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how do you tell if coins are silver ?

### How to Tell if Coins are Silver

When it comes to determining if your coins are made of real silver, there are several methods and tests you can perform. Knowing whether a coin is silver or clad (a base metal with a layer of silver on it) can have important implications for its value and authenticity. Here are some effective ways to tell if your coin is genuine silver based on various resources.

#### 1. **Visual Inspection and Knowledge of Coin Dates and Legends**

One of the most straightforward ways to determine if a coin is made of silver is to examine its date. Most coins minted before 1965 are likely silver, as they were made of 90% silver. Post-1964, most U.S. coins are clad, which means they are made of a core of base metal like copper or nickel with a thin layer of silver on the outside.

#### 2. **Chemical Tests**

Conducting chemical tests, mainly acid tests, is another effective method. Silver tests can be bought from jewelry or coin suppliers. Apply a small drop of the testing solution to the surface of the coin and observe the reaction. Genuine silver will show little to no reaction, while base metals will react with the solution and change color significantly.

#### 3. **Ring Test – aka the Ping Test**

You can also try the ring test, or ping test. Gently tap the edge of the coin with a pencil or a similar object, then listen to the sound it produces. A real silver coin will have a certain ‘ring’ or ‘ping’ that is distinctive and clear. Note that this depends on the coin’s design, so results can vary.

#### 4. **Magnet Test**

Since real silver is not magnetic, using a magnet is a simple yet effective test, particularly useful for silver that has been rolled into sheets or bar forms. Genuine silver will not be attracted to a magnet, whereas some fake silver coins with magnetic cores will react. However, for coins, a stronger magnet is necessary, as most coins are too small for a typical small magnet to detect any reaction.

#### 5. **Density Test**

A more scientific approach involves testing the density of the coin. Silver has a density of roughly 10.49 grams per cubic centimeter. To do this, you need to weigh the coin and then measure its volume. If the calculated density is close to that of silver, there’s a strong likelihood it’s authentic.

#### 6. **Edge Test**

Clad coins often have a copper core, which will give them a distinctive ring around the edge. You could inspect the edges to see if there’s a visible copper ring or if it looks silver all the way through.

#### 7. **Professional Appraisal**

When in doubt, take your coin to a professional. Professional appraisers and dealers can use sophisticated methods for testing the purity of the silver content in a coin. This might be especially valuable for rare or valuable coins or if you need certainty in a legal setting.

### Conclusion

Determining if a coin is silver can be a mix of visual inspection, chemical reactions, and physical testing. It’s important to note that these tests are not foolproof and might not work on all coins, especially if they’ve been manipulated or are counterfeit. However, by combining these tests and using your knowledge of the coin’s history, you can get a good idea of its composition.

Remember the old adage, “When in doubt, consult an expert,” especially for valuable or rare collections. Proper testing and verification can ensure that your collection holds its true value and is not a set of counterfeits.

### Resources to Learn From

– [Bullion Shark](https://bullionsharks.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-your-coins-are-genuine-silver)
– [WikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/Test-Silver)
– [Good Collector](https://goodcollector.com/articles/silver-vs-clad-coins)
– [APMEX](https://learn.apmex.com/learning-guide/science/how-to-tell-if-your-silver-is-real-or-fake)
– [Gainesville Coins](https://www.gainesvillecoins.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-silver-is-real)
– [Coin Trackers](https://cointrackers.com/is-my-coin-silver.php)
– [SD Bullion](https://sdbullion.com/blog/how-to-test-silver)

With these methods and resources, you’ll be better equipped to authenticate silver coins in your collection and avoid overpaying for a counterfeit. Happy testing!