Historical Practice Origins
Biting gold coins dates back to the Middle Ages. Merchants and traders used this method to verify the authenticity of gold, as pure gold is soft and malleable, leaving bite marks.
Gold's Unique Properties
Gold's softness is due to its atomic structure. Pure gold (24 karats) is softer than most metals, making it susceptible to denting when bitten. This physical trait helped differentiate it from harder, less valuable metals.
Modern-Day Myth Busting
Contrary to popular belief, biting gold coins is not a foolproof method today. Modern counterfeiters can use soft metals or gold-plated coins, which would also show bite marks. Advanced techniques like X-ray fluorescence are now used for verification.
Olympic Gold Medals Tested
The iconic image of athletes biting their medals started in the 1990s, echoing the old practice of testing gold. Ironically, Olympic gold medals are mostly silver with a thin gold coating, making the bite test largely symbolic.
Risks Involved In Practice
Repeated biting of gold coins or medals can damage your teeth, leading to dental issues. Additionally, it can harm the integrity of genuine historical coins, reducing their value and historical significance.Unexpected Gold Discovery
In 2013, a man found $10 million worth of rare gold coins buried on his property in California, dating back to the 19th century.
Why did merchants bite gold?
To check its authenticity
For good luck
To impress customers
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