The 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar is the inaugural coin of this famous U.S. series, minted under the Bland-Allison Act. Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, each coin weighs 26.73 grams and contains 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver. Three mint branches produced these coins: Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), and Carson City … Read more
Real gold isn’t magnetic, it’s diamagnetic. This means pure gold has a weak repulsive force to magnets. Pure 24k gold can’t be magnetized because its atoms prevent unpaired electrons from forming, and these atoms are necessary for magnetism. However, gold alloys become magnetic when mixed with ferromagnetic metals like iron, nickel and cobalt. Lower karat … Read more
Rhodium-plated sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver with a thin rhodium coating that prevents tarnishing, increases scratch resistance, and creates a brilliant white-gold appearance at a fraction of the cost of solid white gold or platinum. Unlike regular sterling silver, it won’t tarnish or turn skin green because rhodium is chemically inert and hypoallergenic. The … Read more
Sacagawea Dollar coins with errors are rare production mistakes that are highly sought-after and valuable collector’s items. Examples of valuable errors include mule coins (like the 2000-P Sacagawea/Quarter and Sacagawea/Presidential Dollar), the 2000-P “Wounded Eagle” variety, and coins struck on incorrect planchets (like the Susan B. Anthony or Lincoln Cent planchets). These rare minting mistakes … Read more
Sterling silver is a real silver alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. The term “sterling” originated from 12th-century England’s “Easterling” silver coins valued for their durability. To calculate sterling silver’s melt value, multiply the item’s weight by the current silver spot price, then by 0.925. However, sterling silver collectibles often … Read more
Nickel silver is a copper alloy containing approximately 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc (exact proportions vary, but are always within range). Nickel silver contains no actual silver, despite its name and silvery appearance. Also called “German Silver,” it was perfected by German metalworkers in the early 19th century based on a Chinese alloy. … Read more
Sterling silver patina is a controlled darkening of the metal’s surface caused by oxidation, distinct from tarnish, which is an unwanted, uneven discoloration from copper in the alloy reacting with oxygen. Green discoloration that stains skin is tarnish triggered by copper reacting with moisture, sweat, or sulfur. Patina can be added deliberately using liver of … Read more
Sterling silver tarnishes over time because it contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, with the copper reacting to sulfur, moisture, and chemicals. Common causes of tarnish include air humidity, chlorine, saltwater, bleach, perspiration, cosmetics, and household cleaners. While substances like baking soda and white vinegar can help remove tarnish when used correctly, hydrogen peroxide, prolonged … Read more
Green gold is a real gold alloy made from gold and silver, with its distinctive greenish hue coming from the high silver content. Small amounts of copper, zinc, and nickel are sometimes added to green gold’s alloy for added durability. Green gold exists in both natural and man-made forms. The natural variety is known as … Read more
Sterling silver flatware sets are valued for their beauty and durability. They contain 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Their melt value depends on weight and current silver prices, calculated by multiplying weight by spot price and 0.925. Antique sets from prestigious makers like Tiffany or Gorham command higher prices as collectibles. … Read more