While researching a collection I bought, I found this Fiji 2 cents 1990 that only weighs 3.2 gram. According to other similar pieces and according to Krause it should weigh around 3.85 gram. I checked the diameter which was exactly 21,00 mm (as defined). Also the side thickness was more or less thesame (±1,5 mm). I know in 1990 changed the mint alloy from bronze to copper plated zinc, which should be an explanation of the difference in weight. So the question of the day is: is this an error on my coin or is it just an error in Krause?
It's an error in Krause. You will note they show the bronze and the copper plated zinc both being the same diameter and the same weight. But zinc is significantly lighter than copper so that almost certainly can't be right. Then notice the one cent DOES show a weight decrease when they go from bronze to copper plated zinc. And if you assume that the 2 cent should have the same percentage weight decrease you find that the 2 cent should decrease to 3.12 grams which is close enough to your observed weight.
Thx for the quick help. It really confirms my thoughts about the change in metal and the error in Krause.
