Brass vs. Copper: Simple Tests to Identify Metal

Question
QUESTION: I have a old coin that im not sure if its brass or copper.
In that year both were made.
Not sure i can trust a coin buyer to tell the truth, so i would like to know if there is a test for both of them i can do?

ANSWER: Hello Bill and thank you for your inquiry. The only test I am familiar with is the magnet test. The magnet will not stick to brass or copper. Hope this helps !


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: can you help me find a lab person or someone in that line of work to help. thanks for everything.

Answer
Hi Bill and thank you for the followup. You can purchase a magnet at craft or hardware stores and if you want to have an official test done, I would suggest a gemologist in your area. They would have all of the testing materials available to them. Hope this helps and good luck ! Just as an afterthought, you might try a coin identification book available at your local library or book store. You may be able to identify the specific metals in which your coin was produced.