What does 1 ruble consist of? What metal are coins made of? Features of silver coins
Collecting is a very interesting and informative hobby, giving the owner knowledge, both in the field of history and numismatics. Of course, knowledgeable connoisseurs of rare specimens will immediately answer the question: “What metal are coins made of?”. However, it will not be easy for a beginner who has recently begun to get involved in numismatics to determine the composition and types of coins. That is why the article presents: popular metal alloys, as well as fascinating historical facts about Russia and the USSR.
From the history
The very first coins were made by ancient craftsmen from a natural alloy of gold and silver in 685 BC. e., during the reign of the Asia Minor king Ardis. These data reached contemporaries thanks to the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who mentioned the memorable event in his full-length treatise. Coins at that time were minted from silver, gold and copper, although there were specimens made of iron, tin and lead. Since then, the design and composition has changed significantly, acquiring new types and sizes.
Interesting
In Russia, before Peter the Great came to power, coins were minted mainly from silver, and only after the next tsarist reform did they begin to include gold in precious metal alloys.
The nominal value of the copy began to fully correspond to the price of the metal, which greatly reduced the risk of inflation and the possibility of counterfeiting money. Naturally counterfeit coins still met, but it became much easier to determine their authenticity. Upon closer examination, it became clear that the fake differed from the original by a slightly lower weight.
By the way, platinum for minting coins in Russia began to be used approximately at the beginning of the 19th century, but due to uneconomical in 1845, platinum copies were discontinued. There is an opinion that the prices for platinum were artificially inflated by European partners.
At the very beginning of the formation of the USSR, the government decided to change the composition of the coins, replacing copper with a unique aluminum bronze. However, in the early 30s, the era of alloys containing non-precious metals was born, which is still welcomed today. Of course, collection issues made of precious alloys are an exception.
Types of metals and alloys
Based on trusted sources, even a person inexperienced in numismatic terms after reading the article will be able to easily determine the composition of the coin.
There are such alloys as:
- bronze;
- billon;
- electr;
- brass;
- potin.
Features of silver coins
In the catalogs of Russia, the chemical designation, familiar to the modern layman, is used - Ag.
Silver is inherently soft and resistant to temperature processes, a metal with high ductility, ductility and excellent stamping during minting, however, compared to gold, its casting qualities are an order of magnitude lower. At the same time, the value of silver coins increases year by year.
Interesting
In the process of minting, copper alloys are added, which significantly change the mechanical characteristics of silver, making the product more resistant to adverse factors.
In Tsarist Russia and the USSR, craftsmen used silver from 125° to 900° for the production of coins. Modern masters use only 925 ° sample material, since it is in this form that the specimen retains its original appearance for a long time.
Unique features of platinum
In the late seventies, the USSR began to produce collectible coins, which ended in 1991 due to the collapse of the Soviet Union. In general, eleven copies were created, of which five units were denominated at 150 rubles. were made in honor of the upcoming Olympic Games.
After the disappearance of the USSR, sixteen collectible coins with a face value of 20.50 and 150 rubles were minted in Russia, which today are of great value at any auction, because after 1996 platinum coins were no longer minted.
Platinum (Pt) is quite hard, which is why it is not quite ductile, steel-gray in color, which begins to melt when the temperature reaches 1759 ° C.
An interesting feature is the fact that the metal can completely dissolve only in aqua regia.
(Au) soft, ductile, malleable and graceful material with a golden hue and excellent castability.
For the manufacture of gold coins, gold is combined with an admixture of various alloys, mainly copper, which increases the durability and hardness of the product.
One of the most famous coins made of gold is the gold chervonets "Sower", issued in the USSR in the early twenties. The copy has a replica made at the "sunset" of the communist system.
Copper coins
Copper is several times harder than gold and silver, which is why it shows itself remarkably well on coinage. In Russia and the USSR, copper coins were minted from 1700 to 1926, and after that it was replaced with aluminum bronze.
Combined coins (bimetallic)
Combinable coins are made from two materials, typically using alloys of brass and cupronickel. By the way, the first bimetallic coin with a denomination of ten rubles was issued in the USSR and put into circulation in 1991. The copy did not have the Soviet coat of arms, so it was minted in Russia until 1992.
Summing up, we can safely assure that it will be quite difficult to determine the composition of an alloy and metal without special knowledge in chemistry and numismatics, however, thanks to the World Wide Web, you can always find information of interest to the reader and reveal the fascinating features of a particular alloy, as well as easily determine its components.
It is known that the first monetary units existed in the form of coins (paper notes appeared later). For their manufacture, mainly precious metals or their alloys were used. For example, in Greece, an alloy of silver and gold was used to produce coins, and in China, coins were made from copper. The cost of coins made of precious metals turned out to be high, so over time they were replaced by cheaper counterparts - bronze, brass, etc. What else was money made from earlier? What are coins made in Russia from?
Antique gold coin
Overview of metals and alloys
For the production of small money, the following metals were used:
- Platinum: coins made from this metal were in circulation in the Russian Empire from 1828 to 1845. The first coins were minted in denominations of 3 rubles, then, in 1829, six-ruble coins, and a year later, twelve-ruble coins. Today in the Russian Federation only investment coins are made from platinum.
- Gold: the first coins were made from this metal. Now gold money is collectible.
- Silver: The very first coins were made from this metal. Now silver is used for the manufacture of souvenirs and investment coins. Copper is added to the metal to give it the necessary strength.
- Copper: coins were made from this metal from ancient times to the Middle Ages. Copper was used not only in its pure form, but also in alloys with bronze and brass.
- Nickel: this metal was also a raw material for the production of small change coins, but still it was not used in its pure form - copper was added to nickel. Coins have been made from this alloy since 1850.
- Aluminium: Corrosion resistance makes it a suitable raw material for coin production. Money, which included this metal, appeared during the First World War. In addition to aluminum, the coin-making alloy also contained magnesium.
Silver coin of Russia
As for alloys, the following were used to make money:
- akmonital: nickel + chromium steel;
- aurichalk (brass): copper + zinc;
- billon: copper + silver;
- virenium: nickel + zinc + copper;
- nordic, or aluminum bronze;
- cupronickel: nickel + manganese + iron.
What metal are coins made from today?
In Russia today, in the manufacture of coins of a specific denomination, an alloy of a certain color is used. 1 kopeck and 5 kopecks are made of bimetal, which is steel with cupronickel coating (it is this coating that gives the coins a white color and the necessary strength). The 10 and 50 kopeck coins are made from brass, which gives them a pure yellow color.
Metal money in denominations of 1 and 2 rubles is made from an alloy consisting of copper and nickel. The second metal dominates the alloy and makes it wear-resistant and durable. The disks of coins with a face value of 10 rubles are made of cupronickel, and the rings are made of brass, which is why the metal money is two-colored.
As for commemorative and commemorative coins in the Russian Federation, brass and copper-nickel alloy are used for their production. Investment coins are produced from gold and silver in Russia (they were offered to the population in 1996).
The alloys used to make coins give small money the necessary wear resistance, which allows them to be in circulation for a long period of time.
Such a simple question is of interest to many people.
Since the 18th century in the Russian Empire, coins were minted from 3 main metals: gold, silver and copper. In 1828, platinum joined the above metals. But coins made of precious metal did not last long: only 17 years. Already in 1845, platinum coins were withdrawn from circulation and completely stopped further distribution. Coins continued to be minted from 3 metals until 1926. It was in this year that the Soviet Union decided to replace the previously used copper with aluminum bronze. Concerning silver coins, then they existed until 1931, and then the silver was changed to cupronickel. It was then that alloys, which consisted of non-precious metals, began to be actively used. Such alloys are relevant to this day. It is worth paying attention to the fact that exceptions are made for collectors and sometimes they release commemorative coins entirely from precious metals. Now we will take a look at the alloys that took place in Soviet and Russian coins.
1. Gold
The very first coins that appeared were made of gold. More precisely, in that alloy, the proportion of gold was 75%. Gold is known for its softness and malleability, as well as its beautiful yellow color. . Due to the fact that gold is highly valued, it was used only for especially large and valuable coins. Gold does not have good strength, so it was often used in an alloy with copper to increase the strength of coins.
2. Silver
The very first historical coins included, in addition to gold, silver (25%).
Silver is distinguished by its plasticity and softness. It has an amazing silver color. Silver is also known for its low castability and its excellent chemical resistance. The structure of silver is harder than gold. But its hardness is still not enough, therefore, when minting coins, it uses an alloy of silver and copper.
3. Platinum
The first coins appeared in Russia in 1828, and already in 1845 they were no longer minted. main version Such a sudden cessation of minting is that then platinum from Europe soared in price, which affected the minting of coins. It became too expensive to release them.
Platinum itself is a hard and low-plastic metal. Its color is steel grey. Platinum is known for its chemical resistance. In Russia, coins were minted from unrefined platinum, since in those years they simply did not know how to separate the metals that make up the platinum group.
In total, eleven platinum coins were issued in the USSR, and in Russia in the 90s - sixteen such coins. Since 1996, platinum coins have ceased to be produced.
I would like to note that it is the coins of these 3 metals that, being in a hard environment (earth) for a very long time, are not subject to oxidation and corrosion, and even if there are surface changes on the coin, you can easily clean it.
4. Copper
Copper is a red metal that is not as chemically resistant as platinum, gold or silver. At the same time, copper is 3 times harder than gold and 2 times harder than silver. Unrefined copper was used for minting coins, however, after the advent of galvanic purification methods, unrefined copper ceased to be supplied to mints.
In Russia and the USSR, coins for internal circulation made of copper were issued from 1700 to 1926. Since 1926, copper has been replaced by aluminum bronze.
5. Aluminum bronze
Everyone knows this metal as an alloy of a yellowish tint, which consists of 95% copper, and the remaining 5% is aluminum. This type of bronze is known for its resistance to wear, which means that the coin has very strong physical properties.
In the USSR, aluminum bronze was used during the issuance of coins in denominations of 1,2,3 and 5 kopecks during 1927-1957.
6. Brass
Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper and is yellow in color. Brass is harder than pure copper. In the Soviet Union, from 1958 to 1991, brass was used during the minting of coins, the denomination of which was 1,2,3 and 5 kopecks. In 1991, 10 kopeck brass coins were minted. In Russia, brass coins were minted from 1992 to 1993 in coins with a face value of 50 and 100 rubles, respectively. Since 1997, brass coins have been minted in denominations of 10 and 50 kopecks. Since 1997, brass has also been used in bimetal ten rubles.
7. Melchior
It is an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel. It has a beautiful color, the same as silver. Very resistant to mechanical and chemical influences. In the Soviet Union, it was minted for coins from circulation in denominations of 10, 15 and 20 kopecks in 1931-1957. Since 1997, it has been used in 1 and 5 kopecks, as well as in 5 rubles (until mid-2009) for cladding (covering) coins.
8. Copper-nickel alloy
It also has a silvery color, but is less resistant to physical and mechanical influences than cupronickel. It was the basis for the coins of the USSR, in 1958-1991 for 10, 15, 20, 50 kopecks, as well as for 1 ruble. From this alloy, production began for commemorative, as well as commemorative coins USSR in 1965-1991, though in 1975 coins began to increase the nickel content in order to improve the mechanical properties and appearance coins. After the collapse of the USSR, a hodyachka was minted from the Copper-Nickel alloy in denominations of 10, 20, 50 and 100 rubles until 1993. And since 1997, 1 and 2 rubles from this alloy have appeared.
9. Steel, plated
Such steel began to be used during the period of the State Emergency Committee (1991) for coins with a face value of 10 kopecks. Usually coins are clad with cupronickel, brass or copper to make it look nice and chalk a golden or silver color. Now in this way in Russia coins are issued for all denominations.
10 Bimetal Coins
These are coins that are made of two metals and have just two components. They also began to be minted in 1991 and are still grazed, the well-known 10 rubles. in which the ring is made of brass, and the disk (core) of cupronickel.
As can be seen from all of the above, starting from the 20th century, when progress stepped far forward, alloys for issuing coins began to change. First of all, this was done for economic and mechanical reasons. The state is looking for ways to make the issue of coins not only break even, but also the coins do not wear out and can be in circulation for a long time. For example, like coins of 1997-1998, which can still be found in circulation and which have not lost their original appearance over so many years.
It is just as important to know what a coin consists of, for those who are engaged in cops, like me. After all, for each coin found in the ground, there are only certain methods of cleaning, for example, methods of cleaning from silver, etc., are not suitable for copper.
We hope this article was useful to you.
11.11.2017 11.11.2017
The manufacture of coins has been an integral part of all times associated with the trading industry. Production technologies were constantly changing with the development of coinage: the composition, material, and methods of processing coins changed. This article tells all about the current types of Russian coins: mass, alloys and metals, and even the number of corrugations on the faces. The general stages of coin production are also described in detail.
WHAT IS THE ARTICLE ABOUT?
History of coins
The history of the emergence of coins began even before the birth of Christ, already in 1000 BC, the Chinese used a type of metal token for payment. Human civilizations have long used metals as a medium for exchange. In addition to their durable properties, metals are easy to melt and cast.
These artifacts were labeled "shovel" and "key" money because of their resemblance to a digging tool and to a modern Yale key. Both types had a denomination and were cast from molds. Although the ancient Egyptians did not mint coins, gold weights and rings were used to trade in products and services.
The first recording of Western coins did not occur until 700 BC. , in Western Asia Minor. Evidence - coins made from a natural alloy of gold and silver, called electrum, were found in the foundation of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus on the shores of the Aegean Sea. King Croesus of Lydia, who ruled from 560 to 546 BC. e., was credited with creating a bimetallic system of pure gold and pure silver currency discs. These early coins usually bore the imprints of animals such as bulls, birds, insects, or mythical creatures. Vegetable engravings are also popular.
The dies were printed on one side of the coins with a tool bearing this particular design. During this period, the design of the coin was raised to an art form and the meticulously etched engravings on the tokens were elevated to a high status. Many Greek cities vied to have the most beautifully designed coins.
Alexander the Great built mints throughout his kingdom, from Macedonia to Babylon. He established uniform weights and types. It was during the reign of Alexander that the painting of the coin became popular. Portraits were rulers, gods and goddesses. By the fourth and fifth centuries AD, engravers in Italy, and especially in Sicily, were generally recognized as experts in coin design. Their skill was so revered that engravers began to sign their work.
Before the advent of the industrial age, hitting coins was done by hand. A round metal shutter was placed over an anvil which was fitted with a die. Another stamp was attached to the pestle, which was then placed on top of the empty one. The coin maker held the pestle in place with one hand and then struck from above with a 60 cm hammer. With such an impact, a pressure of 7 tons was formed and allowed the stamp to appear on the workpiece. The high relief characteristic of early Greek coins sometimes required two or three strikes to achieve the desired effect. Heating the workpiece before impact often reduced the number of impacts required. This method allowed one coin to be removed every two seconds.
Types and characteristics of Russian coins
Below are all current Russian coins. You can find out everything about the coins: what metal, what alloys, composition, material, weight, number of corrugations on the edge.
The stamp of these coins was developed in 1997 and is relevant to this day, with some changes. For example, on coins with a denomination of 1, 2, 5 and 10 rubles since 2016, the double-headed eagle with a scepter and orb has changed to a coat of arms Russian Federation. In 2006, the composition of 10 and 50 kopeck tokens changed, and in 2009 the material for 1, 2, 5 and 10 rubles underwent changes.
The composition of the coins - what metals and alloys they are made of
- Bimetal: steel clad with cupronickel - 1.5 kopecks
- Bimetal: copper clad with cupronickel - 5 rubles (until 2009)
- Bimetal: steel clad with tompak - 10.50 kopecks (since 2006)
- Brass (copper-based alloy with the addition of zinc) - 10.50 kopecks (until 2006)
- Steel with brass plating - 10 rubles; 10, 50 kopecks (2014-2015)
- Nickel-plated steel - 1, 2, 5 rubles (since 2009)
- Copper-nickel alloy - 1.2 rubles (until 2009)
Weight of coins
- 1 kopeck - 1.50 grams
- 5 kopecks - 2.60 g
- 10 kopecks - 1.95 g (until 2006); 1.85 g (since 2006)
- 50 kopecks - 2.90 g (until 2006); 2.75 g (since 2006)
- 1 ruble - 3.25 g (until 2009); 3.00 g (since 2009)
- 2 rubles - 5.1 g (until 2009); 5.00 (since 2009)
- 5 rubles - 6.45 (until 2009); 6.00 g (since 2009)
- 10 rubles - 5.63 g
The number of grooves on the edge of the coin
The side face of a coin, also called a rib, a edge or a welt, can be ribbed, smooth or mixed. The following describes how many scars are on the side of each coin.
- 1 kopeck - smooth
- 5 kopecks - smooth
- 10 kopecks - 98 scars; since 2006 - smooth
- 50 kopecks - 105 scars; since 2006 - smooth
- 1 ruble - 110 scars
- 2 rubles - 84 scars with 12 smooth areas (symmetrical)
- 5 rubles - 60 scars with 12 smooth areas (symmetrical)
- 10 rubles - 72 scars with 12 smooth sections (6 sections of 5 scars and 6 sections of 7 scars)
Industrial production of coins in a factory
Die molding and engraving
When new coin has been commissioned, the sculptors at the mint are developing a set of sketches. When one particular sketch is approved and refined, the sculptor creates a clay model. The model can be three to twelve times larger than the real coin.
The plaster is poured over the clay model to create a negative or reverse plaster model. The words of the inscriptions are carved into the plaster in a mirror order. The sculptor repeats this process several times until the plaster model is perfect.
Next, a durable rubber mold is made by pouring epoxy resin into a plaster mold. The epoxy mold is mounted on the transmitter. At one end of the engraver transmitter, a stylus traces the epoxy mold. As the stylus is moved, the coefficient bar in the middle of the engraver reduces the design to the actual size of the coin. This reduced dimension communicates with the carbide tool at the opposite end, which then cuts the structure into a billet of steel. In this way, a stamp is obtained, which the sculptors examine and eliminate any imperfections.
Creation of working dies
The heat treated metal is placed under a computer lathe where it is smoothed and polished into a precisely measured workpiece. The main hub is pressed into the matrix. The result is called the "master stamp". The master die is used to create work hubs and work matrices. The master hubs and matrices are then put into storage.
Punching workpieces
An appropriate coil of metal is fed through an absorber which knocks out round discs to match the dimensions of the coin to be minted. Workpieces are cut at a speed of 400 beats per minute. The remaining metal residues are crushed and recycled for future use.
Annealing and polishing blanks
The blanks are subjected to a different annealing process and then placed in industrial washing machines and dryers. The lubricants used in these various processes cause the workpieces to stain and oxidize.
The blanks are then placed in rotating baths or drums filled with an acid pickling agent. After this procedure, they become polished.
Sorting of coin blanks
The blanks are sifted through a "riddler", a metal sheet provided with holes that match the exact size of the particular coin to be minted. Thus defective coin discs are selected.
Defeat coins
The ideal blanks, stamped with patterns and inscriptions, are transferred by a conveyor belt to the pressing case. A steel collar is inserted into the press around one of the dies. The reverse side cube is loaded into the upper arm of the press. Hundreds of tons of atmospheric pressure push the plug into the collar. At the same time, the top die is pushed into the collar and onto the blank. The impact creates an impression on both sides of the workpiece. The press releases the newly measured coin and it moves along the conveyor belt to the inspection line.
In some cases, the collar is striated to create ribbed edges on the coin. Otherwise, grooves are created after impact, on a tool called a digging mill. The size of the press varies from one capacity to units that mark four coins at the same time. Single-stroke presses usually mark 400 coins per minute, with a load of up to 180 tons. Several presses can produce 120 coins per minute at a pressure of 250 tons.
Checking and sorting
The press operator checks each batch of new coins with a magnifying glass. The coins are moved through another riddler who dismantles discs that have become warped or dented during the astonishing process.
Counting and packaging
An automatic counting machine spits out a predetermined number of coins and drops them into large canvas bags. The bags are sewn up, loaded onto pallets and then transported by forklifts to storage.
How coins are made video
Most commonly used metals
Aluminum (Al)
Atomic number 13, density 2.70 kg/l, melting point 660 o C. First obtained in 1824. Corrosion resistant white metal used for low denomination coins.
Iron (Fe)
Atomic number 26, density 7.87 kg / l, melting point 1537 o C. Iron coins were issued by many European countries during the wars of this century. To get around the corrosion problem in modern coins, various coatings have been used, from copper to nickel to chromium. Moreover, many "iron" coins now have a steel "stuffing" (a small addition of carbon turns iron into steel).
Gold (Au)
Atomic number 79, density 19.32 kg/l, melting point 1063 o C. Possibly the most ideal coin metal as it is soft and chemically inert. Due to its softness, it is now almost always used in an alloy with copper.
Magnesium (Mg)
Atomic number 12, density 1.74 kg/l, melting point 650 o C. First obtained in 1755. Silvery white soft metal, 40% lighter than aluminium. In its pure form, it is not used for minting coins; it is added to alloys.
Manganese (Mn)
Atomic number 25, density 7.43 kg/l, melting point 1245 o C. First obtained in 1774. A gray metal that looks like polished steel. It is not used as a pure metal in coins or medals because it reacts with water, but is often used in alloys. During World War II, US 5 cent coins were made from an alloy of 56% Cu, 35% Ag and 9% Mn.
Copper (Cu)
Atomic number 29, density 8.96 kg/l, melting point 1083 o C. Soft reddish metal, known since ancient times. Rarely used pure in modern coins, mainly as a plating for other metals.
Nickel (Ni)
Atomic number 28, density 8.90 kg/l, melting point 1453 o C. First obtained in 1751. Usually used in an alloy with copper, although the pure metal was often used, especially for the coins of Switzerland and Canada. pure metal magnetic, and noticeably yellower than some of the silvery metals such as chromium and aluminium.
Tin (Sn)
Atomic number 50, density 7.30 kg/l, melting point 232 o C. Silver-like in color and very soft. Most commonly used in an alloy with copper. The metal has three allotropic forms: gray, white and rhombic tin.
Platinum (Pt)
Atomic number 48, density 21.45 kg/l, melting point 1769 o C. First obtained in 1735. Most widely used in tsarist Russia.
Silver (AG)
Atomic number 47, density 10.49 kg/l, melting point 961 o C. An attractive white metal used for coins since ancient times.
Chrome (Cr)
Atomic number 24, density 7.19 kg/l, melting point 1875 o C. First obtained in 1798. A hard white metal, unsuitable for coinage, but used to plating steel coins to increase durability.
Zinc (Zn)
Atomic number 30, density 7.13 kg/l, melting point 420 o C. First obtained in 1746. Lightweight, cheap metal. Rarely used in its pure form (European coins of World Wars I and II). Most usable in an alloy with copper.
Aluminum Bronze (Al-Br)
Yellow copper-aluminum alloys, sometimes containing small amounts of manganese or nickel. Wear-resistant.
Aurihalk
Copper 80% and zinc 20%.
Barton's Metal
In fact, copper, covered with a thick layer of gold. Used in 1825 during the reign of George IV.
bath metal
A type of cheap bronze used in Ireland, America and the Isle of Man.
White Metal
Antimonium alloyed with tin, copper or lead in a silvery-white color, used in the manufacture of medals.
Billon
An alloy of copper and silver (more than half is copper). Used during the Roman Empire, in France and Switzerland.
Bronze
An alloy of copper and tin (typically 80% to 95% copper). Most modern "copper" coins are actually bronze, as pure copper is too soft and wears quickly. The high tin content gives bronze its silver color.
Virenium
German silver type alloy containing nickel, copper and zinc.
bell metal
A type of bronze commonly used in bell making, but also used in France during the Revolution.
crown gold
2 carat ligature and 22 carat gold. Crown gold is the standard used in the British sovereign. The ligature is usually copper, although silver has also been used.
Brass
An alloy of copper and zinc, although the term is loosely used, including all copper alloys. Generally used alloys vary in zinc composition from 3% to 30%, and vary in color from copper red to bright yellow. Brass with a small amount of nickel is known as nickel brass. Such alloys are used in modern Britain for minting 1 pound coins. The Roman name for brass is aurichalk.
Copper Nickel
Self-evidently an alloy of copper and nickel, it is one of the most common alloys used in modern coins. Contains 16-25% nickel.
Nickel brass
A copper alloy containing zinc and a small amount of nickel. Used in Great Britain for the minting of threepences and the pound. The composition used for the threepenny bit was 79% Cu, 20% Zn and 1% Ni.
nickel silver
Copper alloy containing 18-22% nickel, 15-20% zinc and sometimes manganese and other metals The alloy is sometimes known as German Silver or Argentan.
Stainless steel
An alloy of iron, chromium and nickel. For the 50 and 100 lire coins of Italy, this material is used.
pinchback
Mainly copper with some addition of zinc, was used in the 18th century as a cheap imitation of gold.
gunmetal
An alloy of copper 88%, tin 10% and zinc 2% used for casting tools. Not normally used for coins, although the famous Cannon Money was minted in 1689 by James II for use in Ireland. Old guns, bells, etc. were used.
Potin
An ancient alloy of copper, zinc and tin. Unlike billon, it usually does not contain silver, although some alloys containing silver are also called potin. Used in Egypt and southern India.
pewter
Originally an alloy of tin with about 15% lead, and sometimes antimonium and copper. Coins from it were minted in Bohemia (1757, 1 kreuzer) and France (1831, 5 francs).
Speculum
A silver alloy of pewter and bronze used in Gaul and England during the invasion of Caesar.
Steel
General name for iron-carbon alloys. Highly susceptible to corrosion, so requires other metal plating when used for coins. Nickel and copper plated steel coins were minted in Bolivia from 1965 to 1987 (hyperinflation times). Zinc coated steel 2 franc coins in Belgium in 1944 and 1 cent in the US in 1943.
Red brass
copper alloy. Used in Canada for 5¢ coins in 1942 and 1943 (88% copper and 12% zinc).
electr
It is a natural alloy of approximately 75% gold with 25% silver and copper and other metals. Used for the earliest coins minted in Lydia and also in the Frankish state.
non-metals
Paper
In Russia, postage stamps were used as coins. Cardboard was used in the Netherlands in 1574, in Mexico in 1915, and also in Germany during the hyperinflation after the First World War.
Clay
Fired clay coins were minted in Japan at the end of World War II.
Leather
Embossed pieces of leather were used as a means of payment in 16th century Europe during wars.
Plastic
Basically, these are coin-like tokens.
Selenium (Se)
Atomic number 34, density 4.45 (red) or 4.79 (grey) kg/l, melting point 180 C (red) or 217 C (grey). First received in 1818. A medal was issued for the anniversary of the discovery of this element.
Glass
Possibly used in ancient Egypt and Arabia.
Fiberglass
Used in China.
Carbon (C)
Atomic number 6, density 2.25 kg / l (graphite), melting point 3727 C. A small issue of coins from it was in Germany during hyperinflation.
Porcelain
It is believed to have been used under the Ptolemies in Egypt. Porcelain coins were used in Thailand in the early 18th century. In Germany, as money surrogates during hyperinflation.
This page was prepared using materials from T. Clayton's articles.
