rainbowtrout was talking about using dimes to estimate ring band widths today, so I decided to measure some. Hopefully someone will find this useful.
Dime: mean 1.39mm, (1.34-1.48mm)
Penny: mean 1.59mm (1.52-1.66mm)
Quarter: mean 1.77mm (1.71-1.80mm)
Nickel: mean 1.90mm (1.85-1.96mm)
I measured four different coins for each denomination. Measurements were very consistent--I tested my technique and caliper on a few different coins repeatedly, and the number always came out the same (with within 0.01mm).
Note it''s the widest part of the rim I measured, not the depressed area in the middle of the coin where the engraving is.
Obviously only four coins, so take with a grain of salt, but perhaps these will be of use.
Dime: mean 1.39mm, (1.34-1.48mm)
Penny: mean 1.59mm (1.52-1.66mm)
Quarter: mean 1.77mm (1.71-1.80mm)
Nickel: mean 1.90mm (1.85-1.96mm)
I measured four different coins for each denomination. Measurements were very consistent--I tested my technique and caliper on a few different coins repeatedly, and the number always came out the same (with within 0.01mm).
Note it''s the widest part of the rim I measured, not the depressed area in the middle of the coin where the engraving is.
Obviously only four coins, so take with a grain of salt, but perhaps these will be of use.