The post about the "enlarging polymer" offers a solution to a counterfeit detection problem I've been working on.

I have a 1887 Victoria Crown which appears to be a good quality lost wax casting. It even has the sprue phonied up as a "rim ding". The only problem is the coin is full weight (within the remedy of the 1870 British Coinage Act), and the diameter of the coin looks OK (within a few 100s of a mm of what would be expected). However, if it's a lost wax casting, it should be 2-3% underweight and the diameter should be similarly undersized.

By using the enlarging resin, and soaking it only long enough to increase the mould 3%, the problem of differential shrinkage is solved.

I don't see how mentioning the name of the product could somehow "let the cat of the bag" in this day of instant access to everything. The company's website shows coins being made.

The sooner that authenticators know about this material, the better. Up to now most would assume that lost wax castings have to be underweight and undersized. That old crutch no longer holds, folks.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:HONEY, I SHRUNK THE MEDALS!(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v17n18a12.html)