Panama 1/2 Balboa Seems Odd

Hello everyone! I just bought this 1953 1/2 Balboa and as soon as I got it something about it seemed off. It looked too small for its holder which seemed odd because if I'm not mistaken this coin was minted in the US and should match the dimensions of the 1/2 dollar exactly. I took it out and measured it and sure enough the diameter was off as well as the weight.

Spec. Weight = 12.5 g
Actual Weight = 12.61 g

Spec. Dia. = 30.6 mm
Actual Dia. = 30.2 mm

Attached are some photos. So what do you guys think is it counterfeit or am I missing something? Does it even make sense to fake such a low cost coin?

 

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What is the thickness? Should be 2 mm exactly.

The weight is within tolerance. +/-

 

The thickness is 2.2 mm

 

It's thicker..so my thinking is that it was in a bezel of some kind. They will make the circumference smaller and enlarge the thickness a bit. Silver can change shape over time. It's a softer metal than others.

 

So here is the thickness measurement.


Here is my baseline test from my calipers on a 1964 Kennedy. Calipers appear well calibrated.

 

I see. That makes sense. so you think it looks okay?

Much appreciate the helpful comments!

 

Do the tissue test! See if it's real silver at least
The silver will look brighter

 

Wow, that's smart!

 

@paddyman98

IMO the rims of that coin are 100% original and unaltered in any way.

 

Wow I've never heard of that! That's cool. Does it have to be any special kind of tissue paper?

 

So here are the results!

 

Yes, Great Northern, non-quilted, double-ply, "special reserve." I think Walmart has it.

 

Great! Looks like silver to me

 

Okay so at first I wasn't for sure if you were messing with me but I have been testing it out and that is amazing! No need for a 20K XRF analyzer. Thank you paddyman... best answer vote for you!

 

I don't think 0.4 mm diameter and 0.1g weight is too far off tolerance.