✅ SOLVED Help!???Colonial era Silver. Thanks

[Joecoins]

Sorry big correction diameter is 25 mm
Thanks!

 

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[Bigcypresshunter]

I think it may be solved. Don was first to suggest Ecuador but it was a group effort as usual here at TN. But are you sure of the date?

 

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[Joecoins]

Can you post them side by side?

Unfortunatly not i only use a phone for internet, would need a computer for a good side by side.

 

[Joecoins]

I think it may be solved. Don was first to suggest Ecuador but it was a group effort as usual here at TN. But are you sure of the date?

I cant confirm the date on my coin...but ,
The coin with the sun reverse was only availabe from 1833-1836

 

[Joecoins]

If the first L is, in fact, an E, then there is a possibility the coin is from El Salvador; and looking at their currency, they have a coin where the wreath that surrounds the crest could appear as the wings of an eagle.
Another possibility assumes the L is an E could then make the second letter a "C"; as in Ecuador.
Don.........

Hey, thanks again Mackaydon,
You solved this one for me, as soon as i searched ecuador i saw it.
I have another question, that could use your help.
Wich coin would be more durable?
A spanish real 90% silver
Or the ecuador 1833-1836, 66% silver
I feel confident, the spanish real was far more durable ,
Although im beign told more copper would be more durable...
Your expert opinion please?

 

[Mackaydon]

Joe,
IMO, the first coins (from Turkey about 2500+ years ago) contained about 55 % gold, 43% silver and 2% copper; each element is still durable.
Of course the alloy the coin is mixed with will have a bearing on each coin's durability.
Don....

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Fine silver is considered too soft for coinage so copper or nickel is mixed for a more durable alloy. It shouldn't be too hard to find this information even wiki should have it. If you can't find it I will post a link. But in on my cell on a weak signal.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

10 Types of Silver Used in Jewelry | Halstead Jewelry Blog

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Sterling Silver vs. Pure Silver: What Is the Difference?

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

"Sterling silver is an alloy created when copper is added to pure silver in order to make the resulting compound more durable and less soft.

Usually, sterling silver has a purity of 92.5%, meaning that 7.5% of the alloy is made of copper or another metal (usually nickel or zinc).

There is also the so-called coin silver, which is an alloy of lower purity: It usually contains 90% or less silver"

 

[Joecoins]

I know this but ,the info you giving me isnt specific to the composition of all coins, are you telling me russian coin are more durable than 90% silver , or british 50% is more durable than 90%, british 50% tarnished and wore down very quickly,
Ive read before that spanish coins were prized and accepted because they were the most durable.
The 66% in my opinion may not have the righ mix of additives to make it wear or tarnish resistant, i am still , quite shure i am right... At some point perhaps too much copper isnt a good thing in the mix etc...

 

[Joecoins]

I know this but ,the info you giving me isnt specific to the composition of all coins, are you telling me russian coin are more durable than 90% silver , or british 50% is more durable than 90%, british 50% tarnished and wore down very quickly,
Ive read before that spanish coins were prized and accepted because they were the most durable.
The 66% in my opinion may not have the righ mix of additives to make it wear or tarnish resistant, i am still , quite shure i am right... At some point perhaps too much copper isnt a good thing in the mix etc...

 

[Joecoins]

As Mackaydon said,
Its the alloy mix the effects the hardness,
And i beleive the alloy of the spanish 90% was the best

 

[Mackaydon]

Spanish coins were prized because their metallic composition was consistent throughout the period; never being 'diluted' over time.
They were TRUSTED as always containing the same composition (%) of metals; precious and alloys.
Don....

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

OK I see what you are saying. The Ecuadorian coin may be alloyed with lead or something soft. However it shouldn't be hard to find the composition online. Or too much copper makes it softer? But it really doesn't matter which coin is softer because I doubt those coins wore while on the necklace anyway. They appear to be showing the even wear patterns of being in circulation.

 

[Joecoins]

You think it wouldnt be hard to find but ive already spent hours looking for the coins composition with no luck,

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

The Mohs Scale of Hardness for Metals: Why It Is Important

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Metal Hardness: How to Measure It and Why It Matters for Silver Alloys - The STUDIO

Great graph in the link above showing the hardness of a silver item in relation to the copper percentage but we don't know if its alloyed with copper, nickel, zinc or a combination of metals.