Nickel vs. Copper-Nickel

How can i tell the difference between a nickel and a copper-nickel coin (i.e. the French 25 centimes KM867 and KM867a)?

 A magnet, I think. I had a similar query with a Canada coin, where in the same year there was both a silver and a nickel coin issued, and I could not tell. Someone pointed out that the nickel coin would be magnetic - which proved to be true (unfortunately for me). Copper-nickel is not magnetic.  

Quote: ZacUKA magnet, I think. I had a similar query with a Canada coin, where in the same year there was both a silver and a nickel coin issued, and I could not tell. Someone pointed out that the nickel coin would be magnetic - which proved to be true (unfortunately for me). Copper-nickel is not magnetic.  

why do you say that zackuk???

Quote: james wolfewhy do you say that zackuk???

https://en.numista.com/forum/topic3862.html

  I hoped my 1968 coin would be silver - but it wasn't (as it was magnetic), hence it was nickel.    

Thank you, ZacUK.
 

Hello,
The copper-nickel can be magnetic, it depends on the proportion of copper (no magnetic) and nickel (magnetic).
Phil

 Ah - I always wondered about that. As nickel is magnetic and copper is not, would a coin made of both be magnetic, depending on the mixture. So if it was 50/50 I wondered would it be half as magnetic or would one be stronger than the other and make it less or more magnetic; and so on. Thanks  

yes that's right.

Magnetic metals: iron, steel, nickel
Non-magnetic metals: gold, silver, zinc, aluminum, copper
Phil

https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces6860.html
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces1516.html

• 1   Sweden  1 Krona - Gustaf VI Adolf  1952-1968  Weight  7 g  KM# 826   
  

• 2   Sweden  1 Krona - Gustaf VI Adolf  1968-1973  Weight  7 g  KM# 826a
  

 Even though this topic is nickel v copper-nickel, I forgot how to tell silver v copper-nickel. I have three 1968 but not sure which of the above they might be; and none are magnetic. Is there a detail on them to look for, and weight won't help as both versions are the same. Thanks  

Try the tissue method. Cover the coin with a piece of single ply tissue - if it looks white through the paper - silver, if dark - CuNi

Also try this; I am sure someone else has talked about this before but I discovered a way to test silver that has worked for me, and with all the Chinese fakes it might just help you. It does take some practice but here is the thing - silver is an excellent conductor; it moves energy from one particle to another very fast, faster even than copper - so fast that if you push a piece of ice into it two things happen. First the ice melts into the silver super fast, second - and this is how I really check my silver, the cold moves from one side of the coin to the other in an instant. If it doesn't happen in an instant it's not silver. Go try it with a copper, copper-nickel, steel, and then silver coin, and see how it works!

  

Good post, never tried use magnet against Nickel. I should have a go!
By the way, some of the steel coins are not magnetic :P

For silver coin:
U can blow a silver coin and put it next to your ear, hear clear vibrating sound? - that is silver. Traditional Chinese way...

Hello.
http://monnaiesetvarietes.zxq.net/FICHES/France/FRANCE%2025%20Cts%20KM%20867.pdf
Michel

Hi, if we speak about different metals what about finding difference between Gibraltar 2 pence coins from 1995?
One can be #21 (Bronze) and the other one #21a (Copper plated steel).
Do you possess these coins? I have no idea how to identify them. Both I have are non-magnetic.
Will appreciate any advice
Thanks
Radek

I think that copper plated steel are magnetic!

So it means I have both bronze coins from Gibraltar 2 pennies. I think bronze is more yellow coloured and copper always looks a bit pinky.
These two I have are not in perfect condition so not sure about their original colours.
Thanks for your response.

I use the strong magnet test: put a strong magnet in angle and let the coin fall against it. If it is going fast and no friction seen, then it silver. If is going smooth, silver 100%.

https://youtu.be/8gLB2uMAMYM