of silver, which makes counterfeits made from other metals remain cool for a suspiciously long time.
Advice
You can also go the opposite way and put, for example, an ice cube on a coin or tray. If it melts abnormally quickly, then this is real silver; if not, it is better to refrain from buying.
Sight, sound and smell
Not everyone can recognize silver using these criteria, and it is also difficult to call this method accurate. But if you had silverware, say, as a child, then most likely you remember this specific smell.
Real silver items have a subtle and ringing sound, somewhat reminiscent of crystal, and if you throw a coin on a metal tray, it will “sing” in a completely special way.
Also, the color of new or well-maintained silver will not have any hints of yellow or pink in it, although these may appear if the metal is not properly cared for.
Reaction of silver to iodine
Handy reagents
If you have no desire to listen, sniff and look closely, then the authenticity of silver can be determined using bleach, sulfuric acid or iodine. To do this, use a cotton swab to place a barely noticeable spot on the product and monitor its reaction. Has the product started to darken around the perimeter of the stain? Then in front of you is a silver or at least silver-plated item. No? Then there is no smell of silver here.
Advice
You can also check the authenticity without fear of spoiling the item by rubbing it with chalk. In this case, upon contact with silver, the chalk should turn black.
Mark on hands
It is worth doubting the authenticity of the product if, after holding it for a long time in your hands, it has left a mark on them. Pure silver, which contains no impurities, will not leave any residue on your hands.
Internet or numismatic reference books
An excellent way for numismatists is to compare the weight of the coin in the directory with the actual weight of the product offered for purchase. Due to the difference in density, it is very easy to identify a coin made from other metals, even if it is silvered and looks exactly like the real thing.
Scales for hydrostatic weighing
1 - mesh (perforated) glass; 2 - vessel with drain for water; 3 - a glass with shot to balance the mass of the mesh glass in the water; 4 - weights
Hydrostatic weighing
The easiest way to determine the authenticity of a product is to determine the density of the material. To do this, you need to first weigh the dry coin. Then pour water into the glass, reset the scales and determine the “wet” weight of the coin. Now we divide the “dry” weight by the difference in two dimensions, and if the resulting number is in the region of 10.5, then this is real silver, since the metals used for fakes do not have a similar density.
You can try using a digital food scale at home, but to determine the authenticity of a coin or jewelry, its accuracy must be quite high.
Chemical test
If you are no stranger to chemistry, purchase a chemical test for the authenticity of silver. This is one of the most accurate ways to determine the quality of the substrate of a silver-plated product. For the test, you either need to make a fairly deep scratch on an inconspicuous area of the piece, or rub the piece against a touchstone.
Now we drop acid onto the mark on the stone or the substrate in the scratch and look at the color: the brighter the shade of red, the purer the silver. Thus, a light brown color indicates silver of the 800th standard, and green – already of the 500th. The remaining colors will be given by the most popular metals for silver plating: yellow corresponds to tin or lead, dark brown to brass, and blue to nickel.
Now you can be sure of the composition of the product not only on the surface, but also inside.
As you can see, it is not necessary to bend or saw a silver spoon to determine its authenticity, even if you do not find a hallmark. Use these tips and you will greatly reduce the chance of running into a fake.
Source: https://mschistota.ru/sovety/kak-proverit-serebro-v-domashnix-usloviyax-na-podlinnost.html
