My local coin store will use a frequency analyzer (not sure what it’s really called) that can tell if the surface is at least real silver or gold. There are other ways of checking at home like a ping test, magnet slide, checking weight and measurements, etc. and none involve damaging your metal.
Old coins are good if the premiums are decent. Easily recognizable and verifiable, plus it’s the cheapest way to get fractional silver (increments of less than 1 oz.).
My local coin store will use a frequency analyzer (not sure what it’s really called) that can tell if the surface is at least real silver or gold. There are other ways of checking at home like a ping test, magnet slide, checking weight and measurements, etc. and none involve damaging your metal.
Old coins are good if the premiums are decent. Easily recognizable and verifiable, plus it’s the cheapest way to get fractional silver (increments of less than 1 oz.).