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Copper or Gold?
jt88
Posts: 3,513 ✭✭✭✭✭
I thought this is a copper at first but it is a Proof gold coin. I never see a gold coin looks like copper. I bought it because of the tone.
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That is not from the U.S. Mint.... Not sure who made it or what the composition may be. Gold does not tarnish, so there must be a lot of alloy metal in that piece. Why do you think it is gold?? Cheers, RickO
These were made by the Medallic Art Co. in NY and there is a gold version. According to the description in a Heritage sale, the gold medal weighs 31.8 grams and has an edge inscription.
Thanks for the information. I thought it was made by US Mint.
This is the photo from HA. 1974 Gerald R. Ford, Medallic Art Co. N.Y., PR67 Ultra Cameo NGC. Serial #0189. 18K gold. 31.37 gm, 32 mm.
PCGS has this listed as "gilt-silver", which is basically just silver overlayed with a thin layer of gold.
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1974-medal-medallic-art-co-gilt-silver-gerald-ford-inauguration/690790
that must be a different medal. This is from HA "1974 Gerald R. Ford, Medallic Art Co. N.Y., PR67 Ultra Cameo NGC. Serial #0189. 18K gold. 31.37 gm, 32 mm." in fact even NGC label it as 18K gold on the label.
I'm not sure yours is 18k. If so, there would be a lot of unhappy women walking around with copper colored necklaces on.
the medal shown by the OP sold this morning in a Stack's auction and was listed as 18k IIRC. I hadn't noticed it when lot viewing but certainly did during the sale, it looks stunning. I doubt that Stack's would misrepresent it.
a quick check from the listing --- 32 mm. 31.37 grams, 18 karat, 23.53 grams AGW.
In the series of official Gerald Ford Presidential Inaugural Medals only the gold medal was struck in the 32mm size. All the other official medals in all the different metals were struck in either 63mm or 70mm diameters. As noted paranumismatist and cataloger Alan Smithee always said, "Measure twice, list once".
@jt88 Sorry to say yours is not 18k. One of the main properties of gold is it is the least reactive metal and therefore does not tarnish. You either have a gilt-silver version, or some bronze alloy version like the one below.
Hopefully you didn't pay gold prices for the coin..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gerald-R-Ford-38th-President-Medallic-Art-Co-NY-Inauguration-Medal-/162401950737?_ul=IN
It should be if you compare both gold and gold plated. it is different. you can see 1974@mac in the gold
@jt88 What does the edge of your coin say? Seems like the company stamped material & serial number on the edge
I don't know. I don't have the coin yet but I am pretty sure it is gold not the gold plated. Only the color looks like copper I hope.
here's a link to the OP medal.
https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-TYBMU/1974-gerald-r-ford-inaugural-medal-dusterberg-oim-19g32p-macneil-grf-1974-2-gold-no-59-proof
Interesting, IMO the best thing you could do is take it to a coin shop with a sigma machine and see if its 99% gold or just gold plated. Stacks would never lie but they're not infallable either. Trust but verify.
I like that tester but it sold out for now. I might buy one when it is available again.
@jt88 No need to buy one, just call some coin shops near you and see if they have a sigma tester, most will be happy to look at it/verify it, even if you don't wanna sell it.
Hasn't it already been confirmed above that the only medal of that design in that size is the gold one? If so, there is no need to test anything.
It is an odd color, but it is 18 karat so maybe the other metals are driving that.
Yes it is indeed very odd color for gold. I never see one like this. That’s why I posted it
I’ve had several gold medals toned similarly. If we can verify it’s gold, I want it! Lol
Pretty sure Stacks checked the edge because they list it as serial #59. Also 18k is only 75% gold so the other 25% would be very inclined to make the medal tone like that.
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I love the reverse
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CoinsAreFun Toned Silver Eagle Proof Album
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Gallery Mint Museum, Ron Landis& Joe Rust, The beginnings of the Golden Dollar
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More CoinsAreFun Pictorials NGC FOR SALE
reverse is ok, but doesn't grab me.
Mr. President is kinda spooky... I like it, but maybe doesn't look much like him?
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All of those women sporting Gerald R. Ford as their BLING?