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How to Tell if Gold is Real BEFORE You Get Taken!

Metals

How to Tell if Gold is Real

Gold jewelry is very elegant and stylish, but there are times when you’re not sure whether or not you have the real thing. Fake gold, or fool’s gold, can fade away over time; the once sparkling treasure you cherished is now worn out and ugly. Don’t be fooled by fakes; there are several ways to tell if gold is real or not.

What You’ll Need:

  • Water and jug
  • Small file
  • Nitric acid
  • Magnet
  • Unglazed ceramic

Find The Hallmark

The hallmark is the easiest way to determine whether your gold is fake or real. The hallmark is the stamp that states the jewelry’s karat weight, such as 14k or 10k. If your gold is a very large piece (such as a gold bar), try and see if there’s a hallmark carved anywhere. Be reminded that this isn’t always very reliable, though. Sometimes, even fake gold can have hallmark stamped in them, and real gold doesn’t have it.

The Water Test

Gold is a lot heavier, compared to other metals. There are only a few types of metal that are heavier than it. Drop the gold in a jug filled with water. If it sinks to the bottom, it’s a sign that it’s real gold. Even the smallest gold jewelry will sink. If it floats, then it’s a fake.

Scratch The Jewelry

If you don’t mind scratching your jewelry a bit, then this procedure would be great. Find a spot on your gold that isn’t very noticeable, then scratch it lightly with a small file. Afterwards, apply a drop of nitric acid on the scratch. If nothing happens, it’s real gold, but if it becomes green it’s just gold-plated or a base metal. If you see a milky substance, what you have is gold-plated sterling silver.

Use A Magnet

Unlike other metals, gold isn’t magnetic. If your jewelry sticks or pulls toward a magnet, it’s not real. There are some jewelry that are made from non-magnetic metals, so this isn’t the most reliable tactic.

Try The Ceramic Method

If you have an unglazed ceramic material at home, you can test if your gold is real or not. Get a small piece, then rub it against the gold. If the gold is real, there will be a golden streak. If it’s fake, the streak is black.

Use Cosmetics

gold barsMakeup has been known as a great indicator of whether a gold is real or not. Here’s what to do.

  1. Wash your hands, then dry them thoroughly.
  2. Get the liquid foundation, applying a nickel- sized amount on your hand’s back. Let it set up a bit for a couple of seconds.
  3. Apply the face powder or finishing powder on the liquid foundation.
  4. Get your gold item, then rub it over the makeup in a back and forth motion.
  5. See what happens to the makeup. If you see a black streak, then it’s real.

Ask A Jewelry Dealer

If you’re not convinced with the methods above, then this the best solution. Professional jewelry dealers have testing kits that let you know whether the piece is real or not. Testing would require a small fee, but you’ll be guaranteed that you’ll get the correct results. Just make sure the dealer is trustworthy.

One last tip: don’t buy jewelry from unreliable sources. As long as you only buy from reputable jewelry shops, you’ll be assured your gold is always of top quality and real. If the gold is proved to be real, the next step probably is to learn how to sell gold jewelry and bullion.

How to Sell Gold

Metals

How to Sell Gold & NOT Get Ripped Off!

For centuries, people put immense value in gold.  Coins, jewelry, and even statues and sculptures made of gold have been – and are still – symbols of prestige, wealth, and power.  People put a high price and gold, and you can make a lot of money by selling gold items at a fair price.

Gold at a Glance

  • Chemical symbol: Au
  • Type: Transition metal
  • Atomic weight: 196.966 grams per mole

Gold is one of the oldest precious metals known to humankind.  As a pure metal, gold is the most malleable (ability of a metal to be formed into shapes like sheets and wires) naturally-occurring substance in the Earth’s crust.  Throughout history, people have appreciated the shine and glimmer of gold.  Gold coins, gold leaf, gold rings, and other items made of gold have been made and traded for generations.  Royalty use gold crowns and scepters as a symbol of power and prestige.  Small amounts of gold are also used for electronics, computers, and other sensitive instruments.  The alcoholic drink Goldschläger, for example, is schnapps containing traces of gold leaf.

Gold doesn’t lose its luster over time.  The metal is quite rare, and collectors will often pay a high price for items made of pure gold, or for metal alloys that contain a high amount of gold.

Valuing and Testing Gold

Carats are used to determine the value of gold alloys, or when gold is mixed with other metals.  Pure gold is 24-karat gold, although items with 18-carat or 14-carat gold still fetch high prices on the market.  The gold standard was used once to determine the value of money, although assaying and testing are still used when gold items are traded or sold on the market.  A single gold bar can fetch a price as high as a thousand dollars per ounce.

Gold buyers have special tools to test the purity or the amount of gold in an item.  Some of these tests may include treating the item with acid, or examining it under a microscope or a powerful instrument.  The value of gold items is determined by two factors:

  • Chemical purity. Gold fetches a higher price if the gold item has little to no impurities at all.
  • Historical value. Some coins, antique jewelry, or items made with or coated with gold can fetch very high prices at auctions if they have immense historical value.

Where to Sell Gold

You can sell gold items in many ways:

  • Auction houses, if you have a historical piece made with gold.
  • Pawnshops, if you plan to get your gold item back but you need the money immediately.
  • Online brokerages, where you can send your gold items by courier and have them auctioned off online.

Whether it’s an old ring, an expensive watch, or a large gold bar, every gold item is worth its weight, perhaps even more.  With these tips to help you value and sell gold, you can make big money out of one of the world’s most important and precious metals.

How To Clean A Copper or Zinc Penny

Coins

How To Clean A Penny (Copper & Zinc)

One of the main reasons for pennies becoming dirty is their continual circulation among people. So, thinking about cleaning them is not wrong, and they can be cleaned in several ways. There is endless information available on the Internet about cleaning pennies, and these ideas can also be used to clean nickels, quarters, dimes, or even specifically cleaning silver coins, etc.

If pennies are collectibles, then cleaning them may reduce their value. Therefore, before cleaning old coins, consult an expert on the subject.

Pennies are normally made of copper, which is a shiny, bright metal, and more recently Zinc. Exposure to air leads to the formation of copper oxide. As a result, the shiny bright metal develops an external layer having a dull green color. Removing the copper oxide by cleaning will give your penny a brand-new look.

Tools/Materials Required

The following articles are necessary:

  • Vinegar
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Small bowl

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your pennies completely clean:

Step 1 – Pour a small quantity of vinegar into a bowl. The amount of vinegar used to clean the pennies depends on the number of coins you wish to clean. The vinegar poured into that bowl should be enough to cover those pennies. On average, a quarter-cup should be adequate.

Step 2 – Add a teaspoon of salt to the bowl full of vinegar, and stir the mixture until the salt is completely dissolved.

Step 3 – Now put those pennies into the bowl containing the mixture of vinegar and salt. The coins should be dipped in that bowl for at least five minutes.

Step 4 – Now take out the pennies from that mixture, and wash them in water. Dry them off with paper towels.

There are various other methods to clean your pennies.

Pencil Eraser for Cleaning Pennies

Anyone can use this simple technique. It only requires rubbing the penny with a pencil eraser. With this simple technique, anyone can get their penny as clean as it once was. You can clean as many pennies you want with a single pencil eraser. An alternative is to use vinyl erasers, but they do not contain abrasive, which is typically found in pencil erasers.

Taco Sauce Cleaners

The application of taco sauce is another simple method of cleaning these pennies. The presence of salt and vinegar as its ingredients explains why this method works. You just have to put a thin but uniform layer of sauce on the penny and then rinse it off with water after some time.

Commercial Cleaners

There are also various commercial cleaners available in the market to clean your pennies, but they may prove a bit expensive if you have lots of pennies to clean.

Tips and Warnings

  • Try cleaning only a few pennies at a time. Cleaning in small batches is a better option.
  • Rinse your pennies well with water; otherwise, if any of these cleaning agents remain on the coin, the coin will turn blue-green.
  • If your penny is really important to you, use a coin holder to store your coin.

How to Clean Old Coins

Coins

How to Clean Old Coins The RIGHT Way!

Over time, old coins can accumulate dust and dirt, and eventually tarnish. Since you think your collection looks better if the pieces are shiny and look brand-new, it’s time to pull up your sleeves and so some cleaning. This isn’t as difficult as you think.

Before You Start Cleaning Your Old Coins

If you know that your coin is old, unique, and has a very high value, it’s better not to clean it, otherwise you’ll reduce the coin’s monetary value. Collectors and dealers use a grading to determine a coin’s value and if cleaned, the value can drop to as much as 90%. if you aren’t sure, check the mint mark and date. Use a magnifying glass if you can’t see them. If these indicate that coin isn’t very valuable then, you can proceed to cleaning it.

Another sure way of ruining your old coins is by using silver dip cleaner or other polishing creams or solutions to clean any old silver coins. Avoid these cleaners, and just try this simple technique.

What You’ll Need:

  • Running tap water
  • Mild dish detergent
  • Hand soap
  • White vinegar
  • Malt vinegar
  • Old toothbrush
  • Container
  • Clean and soft cloth

Procedure:

  1. Wash your hands with a hand soap. You may accidentally transfer oils and grit from your hands and fingers on the coin.
  2. Put a sink stopper in the sink drain. Many valuable coins have gone done the drain accidentally because owners forget this step.
  3. Turn on the cold water and wash the coin under it. Hold your old coin by the edges. If you touch the surface, you might accidentally scratch it. If you want the coin’s surface to be protected don’t rub it; just let it stand under the running water for a minute or two. The higher the water pressure, the better.
  4. After the thorough rinse, put the coin in a container with vinegar. This will remove rust deposits, tarnish, dirt and other contaminants that remain. Leave the coin soaked in the vinegar for a few minutes.
  5. Coins made from different metal types also require certain cleaning procedures. Bronze coins for example, can be soaked in distilled water, while silver coins can do with lemon juice. Gold coins need a hot and soapy water soak. For nickel-clad or copper, you should stick to the white vinegar method.
  6. Rinse the coin once more, this time under warm water.
  7. Pour Malt vinegar over the coin, then wash it off after 10 minutes using a toothbrush. This gives it a more finished look. If the coin looks clean enough, you can skip this step.
  8. If you see any remaining dirt, use a soft, old toothbrush and mild dish detergent to scrub the coin. Don’t apply too much pressure, and only brushed the soiled area. Rinse the soap away afterwards.
  9. Dry the coin. Use a soft and lint-free cloth and pat it all over the coin. Afterwards, lay down the coin on another dry cloth to finish drying. Avoid rubbing on it.

Some Tips:

  • Avoid using abrasives when cleaning old coins.
  • Don’t mix different types of old coins together when you’re cleaning them. Some coins, such as copper, can discolor other coins.
  • Soda such as Pepsi or Coke can be used to shine a coin.

While most professional collectors opt for dirty coins, others clean theirs every now and then. Follow these steps and do this the right way.

Should I Collect Coins or Paper Money?

Currency

Should I Collect Coins or Paper Money?

If you are thinking about starting a collection of your own you are going to need to think about your theme – coin collecting or paper money collecting? While some will choose both, most are going to try to stay within one specific theme. There are some positives and negatives to sticking with each of these themes.

Take the time to look into the good and bad of collecting both types of currency. You may find that a coin collection is perfect for your needs, or may find that paper currency is perfect for what you want to do. The more thought you put into it, the more you can be sure that you have chosen the right form of collecting.

Coins

One of the most interesting things about coins comes from the amount of times that they are changed. The design for coins will change much more rapidly than the design for paper money. The coins are easier to produce and are easier to change. Some forms of US currency have multiple styles per year. The $.25 pieces changed multiple times per year, with each piece representing a different state with a different design. The $1 Presidential coins feature a different face for every president, changing multiple times per year.

Coins are also easier to find, simply because they are known to last longer than paper money. Individuals can easily dig up old coins that they find in the ground, something that rarely, if ever, happens with paper money. Paper money is going to biodegrade, making older pieces of paper money harder to find.

There are both inexpensive coins to collect and rare, expensive coins to collect. Know that you have a wide variety of options in each country if you are going to collect coins.

Paper Money

While some enjoy coin collecting, others enjoy the thrill that comes from collecting paper money. Individuals find that paper money has more interesting designs, making for a more colorful and vibrant collection than your average coin collection. Paper money has more design interest on it, giving individuals more insight into national moods and time periods when they look into the design.

With that being said, paper money is much harder to find and is often more expensive than regular coins. Paper money collecting will be more time consuming and more expensive than coin collecting. This is the type of collecting that is for more serious collectors. Much like coin collecting, there is enough diversity in the market for there to be both inexpensive and expensive pieces of paper money to collect.

Do you like the idea of collecting smaller pieces of currency? Work on collecting coins. Do you like the idea of colorful money with interesting art pieces? Collect paper money. While you may need to do some research and some inner searching, you will be able to highlight the perfect form of collecting for your personal needs.

American Coin Collectibles Sets

Coins

Information about American Coin Collectibles Sets

There are many different coins which come in sets which are considered American coin collectibles. If you are looking to collect American coins sets for reasons of personal enjoyment to making a financial investment for the future there are several coin sets from which to choose from. Below is some information about four of the most popular sets of coins which are American coin collectibles.

Modern Coin Set Collectibles

One of the more recent American coin collectibles sets is the limited edition Life and Times of Barack Obama 24K gold plated coin set. These coins are legal U. S. tender and coin in sets of five. Each of the five coins in the set feature a different period in the life of Barack Obama. The first coin is a 1965-1969 Washington quarter to represent his childhood years. The second coin in the collection is a 1976 Bicentennial quarter representing his years in high school. The third coin in the collection represents President Obama’s college years in the form of a New York statehood quarter. The fourth and fifth coins are Illinois statehood quarters which represent his professional life and his years in the Senate respectively.

Popular American Coin Sets

The United States mint began reissuing proof sets of coins in 1992. One of the most popular American coin collectables of these proof sets is the statehood quarter series. These coins are easy to collect and appeal to those who are collecting for the true spirit of coin collecting for enjoyment to those who are collecting for investment returns. This is because many of the coin sets of the new U.S. statehood quarter sets can be cheaply obtained. The sets of these coins which contain the first minting of these coins from specific mints can be a little harder to fins and can contain coins which are already valued at over $12,000 each.

Up and Coming Coin Sets

One of the up and coming coin collection sets which many coin collectors have been anticipating is American collectibles of the coins honoring the national parks. Although these coins have just begun to be released many have already stated collecting these coins and are anticipating building there collection sets as each of the new coins are released. Proof sets of these coins have already stated being released for purchase by the public.

Older Collectable Coin Sets

May people enjoy collecting older coin sets for both enjoyment and for the potential of increased value. One of the older American coin collectibles is the five coin sets which include the Benjamin Franklin U.S. Half Dollars made of silver. Proof sets of these coins include a dime and a quarter which are made out of silver also. Proof sets of these coins have a shiny finish which is mirror like when the coins are viewed front the obverse and the reverse. Coin sets of these proofs which have been properly preserved are one of the many of its kind which have increased in value and are seeing a recent increase in demand and value amongst collectors.