What is the silver-niobium coin ‘Leben im All’?
The 25-euro silver-niobium coin ‘Leben im All’ (engl. ‘Life in space‘) is an extraordinary collector's coin issued by the Austrian Mint in 2022. This coin is part of a series known for its innovative minting technique and the use of niobium.
The coin consists of a 900 silver ring and a 998 niobium core. It is issued in high ‘hand-lifted’ minting quality. What makes this coin special is the niobium core, which takes on different colours through anodic oxidation without the use of dyes. This technique enables impressive colouring through light refraction.
Obverse
The front of the coin features a futuristic design with an alien looking down on the globe. It also features the Drake equation (N = R × fp × ne × fe × fi × fc × L), a scientific formula that estimates the number of intelligent life forms in the Milky Way. This equation is a central element in the discussion about extraterrestrial life and fits perfectly with the theme of the coin.
Reverse
The reverse side of the coin depicts various symbols representing the basic requirements for life on other planets:
- CO2 (carbon dioxide): An essential gas for photosynthesis and plant growth.
- Plant: Symbolises vegetation and the possibility of plant life.
- Water droplets: Symbolise water, which is considered crucial for the emergence and preservation of life.
- O2 (oxygen): A vital component for respiration in most known life forms.
- CH4 (methane): Another gas that could be present in planetary atmospheres and provides clues to biological processes.
- Clouds: They represent an atmosphere that can protect and support life.
Testing the coin
The coin is measured based on three characteristics: the diameter, weight and conductivity of the two metals, 900 silver and 998 niobium. These three measurements together provide a comprehensive assessment of the coin. Watch the video! (YouTube)
Conductivity measurement
The GoldScreenPen is used to measure conductivity. Only the ring of the coin is made of 900 silver and only the purple core is made of 998 niobium. Therefore, the GoldScreenPen is more suitable than the GoldScreenSensor, as it allows silver and niobium to be measured separately. The conductivity for 900 silver is around 50.2 MS/m, while a value of approximately 6.4 MS/m is expected for niobium. These expected values were confirmed in the video.
Dimensions & weight
According to the manufacturer, the coin should weigh 16.5 grams and have a diameter of 34 mm. These values are also measured in the video. When measuring the thickness, which should be approximately 2.4 mm, motif-specific deviations in the 0.0x mm range may occur. We were able to measure values between 2.40 and 2.45 mm.
Used products
Goldanalytix GoldScreenPen – the product features at a glance: Reliably detect typical counterfeits: Testing device for quick and easy authenticity testing of gold, silver and other (precious) metals Equipped with the smallest measuring tip: Ideal for measuring small and irregularly shaped objects Suitable for coins and small bars up to approx. 1 ounce Non-destructive, penetrating measurement (up to 0.7 mm!) of the electrical conductivity Also suitable for use in the recycling sector and for testing silver cutlery The proven GoldScreenPen from Goldanalytix - now in a new design! Gain certainty about the authenticity of your gold coins and gold bars and protect yourself from the numerous counterfeits on the market. The GoldScreenPen combines the latest technology with a fresh design and is your reliable companion for precious metal testing. With the GoldScreenPen, you can quickly and precisely check the authenticity of coins and bars made of gold, silver and other precious metals - also through thin foils. The device measures the electrical conductivity of your test object, which allows you to clearly distinguish, for example, between the particularly tricky counterfeits made of tungsten and genuine fine gold coins. The measuring pen is equipped with one of the world's smallest sensor coils, making the GoldScreenPen ideal for testing small and irregularly shaped objects. The measurement is carried out exclusively with the measuring pen; the measuring surface is purely decorative. The GoldScreenPen is suitable for both commercial and private users and impresses with its simple and intuitive operation. It can be used for a wide range of applications. Whether at precious metal dealers, antique markets or in recycling and disposal companies - the GoldScreenPen is mobile and delivers quick results on the material properties of your test objects. The penetration depth of the GoldScreenPen depends on the conductivity of the materials and limits the material thickness that can be penetrated. We recommend the GoldScreenPen for objects up to approx. 1 ounce. Please note: For a comprehensive authenticity test, it is always necessary to use other test methods in addition to the measurement with the GoldScreenPen, such as checking the density. Detailed information can be found in the instruction manual. The GoldScreenPen from Goldanalytix is the ideal tool for all those who do not want to leave anything to chance when it comes to the authenticity testing of (precious) metals and are looking for maximum security! Scope of delivery: GoldScreenPen (Language selection: German, English, Spanish, French) Probe pen Jack cable Probe pen holder Charger USB-C Detailed instruction manual Practical, padded carrying case Shipping carton Instruction manual: GoldScreenPen Manufacturer/Responsible person for the EU: MARAWE GmbH & Co. KGAn der Irler Höhe 3BD-93055 Regensburg, Germany+49 941 37847200info@marawe.de
Goldanalytix Digital Caliper – the product features at a glance: Must-have equipement to verify coins and bars Easy to use and precise measurements Helps to detect many simple counterfeits Well readable LCD-display Measuring range from 0 to 150 mm The Digital Caliper by Goldanalytix is a important measuring instrument to find out the true diameter, thickness or other measurements of precious metal coins and bars. Some fakes - e.g. the ones made from copper - can be detected easily when using the Digital Caliper in combination with the Precision Balance. This will enable you to estimate the density of coins or cuboid objects like bars. For precious metal professionals and beginners the Digital Caliper and the Precision Balance are the must have equipement when buying and selling coins and bars. The Digital Caliper has a high accuracy, the very important taring function and a well readable LCD display which makes it perfect for measuring precious metals. With its measuring range from 0 to 150 mm it is suitable for all commong coins and bars. Check the thickness, width and length or diameter of the object and compare the values to the official measurements given by the manufacturers. Scope of delivery: Digital Caliper (without CR2032 coin cell) Coins in the product pictures are not included! Manufacturer/Responsible person for the EU: Willy Kunzer GmbHRömerstr. 17D-85661 Forstinning, Germany+4981212200info@kunzer.de
Goldanalytix Precision Balance – the product features at a glance: Highly precise - ideal for precious metals (0.01 g) Capacity up to 300 g LCD display with background lighting Measurement in different units available Tare function included The Precision Balance by Goldanalytix is a important measuring instrument to find out the true weight of precious metal coins and bars. Some fakes - e.g. the ones made from copper - can be detected easily when using the Precision Balance in combination with the Digital Caliper. This will enable you to estimate the density of coins or cuboid objects like bars. For precious metal professionals and beginners the Precision Balance and the Digital Caliper are must-have equipement when buying and selling coins and bars. The Precision Balance has a high accuracy, the taring function and a well readable LCD display which makes it perfect for measuring precious metals. With its measuring range from 0 to 300 g it is suitable for all commong coins and bars. Check the weight, thickness, width and length or diameter of the object and compare the values to the official measurements given by the manufacturers. Scope of delivery: Precision Balance (incl. 2x AAA batteries) Coins in the product pictures are not included! Manufacturer/Responsible person for the EU: G&G GmbHNovesiastr. 31D-41564 Kaarst, Germany+4921311335605info@gandg.de