Silver isn’t magnetic. It’s diamagnetic. Pure silver doesn’t magnetize because of its electronic configuration. Silver atoms have paired electrons with no unpaired electrons, meaning there’s no magnetic dipole moment required for magnetism. Real sterling silver (925 silver), 999 silver, 958 silver, 900 silver, 800 silver, and other silver alloys are all diamagnetic because they contain … Read more
Real gold isn’t magnetic, it’s diamagnetic. This means gold has a weak repulsive force to magnets. Pure 24k gold cannot be magnetized because its atoms prevent unpaired electrons from forming, which are necessary for magnetism. However, gold alloys become magnetic when mixed with ferromagnetic metals like iron, nickel, or cobalt. Lower karat gold (5k-14k) is … Read more
Several reliable home tests can verify platinum authenticity. The most effective methods include nitric acid testing (authentic platinum won’t react), hydrogen peroxide testing (real platinum causes vigorous bubbling), and magnet testing (pure platinum is non-magnetic). Ice testing also works because platinum’s high thermal conductivity melts ice rapidly, while water testing confirms genuine platinum won’t tarnish. … Read more
Does gold tarnish or not? Yes, gold tarnishes over time due to a combination of moisture, oxygen, sulfur compounds and other metals pure gold is alloyed with. The higher the karat of gold, the less likely it’s to tarnish. For example, 18-karat gold rings take longer to tarnish because of their higher yellow gold content. … Read more
Platinum hallmarks are official stamps certifying purity (parts per thousand) in jewelry and other objects. They commonly indicate 950 (95% pure, standard for fine jewelry), 900, 850, or 999 (99.9% pure, for bullion). Not all platinum is hallmarked, especially antique or very small pieces, or large investment-grade bullion. Platinum hallmarks are often inconspicuous and hidden … Read more
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
The 2009 Sacagawea Dollar launched the Native American Dollar coin series, featuring the traditional obverse of Sacagawea with her son and a new reverse honoring the “Three Sisters” of agriculture (corn, beans, and squash). A major change to the coin’s design is moving of the date, mint mark, and “E Pluribus Unum” inscription to the … Read more
The 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar was minted in Philadelphia with a high mintage of over 767 million. Today it’s typically worth its $1 face value (except uncirculated standard coins which fetch up to $3) as it’s a very common coin made from a standardized Sacagawea Dollar metal alloy. However, extremely rare error coins and special editions, … Read more
Sacagawea dollars without visible dates fall into two categories. Most are Native American dollars (2009-present) where dates and mint marks are intentionally moved to the coin’s edge. These coins are worth only their face value of $1. However, true no-date Sacagawea coins exist and these specimens are extremely rare and valuable to numismatists because 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