talkmagic.co.uk

I just finished watching the Wizard PK DVD, which is brilliant by the way. I have so many thoughts buzzing round my mind (as although rather ashamed to say, my Ring has been rather neglected, probably of fear from damaging my many electrical appliances that clutter my student hovel).

So anyway, the routine with coins and a bag is brilliant, but I was wondering whether there were any UK coins that are attracted to ardvarks but are also not? As in different versions of the coin that may have changed in components over the years? I have an inclination that 2ps may have changed from being attracted to not, or vice versa? Does anybody have any knowledge on the matter?

It's just that I'd like to be able to give away the 2p, and not have to shim/purchase ardvarked coins for the purpose!

Many thanks lovely TMers!

Yes 1p and 2p pieces have changed the material they were made from and so some of them are attracted and some are not.

I cant remember off the top of my head which dates are which but dropping it into jar of pennies or two pences will certainly help things along nicely

Basically, shiny (new) coppers are, dull (old) ones aren't. Although I think you'd find it quite difficult to adequately polish up an old one or artificially age a new one so they were close enough to switch in and out for inspection.

Off the top of my head, I think the cut off date is 1992 for 2p's.

Farlsborough wrote:Basically, shiny (new) coppers are, dull (old) ones aren't.

Some dull ones can be attracted too - you need to test them individually.

Barry

There's a scientific experiment to determine this:

1. Place a PK ring in amongst a bag of loose change
2. Remove the ring
3. Any coins left clinging to it contain ferrous material

This is a far more conclusive—and simple—way of determining the result, far more simple than the previous method of checking dates

I have done a bit of digging and found that 1992 is the cut off date. Since 1992 they have been made from copper plated steel, which makes them magnetic.

Thanks guys. And thank you Siege for your infinite wisdom. Have you thought of a job in the scientific community-you could write for Nature!

Well I misread this post title completely.

With the UK coins, any copper made after 1994 will be Magnetic, and lower worth than those made before.

You can also buy Shims from Magic dealers.

A little tip on cleaning up some of the older ones so the look as shiney as the new ones.

If you soak them in Coke® (or any non branded cola) overnight they will clean up nicely, or you can alwaus use the "Barry Scott" method and dip it in Cillit Bang, Bang! and the coin is gone