G. F. 323
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24 -
Weights and Edge Thicknesses
58.
Two
We have already mentioned general criticism, which we accept, that
some of Hong Kong's coins are heavier and larger than necessary. And the Royal Mint in paragraph 17(ii) of their paper point out they are unduly
expensive in terms of metal and manufacturing costs as a result.
proposals have been put forward by the Mint with regard to the weights
and thicknesses of our present coins. Firstly they suggest that the weights
of the 5, 10 and perhaps 50 cent coins should be reduced without changing
their diameters; the weights of the 5 and 10 cents might be reduced to 1.9
and 3.6 grammes respectively and that of the 50 cents to 5.6 grammes. Resulting reductions in edge thickness would be about 20% for the two
smaller coins and about 4% for the 50 cents. Alternatively, they suggest
that both the weights and the diameters of the existing coins be reduced.
Our proposals reduce the weight by reductions in both thickness and diameter.
59.
The question has been raised whether it is desirable and feasible to have a weight/value relationship between the various
denominations so that it would be possible to check the value of any mixture of coins by weighing. Although there is a weight/value relationship between our present cupro-nickel coins (i.e. 50 cent and 1 dollar pieces),
we have not found it possible to design a range of coins which would satisfy all other criteria and would have a weight/value relationship.
60.
The actual setting of weights and thicknesses is a highly
technical task, so in forwarding our proposals to the Royal Mint for comment (paragraph 54 refers), we simply suggested that the new 20 cent
and one dollar coins be thinner than the present 5 cent and one dollar
coins respectively. On the basis of our proposals the Mint undertook
Present and proposed weights
a detailed study of suitable dimensions.
and thicknesses are summarised below.
Denomination
Weight grammes
Fresent | Proposed
Edge Thickness (millimetres
Present
Proposed
5 cent piece
2.59
2.59
1.73
1.73
10 cent piece
4.54
4.54
1.85
1.85
20 cent piece
2.59
1.52
50 cent piece
5.83
4.92
1.80
1.72
1 dollar piece
11.66
7.10
2.25
1.95
2 dollar piece
8.41
2.03
5 dollar piece
CONFIDENTIAL
10.76
2.08
/The
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