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Why the Fisch WorksThe Fisch Principle explained…
Gold and platinum is much denser (and therefore heavier) than the common metals such as lead, brass, copper and steel that are used to make fake bullion coins. The result is that these fake coins are either
For example: A fake made from lead to exactly the same thickness and diameter as a genuine Krugerrand would be 35% lighter than the genuine coin. If made the correct weight and diameter, it would be 54% too thick. The Fisch is a precision made instrument that checks the vital measurements of a specific coin: These are the minimum allowable weight, maximum allowable thickness, maximum allowable diameter and the shape as specified by the issuing mint. Metals with a density comparable to gold that could be used to make a fake coin correct in both weight and size are the platinum group metals and tungsten. The price of the platinum group metals precludes their use. Tungsten is an extremely hard, yet brittle metal that would be very difficult to work into a passable fake. No tungsten based fakes of the correct specifications have been reported. The only metals of sufficient density that could be used to make a fake platinum coin of the correct specifications are osmium and iridium. Produced in small quantities as a by-product of platinum, they are extremely hard, brittle metals which crumble to a powder if worked cold. They are both expensive and hard to obtain. "The Fisch gauges are beautifully thought out, a triumph of intelligent simplicity over cunning fakery." "I am delighted to have found such a well designed and simple device to check gold coins." "Very easy to use and brings great peace of mind. Many Thanks." "A concept like this really stimulates my excitement in good design. Functional, elegant to look at, and a fine engineering solution to a tricky problem." "I'm impressed how compact the actual set is, I had imagined it to be twice as big. The whole thing has a real nice quality feel to it, and the plastic is nice and tough.The good news is it works, the bad news is.... well you can probably work that one out! Definitely worth the money, wish I'd known about it sooner it would have paid for itself nearly three times over with just one mistake I made." "I am delighted to have found such a well designed and simple device to check gold coins." - Emails and Forum Mentions from investors. The Fisch System for Silver Dollars Silver Dollars have a density (weight) different to the metals commonly used to make fakes of these coins. Lead is 8% heavier, copper 14% lighter and brass 20% lighter than the Silver Dollar alloy. The result is that these fakes are either: • The right size - but the wrong weight, or • The right weight - but the wrong size, or • Both the wrong size and the wrong weight. For example: a counterfeit made from brass to exactly the same thickness and diameter as a genuine U.S. Silver Dollar would be 19% too light. If made to the correct weight and diameter it would be 23% too thick. Each FISCH gauge is a precision made instrument designed to accurately check the vital measurements of a specific coin. The FISCH for the Silver Dollar checks the maximum and minimum weight, maximum and minimum thickness, maximum and minimum diameter and the shape as specified by the U.S. Mint. A combination of different metals could be used to make a fake Silver Dollar of the correct size and weight - but it would have to be made very accurately to pass the FISCH. The Fisch for the Silver Dollar is intended to check coins bought for their silver content. Rare date silver dollars in good numismatic condition sell for a high premium over their silver content and have been counterfeited with the correct silver content. If you intend to buy this type of coin, it is strongly advised that you buy from a reputable dealer who guarantees the coin both authentic and correctly graded. |
The Fisch: Fake Gold and Platinum Coin, Medallion & Small Bar Detection © 2010 Fisch Instruments | Privacy | Sitemap | Contact |
