The E-Sylum:  Volume 11, Number 5, February 3, 2008, Article 18

ON THE FINENESS GOLD OF U.S. MINT MEDALS

Last week Alan V. Weinberg wrote: "The Adams Academy medal
bought by jonathanb is .900 fine gold as are all gold medals
struck at the U.S. Mint.”

Jonathanb writes: “Actually, Julian says that most gold
medals produced at the US Mint were .999 fine:

 "All gold medals struck at the mint, with a few minor
 exceptions, were of pure gold. Alloyed gold was harder
 on the dies than pure metal. On rare occasion, and listed
 as such in the text, medals were struck of coin gold, or
 900/1000 fine." -- p. XXXIII of Julian's book.

“I don't plan on having mine tested.  The difference in
fineness isn't going to affect the numismatic value.  On
the other hand, the high intrinsic value of US Mint gold
medals makes it an open question how many have fallen prey
to melting pots over the last century or two...”

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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