Weighing and scales

[Rangnath]

Any suggestions on what kind of scale I should get?  I definitely see the need for one!

[Figleaf]

Quite right, Richie. A scale is not 100% protection, but no scale is putting yourself up for trouble. I use a pocket scale up to 0.1 gram. There are also scales up to 0.01 grammes. I know where they are sold here, not in the US. Maybe someone else can help you.

Incidentally, they are also useful when buying jewelry, e.g. in Mexico. If you know the price of silver and the weight of the jewelry, you can calculate what you are paying for the artistry. The jeweler may hate that, though.

Peter

[Figleaf]

Rangnath, I can get mini scales for you (0.01 gram scales) @ $24.50 plus postage. See picture. Since we are trading already, we can include this in the trade also.

Peter

[Bimat]

Since these are hammered coins,their weight should vary from coin to coin,even if they are of same denomination.Am I right?? And how these hammered coins are actually struck?

Aditya

[Figleaf]

Partly right. Hammered Indian coins do vary in weight from one piece to another. Partly, this is due to production method, for another part it is due to having the same types for a long time, while inflation varies (inflation in this context is money getting cheaper in relation to goods, so the same quantity of rice must be bought with a larger number of coins, because every coin is struck lighter. Yet, coins are struck within weight bands.

Hammered coins of different denomination are sometimes struck with the same dies and at other times the denomination is off the flan or worn off. In such cases, the only way to determine the denomination is to know the weight. Since the weight bands are sometimes very close to each other, you need scales that give you a weight down to 1/10th of a gram. Kitchen scales are not precise enough.

A calliper is less important for determining the denomination, especially since most hammered coins are not round. However, diameter becomes important for coins that have spent a long time buried in the ground. It is not unusual for a low silver content coin to lose 50% of its weight, since copper solves much faster in polluted or overfertilized ground than silver. Such a light weight coin is not a fake. In such cases, a calliper will give you a better indication than scales.

In addition, scales and calliper are quite useful for identifying coins hammered according to European production methods and badly worn coins produced with the help of a reduction lathe. The denomination on such coins may be difficult to find or worn off. Spanish "cob" coins are a good example. Many would be impossible to identify without scales or a calliper.

Peter

[Bimat]

Thanks for the clarification,Peter!

[mumbapuri]

where can i get a digi weighing machine and what cost? the one displayed looks very handy for coins.

[Abhay]

where can i get a digi weighing machine and what cost? the one displayed looks very handy for coins.

Dear Mumbapuri,

These weighing scales are available with good hardware shops, particularly those selling weights and measures. I got this form Gwalior only for Rs. 1100.00. This is a chinese made scale, and can weigh upto 200 gms, with least count of .01 gram (10 mg).

Abhay

[mumbapuri]

thx abhay... will keep that price tag in mind... i never loose any opportunity to check the digi weights at the superstore to check their accuracy and min weighin capability with the pocket change.. one u displayed looks neat.

[Figleaf]

Another thing every collector needs is callipers. They were pretty handy before computers, to check for varieties, estimate clipping etc., but in the age of the computer, they are a must. While picture in catalogues are still real size, those on the net are mostly "as large as you can get away with." For an example, see this thread. The first two coins are vastly different in size, yet they look about the same size. Therefore, when you upload a coin, it is always a good idea to state weight and diameter and when you ask for information or identification, it is vital to give weight and diameter.

Just about any callipers wil do, except those made of plastic. They bend under stress, so their readings are just plain wrong. If your eyesight leaves to be desired, go for an electronic version. It is even more precise than the mechanical thing and a quantum leap in ease of reading.

Peter

[Figleaf]

And here's the third thing any collector needs: a small magnet. You wouldn't believe it if you are a extremist, but gold, silver and copper are all inconvenient coin metals and no longer used. Today, what's important is the price, colour (even after wear) and hardness of the metal. Modern cons use the products of modern metallurgy. Yet, among coin users there is always the feeling that if the coins would look like those in the "good" old days, other things would be better also, so there are still coins around in anachronistic metal compositions, like bronze.

The coins of the transition from traditional to modern metal compositions are often changing almost unnoticeably, by going from solid (e.g. bronze) to bronze coated coins. In addition, new amalgams may turn out cheaper and be a perfectly sensible solutions for coins that have become too expensive to make. A magnet may be just an easy way to distinguish the varieties or even to spot new varieties.

Any magnet will do. Personally, I use a refrigerator door magnet. I haven't found one with a coin on it yet (it would not be too difficult to make yourself), so a bottle of wine will have to do Just make sure you don't use your magnet too close to computer stuff.

Peter

[andyg]

Be careful with magnets, some magnets are more magnetic than others.

A coin collecting friend of mine was trying to save one of each type of the Italian wartime coins*, magnetic and non magnetic. I sent several specimens of magnetic coins only to be told that no, they weren't magntic, that was until he found a better magnet

*I don't know why Krause persists in marking these coins as different types, as they range from non magnetic through slightly magnetic to strongly magnetic depending on the mix of alloy.

[sdchaugule]

Dear Peter,
Thanks for your information of different instruments. I am using vernier caliper. Some times it is difficult to measure lions of Indian coins, especially one rupee. I intend to go for digital caliper.  Seeking your guidance whether digital caliper is more accurate and easy to handle, even detecting difference of 1mm. Further can you get me one and what would be method of my payment? I hope it is not inconvenient for you.
Regards,
sdchaugule 

[Figleaf]

Digital callipers are quite precise, but only as precise as the coin is formed regularly. If it is not, a maximum and minimum diameter may be the best way to describe a coin. The maximum is easy: just turn the coin around in the calliper. The minimum must be found by trial and error, but that can be done also.

If you search with Google for digital calliper, you will find many offers. I am not sure if this page is useful for you, but I hope it is.

Peter

[Abhay]

Dear Mr. Chaugule,

I think it should not be too difficult to get a Digital Calliper in the city you live. If you go to nay good Hardware or Weights shop, you should be able to get it. In India, mostly you will get Chinese made callipers, which should cost you about 1000 rupees for a 6 inch calliper. I am myself using a Chinese Calliper (Digital), which is good enough for coins.

If you need more accuracy, than I think MITOTOYO is the best calliper in Market (Japan made), but it should cost you about 6000-7000 rupees for 6 Inches calliper.

Abhay