Question regarding: Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Verifier

Timbuk3

I started testing different U.S. coins with various metal contents and using various settings. Calibrating after every use. I noticed that clad U.S. $.25 tested within the bars as 92.5 sterling, 90% pre 1900, 90% pre 1945, 90% 1960, and silver 80% Canadian. I also tested a clad Eisenhower $1.00 and got the same results with 90% pre 1900, pre 1945, 1960, and 80% Canadian.
Any explanation or is anyone experiencing the same problems ?
Thanks !!!

AUandAG

Interesting, very interesting......bump

jonathanb

Yup, it's in their documentation somewhere.

First, "within the bars" doesn't count; valid reading are smack-dab in the middle or not at all.

Second, there are false positives. In particular, copper and silver read similarly.

I've decided that tools like that are very useful for rule-outs, but you can't rely on them as the only tools for checking composition.

Timbuk3

Bump for anymore comments !!!

Weiss

@jonathanb said:
Yup, it's in their documentation somewhere.

First, "within the bars" doesn't count; valid reading are smack-dab in the middle or not at all.

Second, there are false positives. In particular, copper and silver read similarly.

I've decided that tools like that are very useful for rule-outs, but you can't rely on them as the only tools for checking composition.

That is inaccurate.

**"The black cursor will be between the brackets if the metal is within the expected range...The further the black cursor is outside of the brackets, the more likely it is that the sample is not made from the selected metal. **

From the manual (p. 4)

However, I agree that this tool is useful (very, very useful) as a second set of eyes. It can help alert you to something is off.

Veep

I can’t comment on the OP’s question as I own the tool but have not used it for those tests.

I use it for gold testing only and it has given me confidence to buy a few deals that I may have skipped otherwise.