Possible Method of Reading Worn Hallmarks

Post by **dognose** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 3:31 pm

I came across this interesting entry in an old Georgian almanac:

OLD COIN INSCRIPTIONS

To read an inscription on a silver coin which, by much wear, is become wholly obliterated, put the poker in the fire; when red hot, place the coin upon it, and the inscription will plainly appear of a greenish hue, but will disappear as the coin cools. This method was practised at the Mint to discover the genuine coin when the silver was last called in.

I wondered if anyone has tried this with worn out hallmarks, and if so with what results.

Trev.
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kerangoumar · Post by **kerangoumar** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 4:56 pm

LOL I was trying breathing on the silver -- guess I'm not as 'hot' as I thought.
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