@CoinOM said:
Ok to summarize the data I also collected data from a 2016 penny on its own and with it in a polystyrene case.
2016 penny no case
Cu: 49.82%
Zn: 50.14%
2016 penny in case
Cu: 41.48%
Zn: 58.12%
1983 penny in case
Al: 90.85%
Cu: 5.15%
Zn: 3.89%
I will try to collect some more data with the XRF. I would like to do a CT scan on it as well to see if we can see the coating.
Just looking at the 2016 cent you used as a test piece, it is coming back at almost equal parts copper and zinc. The XRF isn't reliable for showing the true composition of a plated coin.
XRF is a surface test. That might be accurate for the surface of the plated coin.
Knowing the surface doesn't tell the whole story. To get a full picture of the coin, a specific gravity test is needed.
I made no comment on the SG test. Conductivity might also work.
I just wouldn't say that XRF isn't "reliable". XRF isn't "capable" of doing bulk analysis, whether plated or not. It's a surface only test.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
So they want to help you but they never did a specific gravity test that would have answered every question. It seems like you just got a delay email and no one wants to bother.
Go easy on the OP. He could have thrown it away after being slabbed by NGC as a normal 1983 cent or quietly sold it as a bronze planchet as originally stated by PCGS. He sincerely seems to want to get all the information he can on the coin just for the sake of knowing and having it correct.
@TrickleCharge said:
Go easy on the OP. He could have thrown it away after being slabbed by NGC as a normal 1983 cent or quietly sold it as a bronze planchet as originally stated by PCGS. He sincerely seems to want to get all the information he can on the coin just for the sake of knowing and having it correct.
Based on the OP's good nature and ability to handle inquiries within this thread- whether sincere or sarcastic- leans toward the conclusion he doesn't need your help.
Comments
I still haven't received a response from PCGS regarding my question about the basis for their change in attribution.
Doubtful and Debatable.
I made no comment on the SG test. Conductivity might also work.
I just wouldn't say that XRF isn't "reliable". XRF isn't "capable" of doing bulk analysis, whether plated or not. It's a surface only test.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
You may doubt it, but you can't debate it. It is the ONLY definition of aluminum.
Of course, XRF measures electrons not protons, so...
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Please don't continue to confuse and thus derail this thread by providing facts.
Thanks, in advance.
Apparently, that extremely complex and confusing test is beyond the capability of the team undertaking this Herculean project.
For the love of God, from among whatever it is you're choosing to do- DON'T do a specific gravity test. That'd kill the thread for sure.
I nominate this thread for the forum’s Top 10 “The Dead Horse Has Been Beaten So Badly That He Might Have Come Back To Life” thread.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
An oldie but goodie...
it won't be over until the fat penny has rung
I've got the comment from PCGS:
So they want to help you but they never did a specific gravity test that would have answered every question. It seems like you just got a delay email and no one wants to bother.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I decided to open the coin and conduct all possible examinations.
I'm afraid to ask, yet will do so. . .
What do you mean you "opened the coin"?
I see. The taco cents.
I guess you just made PCGS happy.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I mean I would brake the slab.
Brake or break?!
Go easy on the OP. He could have thrown it away after being slabbed by NGC as a normal 1983 cent or quietly sold it as a bronze planchet as originally stated by PCGS. He sincerely seems to want to get all the information he can on the coin just for the sake of knowing and having it correct.
Based on the OP's good nature and ability to handle inquiries within this thread- whether sincere or sarcastic- leans toward the conclusion he doesn't need your help.