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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;GDJMSP, post: 2898919, member: 112&quot;]There are many ways to test the fineness of the metal in coins. For example, the karat needles and touch stone method. That method is over 2,000 years old and is still used by many today. Another is the fire assay method where the coin is melted down and then the melted metal is tested. This is usually thought to be the definitive method. Yet another is the acid test. And yet another more modern way is to use an XRF machine, and they make many of of these as handheld models. And they are quite accurate, better models have a standard deviation of 0.05%. The one issue with an XRF is that they can only test to just barely beneath the surface of the coin. But when coupled with weight and measurements that is usually sufficient as test method.</p><p><br /></p><p>The thing about the XRF that makes it a desirable method is that it is the only one that is non-destructive. In other words no harm at all is done to the coin during testing. And literally anyone can operate it with accuracy.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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