I have 10 pcs of the CuNi coin and one Silver version. In my eyes the silver one is a bit brighter, but without having the two coins side by side I guess the only way to tell them from one another is the original Etui, and certificate.
I presume that this coin is too often being sold as silver version (I bought all 10 CuNi coins so that the seller said they were silver). Today, many of these are sold as silver with no Etui or certificate.
The Silver version is a proof coin and has a mirror like finish on the obverse and only in the inner circle on the reverse where you should literally be able to see a reflection of yourself whereas the CuNi version you will not be able to see a reflection of yourself.
Thanks Harry and Olli! I think the reflection of myself while looking at the coins looks really the same to me, so I opt to get a ping tester. With the cellphone app the ping tester should be reliable, since it is not limited by possible impairment of hearing or eyesight😀
Both only come in Proof so the reflection test may not work. There are many more very easy tests you can do especially since you have both types.
1. Ice cube test - probably the easiest. Put ice cubes (same size) on one of each. Notice the speed of melting. The one that melts fastest is silver.
2. Tissue test - put a thin tissue over each. The silver one will appear brighter.
3. Magnet slide test - the silver one will slide down a neodymium magnet slide much slower than the Cu-Ni one. Alternately a small neodymium magnet can be used and allowed to slide down the coin.
4. Ping test already mentioned. Some of the apps require you to buy a subscription. You ears alone should be ably to pick up the difference.
5. XRF test - at a dealer that has this expensive equipment.
Yes, both proof but the silver one has the mirror finish. If you cant see yourself there is no doubt that it is the NiCu proof. If you can see yourself it is the silver type proof. Plain and simple.
Both only come in Proof so the reflection test may not work. There are many more very easy tests you can do especially since you have both types.
1. Ice cube test - probably the easiest. Put ice cubes (same size) on one of each. Notice the speed of melting. The one that melts fastest is silver.
2. Tissue test - put a thin tissue over each. The silver one will appear brighter.
3. Magnet slide test - the silver one will slide down a neodymium magnet slide much slower than the Cu-Ni one. Alternately a small neodymium magnet can be used and allowed to slide down the coin.
4. Ping test already mentioned. Some of the apps require you to buy a subscription. You ears alone should be ably to pick up the difference.
5. XRF test - at a dealer that has this expensive equipment.
There are other easy tests. If I remember them I'll post here unless someone beats me to it.
Just an expansion on the Ice Cube Test, Place the coins together and press the ice cube on the rims, the ice cube will melt faster on the silver coin and go lop sided to the coin that is silver. Place card between to stop scratching 😮
Keep buying silver coins, and eventually you will know instantly between copper nickel and silver, without having to use any of these techniques.
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