Watykan, Paul VI, 20 Lire
1976 - Rome - BU - Aluminium-Brąz - MS(65-70) - KM:120
3.6 gr.
Aluminum bronze
Bronze (not to be confused with brass, although usage of the two terms varied in times of yore) is an extremely ancient alloy of copper and tin with origins going back to the period around 2,000 BC. Also known...wait for it...as the Bronze Age (who would have guessed?)
In contrast, the addition of the third wheel, aluminum, is a far more recent development, as the technique for extracting aluminum from bauxite was only perfected in the 19th century.
The proportion of aluminum used for this extremely corrosion-resistant alloy is generally 15%. Small quantities of other materials such as magnesium are also sometimes added.
Its is frequently used for coinage.
An “MS(65-70)” quality
As in numismatics it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
Mint State(65-70)
This means – more prosaically – that the coin is brand new and free from defects, thus in the state it left the mint. It has probably never been in circulation or seen the bottom of a pocket up close. The term “fleur de coin” is also used internationally to refer to the first coins struck with a new die. By extension, this term thus also now describes “perfect” coins not displaying any defects and retaining their full original luster.
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