Summary for coin composition analysis Discussion
Coin composition can be determined by several analytical methods, not just titration. In this thread, Krystie Nicholson asks whether there is another way to measure the copper in coins for an A-level project. The existing site note says composition can be determined by titration, AA spectrography, or X-ray fluorescence. The answer suggestions point to AA spectrophotometers and hand-held X-ray analyzers as practical alternatives for alloy identification and scrap sorting. The discussion does not give a step-by-step procedure or compare accuracy, but it does show that copper content and overall coin composition can be assessed with instrumental methods beyond sodium thiosulphate titration. For a school project, the safest takeaway is that atomic absorption and XRF are established options if access to the equipment is available.
Q. For my A-level project I am currently investigating the compositions of coins. I know that I can find out the amount of copper in a coin by titrating with sodium thiosulphate
⇦ on
or
Amazon [affil link]
but is there any other way of doing it?
Please help.
Thank You.
Krystie Nicholson
– West Sussex, UK
2002
A. X-Ray/SEM Analysis, Atomic Absorption
⇦ on
or
Amazon [affil link] Analysis are 2 tests that can be performed, I’m sure there may be others.
Marc Green
anodizer – Boise, Idaho
A. Hi Krystie,
In this age of more exotic and more varied metals & alloys, there are now hand-held x-ray fluorescence “scrap sorters” or “alloy sorters” ⇨
They are very expensive ($20-$50,000), way out of student range … but if you have a good friend working in a metals warehouse or scrap yard they can give you a complete metals analysis in seconds 🙂
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.