Science Bulletin March/April 2014 | Page 16

Under the Scope

Learning from Microscopes and Telescopes.

Without a microscope’s view, coins look rigid and chiseled. After they are pressed, dings and cuts are preset to occur. Microscopes can show the outer structure of coins when an external light source is added. Above, the canyon-like side of a quarter is shown. Different metals that compose the currency also are revealed. At the top, an “O” from another coin is presented. Coins like these are usually plated with a strong, metallic metal and filled with a cheap metal such as zinc.

Common Coinage

© Grant Regen 2013

© Grant Regen 2013