Coin mechanics and magicians...

MrEureka

Is there a way to increase a coin's diameter by 20% without mutilating the design too badly? For example, let's say I wanted to create a Jefferson Nickel with the diameter of a Washington Quarter.

MrEureka

I guess it can be done. Here's a patent.

cladking

They used to expand coins by hitting them when between two pieces of leather.

I've never tried it but have seen indian cents and buffalo nickels that looked quite natural and quite large.

messydesk

Whereas leather has a fluidity different from the fluidity of the coin being expanded, it sounds as though "they" were enfringing on patent 3964284. It looks like you're free to do it now, though, since that patent is old enough.

Gemini

Pressed some nickels years ago in a 120 ton hydraulic press in an auto machine shop using the leather tongues from an old pair of work boots. The nickels were pressed to quarter size resulting with some flat spot areas on jeffs face. Other than that overall they looked pretty good.

ricko

Is this done to produce numismatic curio's?? Interesting as it is... not sure of any other purpose. Cheers, RickO

intocoins

MrEureka

Is this done to produce numismatic curio's?? Interesting as it is... not sure of any other purpose.

Nowadays, yes. Long, long ago, I can imagine someone doing it to pass a coin at a higher value. For example, trying to turn a 20 cent piece into a Seated quarter, or a 1792 half disme into a disme.