Watch super-powerful electromagnets shrink quarters

jamison20000e · 07-14-2016, 03:50 PM

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Well, the folks over at Physics Girl have put together an explainer video with electric performers Arc Attack on how to do just that. They shrink coins down using super-strong magnetic fields made from super-high electric currents.

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All of this is about as dangerous as it sounds; the current in the copper coil is around 50,000 amps,

http://www.popsci.com/watch-super-po...&dom=fb#page-3

Shocking!

hazel · 07-28-2016, 10:57 AM

Is that legal? In the UK, it's against the law to mutilate coin of the realm.

jamison20000e · 07-28-2016, 07:37 PM

I had the same thought watching it, here's a statement from the US Mint:

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Can I melt, drill holes through, or mutilate U.S. coins?
Maybe. It is a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 331 to alter a U.S. or foreign coin with the intent to defraud. The United States Mint cannot issue interpretations of criminal statutes such as this, which fall within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Justice. Furthermore, 31 C.F.R. Part 82 states that no person shall export, melt or treat any 5-cent coin or one-cent coin of the United States. However, there are a few exceptions such as for novelty, amusement, educational, jewelry and similar purposes. Your business should consult with an attorney to ensure it does not run afoul of these laws before melting or mutilating U.S. coins.
http://www.usmint.gov/consumer/?action=FAQ

seems it would be hard to enforce in most cases if anyone should care?

jefro · 07-28-2016, 08:17 PM

It is unlikely that the thousands of dollars it takes to destroy a quarter by that method would cause a shortage of coins.

Costs the US 30 cents to make a 25 cent coin I was told. Not sure if I can trust the accounting.

As noted in CFR it is not a crime indeed as there was no intention to defraud.

Like the 15000 other crimes on the books that can't be enforced. My favorite is the freon laws. Not one person has ever been tried or convicted or brought to trial.

I might be wanted in Michigan for putting pennies on the railroad track when I was 4 years old. Hope they don't catch me.

rokytnji · 07-28-2016, 08:53 PM

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I might be wanted in Michigan for putting pennies on the railroad track when I was 4 years old. Hope they don't catch me.

Naw. I made a custom earring sets for my wife and her office friends with pennies costing 50 cents each penny with one of those hand gear cranking machines at the motorcycle musuem in Alabama.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elongated_coin

These are not toy models. But are real motorcycles and cars on display on the inside of the museum

https://realriderreviews.files.wordp...155.jpg?w=4608

http://nachtflug.smugmug.com/Motorcy...SC46141-X2.jpg

Modifying coins is a business. I have sterling silver Mexican Reales making up small bowls.

syg00 · 07-28-2016, 09:21 PM

I always though a quarter was 25% regardless of size ...