NGC Precious Metal & Bullion Standards 3

Question 1

What is the troy weight of one standard U.S. 'Good Delivery' gold bar as traded on the COMEX exchange?

Accepted Answer

400 troy ounces

Answer

The standard COMEX Good Delivery gold bar weighs approximately 400 troy ounces (about 27.4 pounds).

Question 2

What is 'coin silver' and what is its standard fineness in the United States?

Accepted Answer

An alloy historically used for U.S. coins, .900 fine

Answer

Coin silver refers to the .900 fine silver alloy (90% silver, 10% copper) historically used in U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars before 1965.

Question 3

The specific gravity of pure gold is approximately:

Accepted Answer

19.3

Answer

Pure gold has a specific gravity (density relative to water) of approximately 19.3 g/cm³, one of the highest of all metals.

Question 4

What does the term 'electrum' refer to in the context of precious metals history?

Accepted Answer

A naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver

Answer

Electrum is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver (with trace metals) that was used to make the world's earliest known coins in ancient Lydia.

Question 5

In the Golconda diamond grading standard used by NGC, what characteristic primarily defines a 'Golconda' classification?

Accepted Answer

Exceptional transparency and absence of nitrogen

Answer

Golconda diamonds are classified by their exceptional transparency and near-absence of nitrogen, giving them a pure 'water-like' appearance.

(NGC) Numismatic Guaranty Corporation Certified Professional Practice Test

(NGC) Numismatic Guaranty Corporation Certified Professional Practice Test

NGC Precious Metal & Bullion Standards 3