Did I overpay for this half sovereign?

[silversurf]

Does anyone use these.... Victorian Sovereign scales

The sov or half has to pass three tests. If it is the right diameter it will sit comfortably between the raised edges on the swing arm. If it is the right weight the the swing arm will dip down and stop about 45 degrees from the bottom and finally the sov or half should fit through the gap in the middle, too wide or too thick and it won't go through. Pass all three and the coins good. Simple but effective.

Quite decorative and you can get them for about £30 on ebay.

[sovereignsteve]

I've always fancied getting one of these to try. Has anyone ever compared their use against calipers and weighing scales?

[greendragon]

they are quirky,i like them. always put off buying them as folk try selling them as antiques ,when they are just copies.

but they look much nicer than digital scales and calipers any day.

so if they work,why not?

[silversurf]

Like any thing look for the patina and the seller and  you should be able to make an educated guess..

I  bought a fake sovereign to test it out and although it fitted nice and snug on the swing arm, it didn't fit through the slot and the swing arm didn't move because it was too light.