I've heard from several collectors that they taste their silver and gold coins (ancient and modern) to confirm metal content. Apparently, silver and gold have certain flavor profiles. Who knew? I certainly didn't, and I've been collecting for a long time. This made me wonder how widespread this practice may be. Do you taste your coins? DISCLAIMER AND PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE: I am NOT recommending this practice. Coins, including ancient coins, may contain potentially harmful metals, like lead. Coins are also exposed to harmful chemicals, substances and metals through cleaning, storage or in-ground deposit.
I vaguely remember hearing about this. But no, I don't go and taste my new babies. Who knows what they may be carrying about thousands of years. The last thing I want with Covid roaming around is getting Antonine plague due to licking.
I believe Humans, as with any animal, use several senses to collect information to their brain. Many have different dominant or tendencies of using senses to collect info. I do not think it unusual to use more than sight to collect info about coins. Many of those senses may be more subliminal.
Very true @Alegandron . Some even use sound, with the "ring test". With my coins, I've always relied entirely on sight.
Of course I taste my coins. Everyone does. Kinda weird not to. Also sniff them. Taste and smell are sure guide to whether patina is new, or old and stable. Anyone with a serious interest in Provenance tastes and smells potential coins. You see it all the time at high end auction viewings.
Biting gold coins was a method to detect fakes. I never heard of anyone licking their coins but surely there are more extreme fetishes
I've found that traces of mahogany and pipe tobacco are a sure sign of a good old provenance. On the other hand, you can be sure the toning is fake if you can still taste the egg on the coin.
I've tasted my coins. Not necessarily to test the metal, but because I have some instinctual desire to do so from time to time. Been doing it since I was a kid. And, I have tasty coins. Be warned, it might lead to handling hand grenades with your beer, but it works for me.
Some chemicals used for treating bronze disease like benzotriazole are toxic to the touch and remain on the coin forever. I would be very cautious about licking or even touching a coin treated this way. Problem is you really don't know who's done what to a bronze coin in the past. if a coin has pitting that looks like it might have come from bronze disease I wouldn't be licking it.
Perhaps it's time for some to consider joining the new discussion group:C.C.C. Coin Cannabil Conversations! (Perhaps a Late 'April fools' thingy?) J.T.
This is a great new idea. I usually test my coins by seeing if they float- if they do, I know they’re fake!