346 



Mr. J. Napier on Spurious Coins. 



The most of these exaauned were George III., dated 1819; their 

 average weight was 186 grains. One analyzed gave in the 100 parts — 



This trace of silver may have been originally in the copper, which often 

 contains that metal. I do not suppose it was appHed by the coiner. 



The next variety, and by far the most common, are made of com- 

 mercial tin without any artificial alloy or coating. These are not gene- 

 rally so well got up as the next sort, and are apparently the produce of 

 several hands. Tin is nearly the same colour as silver, is easily melted 

 in an iron ladle or spoon over the fire, and is not subject to tarnish by 

 exposure to the air, qualities fitting the most ignorant coiner, — however, 

 tin coins are easily detected : when compared with silver they have a 

 bluish tint, — the sound, when thrown upon wood, being more of a clink. 

 The metal is soft, so that the coin is easily bent by the teeth, and when 

 bending gives a crackling sound ; indeed, this is the most simple and 

 effective test, to give them a bite ; even when not bent the teeth makes 

 an impression, and the crackling is felt instantly, and may in this way 

 be as easily detected in the dark as in the light. The weight of these 

 coins is about three-fourths that of silver. The average of the sixpence 

 was 31 grains — the average of the shilling was 57'5 — that of the half- 

 crown was 158. They are mostly cast from coins of old date; 1816, 

 1819, and 1827, were common dates. 



The analyses of these several coins gave no more difference than is to 

 be found in different lots of common block tin for sale in the market, so 

 that no alloy seems to be employed in their manufacture. The average 

 composition may be stated as 



Tin, 

 Iron, 

 Lead, 

 Copper, 



97-7 

 11 

 0-8 

 0-4 



100-0 



The third class of spurious silver coin is the most improved. They 

 are generally well got up, and are composed of an alloy that in appear- 

 ance comes closer to silver than pure tin, not being so blue. They are 

 heavier than the tin coin, but still a lull fifth lighter than silver, and the 



