There is some interesting information on Chinese fake silver coins posted here. I had never checked any of my black cabinet “coins” for magnetism before reading this, but when I did, it somewhat opened my eyes. The crude ones with wide borders, incorrect calligraphy or design, etc., were not all magnetic, but the ones that looked pretty good from a distance and had to be carefully examined for casting bubbles and overall size were all magnetic. (One of those business card-type refrigerator magnets slapped on the side of your computer case makes for a handy way to check coins for magnetic properties.) Most of the time It won't be a really useful diagnostic, because the coins it reveals as fake are so underweight and/or undersize that you already know their nature before you try the magnet on them. However, if you don't have an accurate small scale, one of those magnets might help at a dealer's shop or a show. It would also be handy backup confirmation to convince that tiny minority of folks who insist that 25% underweight is “within tolerance”.
PLEASE take magnets away from your computer....if you still use disks they can be killed with one and your screen can also be messed up with one. Speedy
Roy,you also need to have a very finely calibrated electronic scale as well to be on the safe side.My boss actually bought one when he was in Aussie on the weekend,especially for weighing bullion medal-coins. Aidan.
Enlighten me Aidan. What on earth does your post add to the topic of this thread - an additional tool in the battle against counterfeits
Roy,the weight of a suspect piece has to be checked to be on the safe side as well.Having an electronic scale does help you in weeding out the deceptively underweight (or overweight) counterfeits. Aidan.
