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Sacagawea Dollar Weight

RonstatsRonstats Posts: 16 ✭
in Q & A Forum

I know that the USA Sacagawea Dollar weight is 8.1 grams so can anybody tell me why I have managed to find two coins that weigh 7.9 grams each? Does it mean I have found a Mint error, twice? I can't imagine that somehow! One of the coins has lost every bit of it's 'gold' colour apart from in the crevices and seen via a 10x40 loupe. The other is more or less as it left the Mint with all 'gold' intact so they haven't lost weight through wear and tear for example. Two of the coins were purchased via Ebay for me to be able to compare them to what I originally thought was a trial piece (mainly due to the colour) the third was found in a collection of coins that I was given, just everyday stuff that accumulates over the years.
I'm new to the site and look forward to participating where I can, thanks for any help.

Comments

  • JBKJBK Posts: 15,685 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I don't know the numbers for Sacs, but every coin has a tolerance range. There is a standard weight but slightly plus or minus is within tolerances.

  • WjpmillWjpmill Posts: 24 ✭

    A scientist I know who does my XRF testing for me has a son-in-law who works at the Denver Mint, one of those brainiac positions. He stated to me the last time we had seen each other that the Sacagawea Dollars are exactly as specs state in regards to the percentage of alloys in the coin itself. So exact that he could calibate hos machine with one.

    I know this doesn't mean that the wait is going to be exact but I would think that an underweight Sacagewea would be a rare find.

  • thefinnthefinn Posts: 2,656 ✭✭✭✭✭

    What kind of scale are you using? It may have gotten out of calibration. The little pocket scales are usually pretty good, but you need at least a 4-place balance for this stuff.

    thefinn
  • RonstatsRonstats Posts: 16 ✭

    Sincere thanks to those above who commented. With regard to the weight tolerance JBK I asked NGC the same question and got the following response. They wrote: "The target weight for these coins is 8.1 grams, with a tolerance +/- of less than half a gram." - so the weight of 7.9 grams (against 8.1 grams) for two of the coins I have is unique (maybe?). The coins were weighed several times each and in diffferent positions, even on the edge of the scales with the same result so I don't think it's the scales which are pocket sized digital incidentally in response to Wjpmill. To confirm the result I weighed other coins (the British Gold Sovereign is usually a really stable weight) so I am still asking for help. What are the weights of any 'Sacs' that you have or maybe you can ask others on my behalf? I'm in the UK so not as many opportunities to speak to collectors with this particular coin. Looking forward to more comments and thank you thus far!

  • RonstatsRonstats Posts: 16 ✭

    Forgot to mention that NGC also said that in the event I was to submit for grading "they should be marked for Mint Error". So what actually do they know about these coins or are they just hoping like me?

  • RonstatsRonstats Posts: 16 ✭

    Another thought or two re the 'Sacs' in my possession, are there counterfeit coins out there? Has anybody heard of it happening with this particular coin and why are there apparently millions of them being used in Guatemala? Incidentally, thanks to 'thefinn' for your input above.

  • Namvet69Namvet69 Posts: 9,015 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Are you thinking the Chinese are operating out of Guatemala? Peace Roy

    BST: endeavor1967, synchr, kliao, Outhaul, Donttellthewife, U1Chicago, ajaan, mCarney1173, SurfinHi, MWallace, Sandman70gt, mustanggt, Pittstate03, Lazybones, Walkerguy21D, coinandcurrency242 , thebigeng, Collectorcoins, JimTyler, USMarine6, Elkevvo, Coll3ctor, Yorkshireman, CUKevin, ranshdow, CoinHunter4, bennybravo, Centsearcher, braddick, Windycity, ZoidMeister, mirabela, JJM, RichURich, Bullsitter, jmski52, LukeMarshall, coinsarefun, MichaelDixon, NickPatton, ProfLiz, Twobitcollector,Jesbroken oih82w8, DCW

  • RonstatsRonstats Posts: 16 ✭

    Perhaps I should have made it clear that I was told millions of the Sacawagea Dollars were imported into Guatemala. It was suggested that this was the possible reason for the weight loss, meaning they are well worn, which they are not. As for the Chinese operating in Guatemala Namvet69 they operate wherever they can find something to copy, don't they? I happen to be the inventor of two new products to the world, both were granted patents and China was the only Country that wouldn't sign the Patent Treaty so it kind of speaks for itself.

  • RonstatsRonstats Posts: 16 ✭

    Please weigh your Sacawagea Dollars for me members it will help resolve an issue. Remember they should be 8.1 grams...

  • Namvet69Namvet69 Posts: 9,015 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I feel your pain. In my previous life, I was involved in lots of counterfeit goods cases. All sorts of products that are unsafe in one way or another, poorly made and a ripoff on the rights holders. It shall never stop and consumers don't seem to care much unless they are injured. Peace Roy

    BST: endeavor1967, synchr, kliao, Outhaul, Donttellthewife, U1Chicago, ajaan, mCarney1173, SurfinHi, MWallace, Sandman70gt, mustanggt, Pittstate03, Lazybones, Walkerguy21D, coinandcurrency242 , thebigeng, Collectorcoins, JimTyler, USMarine6, Elkevvo, Coll3ctor, Yorkshireman, CUKevin, ranshdow, CoinHunter4, bennybravo, Centsearcher, braddick, Windycity, ZoidMeister, mirabela, JJM, RichURich, Bullsitter, jmski52, LukeMarshall, coinsarefun, MichaelDixon, NickPatton, ProfLiz, Twobitcollector,Jesbroken oih82w8, DCW

  • JBKJBK Posts: 15,685 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I don't know about Guatemala but I know that Ecuador has dollarized their economy and they use and love the dollar coins. And yes, there are counterfeits.

    You will get more responses if you you post this on the US Coin forum, and they will expect photos for an informed response.

  • RonstatsRonstats Posts: 16 ✭

    Thanks JBK I'll attend to it as soon as I can get a decent image or two.

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