1899 1 double guernesey

[Jordan0693 3]

I own a 1899 1 double from guernesey and it is silver or I suspect is silver but on one side the silver has peeled off and shows the normal bronze coin underneath and I was wondering why it has silver on it as I also own a 1903 version too and that one is bronze, I have searched but their isn't any information about a silver version.

[Peckris 579]

It is quite common to find coins that at some time in their life have been coated with 'silver' (often actually chrome or mercury). The fact that one side is peeling to show the underlying 'real' bronze coin. If you weigh it, it will probably be the weight for bronze not silver.

[CartwheelTwopence 2]

I have some farthings that are the same, one in gold too. A bit of a shame, as often there are collectible coins underneath!

[Jordan0693 3]

Thank you for answering and teaching me about the mercury coating, and does anybody know why coins are dipped in mercury

[CartwheelTwopence 2]

To be honest, I don't really understand it myself! It could be to pass of as say a sixpence, or just to make it look nicer for a collector who realizes it isn't worth very much?