Nordic Gold is composed of 89% copper, 5% zinc, 5% aluminum, and 1% tin. This is a copper alloy of gold color that is used for making coins in different currencies. It has no gold as it is a copper alloy. It cannot compare the weight and color of Nordic gold with pure gold.
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What are the qualities of Nordic Gold?
Mariann Sundberg developed this copper alloy. According to the European Central Bank, Nordic Gold is difficult to melt and is used for making coins. It has many qualities, such as it is Antimicrobial, non-allergenic, antimycotic, resistant to tarnish, and shiny.
As compared to brass, Nordic Gold has a light golden color. Its color differs from the deep golden color of pure gold. The variant creates slag when melted, and removing the remains/debris is necessary. When poured in molds, the surface can have a poor finish due to dross, and pouring temperatures should also be considered, or it may lead to improper surface finish.
The amalgamation of lighter metals like Zinc, Aluminum, and Tin makes Nordic gold light with a density of 7.01 g/ cm3.
When was Nordic Gold used first?
In 1991, Swedish Mint used the alloy to produce the 10Krona coin. Nordic gold’s appearance, color, and weight are unlike real gold. In 1993, Estonia first issued the Nordic gold coin and later on changed the 1kroon coin composition in 1998.
In 1996, Poland began using Nordic gold for a commemorative 2-zloty coin. Three denominations of euro coins were introduced in Nordic coins in 1999. In 2003, Nordic gold was used by Albania for minting a commemorative 50lek coin which Malaysia followed in 2009 with a commemorative 1 ringgit coin.
Is Nordic Gold Valuable?
Nordic gold does not contain gold as it is an alloy. Therefore, it is not precious as real gold, and the value is worth only a fraction of pure gold. Nordic gold and real gold are two distinct things, and so is their value.
Comprising 80% copper, 5% zinc, 5% aluminum, and 1% tin, the metal is used for making coins. Most euro coins are made using it as the base metal.
Also Read: What is Gold Clad?
How can you Differentiate Real Gold from Nordic Gold?
The color of Nordic gold is lightly golden and much lighter than brass. On the other hand, pure gold is deep golden. Melting Nordic gold is more challenging due to the dross or slag created in the process. Hence, it requires more care to ensure no damage to the end product.
Is Nordic Gold Rare?
Having a slight touch of red, Nordic gold has a similar color to the Pilsner. However, if you are wondering about its availability or rarity, it is considered rare due to its limited availability.
Are Nordic Golds Bronze?
They are gold-colored allow that are used to manufacture different kinds of coins.
Do Nordic Gold Corrode?
Compared to freshly ground alloy surface, air oxidized Nordic Gold exhibits decreased instant corrosion. However, it shows a thin corrosion layer that can be compared to a fresh sample of copper release. The behavior is hypothesized to be caused due to complex effect of allowing elements of Nordic Gold.
What is the weight of Nordic Gold?
Yellow in color and round in shape, Nordic Gold weighs 7.80 g.
Concluding Remarks
Not all gold is made equal. This is true in the case of Nordic Gold, as this is an alloy and does not have a pinch of real gold in its composition. Instead, aluminum, zinc, tin, and copper are mixed in specific proportions to form Nordic Gold. This alloy is widely used in making coins, especially the Euros.
