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Tarnish, or discoloration occurs because silver reacts with many different substances. The most common cause of tarnish is exposure to hydrogen sulfide, a chemical found in the air and in human sweat.

Tarnish is a form of oxidation but isn't the same as rust (iron oxide). Tarnish eventually stops forming because its outer layers form a seal against further deterioration, while rust continues until the metal is entirely converted.

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How can you tell silver from pewter coins?

Silver coins are typically shinier and have a higher metallic sound when dropped compared to pewter coins. Silver coins are also heavier than pewter coins due to their higher density. Additionally, silver coins may have distinct markings or engravings indicating their silver content.


Why are silver coins not made from silver?

Because silver is far too expensive. Coins used to contain silver until about 1920 in the UK, 1965 in the U.S., and 1968 in Canada. Since then they are made from a mixture of copper and nickel, so they really aren't called "silver" coins anymore.


Silver coins and sulfur?

Contact between silver coins and sulfur can cause tarnishing of the silver due to a chemical reaction between the two materials. Sulfur reacts with the silver to form silver sulfide, which appears as a black tarnish on the surface of the coins. It is best to keep silver coins stored in a cool, dry place away from sulfur-containing materials to prevent tarnishing.


How do you know if your coins are real silver?

You can check if your coins are real silver by looking for specific markings such as "STERLING," "SILVER," or "AG" (the chemical symbol for silver). You can also perform tests like a magnet test (silver is not magnetic) or using a silver testing kit to determine the authenticity of the coins. Additionally, seeking a professional appraisal or consulting a reputable coin dealer can help authenticate your silver coins.


Can you clean coins with bleach?

It is not recommended to clean coins with bleach as it can cause damage to the metal and may reduce the value of the coin. It is better to consult a professional coin collector or numismatist for safe cleaning methods to preserve the coin's value.

Related Questions

Will silocone or latex caulking delaminate or discolor or blur mirror silvering?

Silicone or latex caulking will it discolor the silver on mirror


Are casino coins the same as silver coins from mint?

All coins come from a mint. Casino coins are sometimes solid silver.


Which British coins are made of real silver?

No British circulating coin has contained any silver since 1946. From 1919/1920 to 1946, all British silver coins contained 50% silver. Prior to 1919/1920, all British silver coins were made from sterling silver or, 92.5% silver.


What coins are silver in 1974 and 1975 Proof Coins of Belize?

There were proof sets made in 1974 and 1975 where all 8 of the coins were silver, and proof sets made during those years when none of them were silver. Assuming that your coins are in a set, check the 1 Cent coin - if it looks silver, then all the coins in the set are silver; if it looks bronze, then none of the coins in the set are silver.


When were coins 100 percent silver?

Just recently with the advent of bullion coins such as the American Silver Eagle. Coins intended for circulation were never 100% silver because silver is simply too soft of a metal for coinage. They were 90% silver in American coins until 1964 for dimes, quarters and half dollars, but other than bullion coins, no coins are made of 100% silver.


How can you tell silver from pewter coins?

Silver coins are typically shinier and have a higher metallic sound when dropped compared to pewter coins. Silver coins are also heavier than pewter coins due to their higher density. Additionally, silver coins may have distinct markings or engravings indicating their silver content.


Is silver salts discolor the skin by reacting with skin protein a chemical properties?

It is not a property, it is a chemical reaction.


Are jamacian coins silver?

Yes they are silver


What coins are made of silver in the United states?

The only U.S. coins currently made that are silver are American Silver Eagles and other special collectors coins sold by the U.S. Mint. These coins are NOT released for circulation.


Where to sell your silver coins?

You can sell silver coins to a coin collector, jewelry shop ect.


What was the date that pure silver coins were minted in UK?

"Pure" silver coins were never minted in Britain. The closest to pure silver used in coins is sterling silver which is 92.5% silver usually alloyed with copper. Sterling silver coins were last issued for general circulation in 1919 and 1920, beyond 1919/1920 the coins were debased to 50% silver. The Royal Mint still produces Proof and bullion coins (not for general circulation) which are made from sterling silver, but this is reflected in the price you pay for them.


What is the value of silver dollar coins 1989-1998?

With those dates, the coins are Silver Eagle bullion coins that are made from one ounce of silver and value is whatever the spot price of silver is at time of sale.