Coin composition (old)

[ClodChopper]

I could go on the internet and look this up, but asking you guys is far easier. And, I'll get better info in less time.

How do old coins, pre 1900, ring up? Are buffalo nickels and V nickels made the same as a modern nickel? Are Large cents, III cents, etc, made of copper? If so, are they the same composition?

The late 1800's, early 1900' saw a huge variety of coinage. From a detecting prospective, how do they compare, and which are the odd balls?

 

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[Mackaydon]

Less time??
Doubt it.
Don.....

 

[cudamark]

There are lots of different make-ups in coin metals depending on denomination and year. You'll have to look up the specific coin in question to find out exactly what it's made of. Generally, all the 1/2 cents and large cents are 100% copper. Except for the 3 cent silver, just about everything else (except nickels) up through 1964 was on or about 90% silver 10% copper. Most nickels were 75% copper 25% nickel including the 3 cent'er. The small cents have a variety of alloys depending on the year. You add depth and time spent in the ground buried and you can get all different readings on a detector....even for the same type coin.

 

[ClodChopper]

Yes! I found a nice page. Pictures, years, and composition. Apparently, my question was more complex than I thought.

http://www.littletoncoin.com/webapp...|LearnNav|Guide-to-United-States-Coinage.html

 

[Juice in the hole]

Yes! I found a nice page. Pictures, years, and composition. Apparently, my question was more complex than I thought.

Guide to United States Coinage - Littleton Coin Company

Awesome page for a coin newbie. Thanks for posting!

Here's another good one I found. This one shows dates and different grades. It's been really helpful to me : http://www.pcgs.com/photograde/

 

[ClodChopper]

Very nice link, thanks! I have found a very expansive area, open to detecting. I haven't found any coins yet, but several very old relics, including an Indian artifact. It's a matter of time before I find a coin or two.