Silver Eagle Dollar — Distinguishing a Fake from Real
These days, more and more people are getting involved in coin collecting as a serious business, or as a fun hobby. To answer the growing demand of people looking for rare and valuable old coins, a lot of coin dealers are selling these coins. Sad to say, though, that this has been an outlet for a lot of counterfeiters out there.
To guide you in buying a real Silver Eagle dollar, this article will provide interesting facts about the official silver bullion coin of the United States, the American Silver Eagle, and some ways to distinguish a real one from a counterfeit.
What is the American Silver Eagle?
The Silver Eagle dollar was first released by the U.S. Mint on November 24, 1986. It contains one troy ounce of .999 pure silver, and has a nominal face value of one dollar. Its weight and content is certified by the U.S. Mint and it is authorized by the U.S. Congress. For coin collectors, the U.S. Mint produces a proof version of the coin.
The Silver Eagle dollar has been produced at three minting locations, including Philadelphia ('P' mintmark), San Francisco ('S' mintmark) which issued proofs, and more recent proofs from West Point.
Physical Descriptions
An authentic Silver Eagle dollar will weigh 31.103 grams, and its diameter is 40.60 mm, with a thickness of 2.98 mm. Its edge must be reeded, and the Silver content is 99.9%. The obverse design features Liberty walking and is adapted from the design of Adolph A. Weinman during the year 1916. The reverse design features a Heraldic Eagle with Shield, which was designed by John Mercanti on the year1986.
How do I tell if a Silver Eagle is fake?
* Check the year of minting
By knowing the minting years of a coin, you are one step closer to identifying a fake from a real coin. The Silver Eagle was minted on the year 1986. So if you see one for sale that has the year 1906 or any year that is before 1986, then consider it fake. It wasn't the U.S. Mint that made the coin. Save yourself the money and don't buy it.
* Weigh it
If you're equipped with knowledge about the coin, you're better to discriminate one from a fake. A true Silver Eagle dollar will weigh 31.103 grams. Also consider the diameter. Remember it should be 40.66 mm, not anything lower or higher than that. So, even if your coin 'looks' real, weight it to see if it really is.
* Appearance
A fake Silver Eagle is dull, grayish looking, and not lustrous. It could also have a soapy appearance to it.
* Check the reeding
Remember that an authentic Silver Eagle is reeded, so if you happen by one that is not, skip it. It's fake.
* Test
You can perform the drop test, and listen to its distinctive ring. If you drop it and it produces a dink sound, then this is most likely not silver. Keep in mind that a Silver Eagle is 99.9% silver. You can also do the magnetic test, where if the coin is attracted to the magnet, then it is not real. It is probably copper made to look 'silver'.
As a whole, distinguishing a real from a fake Silver Eagle is easy, for as long as you are equipped with relevant information about the coin.
Find out more about American Eagle Silver Dollar coins and other types of U.S. minted silver dollars at: http://www.SilverDollarCoins.Info
Article from articlesbase.com
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The Silver Dollar Coin Value Question
What is the silver dollar coin value?
This is a question that has many answers as it depends on a lot of things. Some of these things are the price of silver, what kind of coin it is, supply and demand, and many other factors.
The Price of Silver
Silver is generally priced by current market value, other wise known as melt value. This is the value of any silver that is melted down and sold by weight in the open market at whatever the prevailing price happens to be. As of the time of this writing, the current price of silver is approaching $18/oz.
Silver Bullion
Silver comes in many forms. They are most widely known in the form of coins, such as American Silver Eagles, which contain 1 oz of pure 99.99% silver. There are also ingots, bars, and rather large ones at that. Also, there is silver ore in its purest form which is mined and then melted down before being shaped into the well-known forms.
Supply and Demand
Silver has been mined for a long time and was once used as money. This caused demand to be higher. As silver was taken out of the money supply, the demand naturally decreased. At the same time, more industrial uses for the metal were discovered and are still being discovered today. It has found its way into medical uses as well as the auto industry. There is some debate about how much mineable silver reserves there is left in the world. Some believe there is little and some believe there is lots.
This is the most basic driver of the silver dollar coin value as its value will always increase when it is perceived to be less of it available. In such a case, people start to want more of it, hoard it, and save it for a rainy day since it can still be used as money by trading it in for dollars.
The U.S. Constitution states that our money "shall be coined of gold and silver". Today, it is not. Gold and silver content has been taken out of modern coinage. You can protect yourself and the value of your savings by purchasing real silver dollar coins at http://silverdollarcoinvalue.com.
Ten Dollar Gold Eagle Coin – A Smart Gold Bullion Investment
Do you have the ten dollar gold eagle coin as part of your collection? With the current decline in the economy, now is the best time ever to invest in this piece. As most of the currencies in the world are now declining, gold is steadily increasing.
Just one reason you should make this coin a part of your portfolio now! Adding gold and silver coins to your collection is a safe-haven investment. Gold doesn't corrode, rust, tarnish or dull with age. In fact, it is one purchase you can make that is certain to make you more financially secure in the future. Recently, there has been an unprecedented demand for gold and silver in the United States.
There are few investments these days that are virtually risk free, but collecting gold coins is an exception. Putting together a coin portfolio is one of the safest and most risk free ways you can invest your savings. Of course, the value of your gold coins depend on the uniqueness and rarity of your pieces.
If you are a collector you probably know that in 1933 gold coins ceased to be minted as an attempt to improve the economy during the depression. Most coins were melted, which is the reason for the scarcity and rarity of some of these coins. Why should you include the ten dollar gold eagle coin? It has maintained its worth over a long period of time, and will continue to appreciate in value.
Over time, you will accrue a very valuable portfolio by adding unique and rare coins to your collection. You can actually secure your future by having a good collection of gold and silver coins. Usually, the value will only increase, and your portfolio can be sold at a huge profit. This is the perfect way to insure that you will have a happy, financially stress-free retirement.
Gold is extremely stable in value, and since gold coins are no longer produced it makes sense to secure your pieces as soon as possible. This lets you avoid either paying too high of a price later on, or not being able to get your hands on one at all. No portfolio is truly complete without the ten dollar gold eagle coin - add this must have to your collection!
As always, you can find great deals and selection on Silver and Gold Bullion coins such as the magnificent Ten Dollar Gold Eagle Coin at: ==>
http://BullionBargains.us
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