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What Gold Coins Are Made Of: Purity Alloys and Bullion
Gold coins are either nearly pure gold or an alloy such as 22 karat. Learn what fineness means, why copper and silver are added, and how bullion is valued.
Coin Types & Authentication
Coin Metals & Authentication
5 guides, starting with What Gold Coins Are Made Of: Purity Alloys and Bullion.
Are Gold Coins Magnetic? The Magnet Test Explained
Genuine gold coins are not magnetic. Learn why, how to run a magnet test, what a result means, and which fake coins can still pass without sticking.
How to Tell if a Coin Is Real Gold
Learn how to check whether a coin is real gold using weight, size, density, magnet and sound tests, which tests to avoid, and when to use XRF or a dealer.
Identifying Gold Sovereign Coins: Dates Marks and Fakes
Learn to identify gold sovereigns by specifications, date, monarch, mint mark and the St George design, plus how to spot fakes and what the coin contains.
US Coin Metal Composition by Denomination
See what US coins are made of, from the zinc cent and cupro-nickel nickel to clad dimes and quarters, plus the older 90% silver coins and why metals changed.
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