What does it mean when an item is 'struck in .999 pure silver leaf'?

Question

This is a question regarding the new september 11th $20 commemorative for sale at www*911twenty*com. What does this actuall phrase mean? "Struck in .999 pure silver leaf." The 'leaf' part is what's throwing me off.

Answer 1

It is worthless.

Answer 2

I have always thought of it as Gold leaf, not good enough to use in fine jewelry, more like a "filler".

Answer 3

it means its wrapped in a .999 silver skin . whats inside the skin can be damned near anything.

Answer 4

Per one discussion of what appears to be this same coin or medal:

http://groups.google.com/group/rec.colle...

"a very thin gilding of a lesser [non-precious] metal with a silver film [on top].  Silver leaf is available at craft stores. ..."

This discussion goes on to state that the actual weight of the silver is likely measured in micrograms. In other words, the silver content of these coins or medals is nearly worthless.

Answer 5

Silver leaf is a thin membrane of metal that is applied over another "less precious" metal.

In short, do not waste your twenty bucks.  Though I am not judging you, I see these items as a form of exploitation.  It exploits the tragedy of that day, and it exploits  the buyer who may not be as thoughtful as yourself.

Perhaps I feel this way because I am a native New Yorker, but I digress...  The coin is not worth it, regardless of what it represents.

Answer 6

i just saw this commercial last night so i looked it up-

its just the outside coating of the item.

its like thinner than tin foil

to put it in perspective- they use gold leaf on cakes- so its edible-that's how thin it actually is.

personally i dont believe that thing is worth $20 :)

Answer 7

Leaf means that only the coating is .999 silver

the actual underlying commemorative is base metal.

Answer 8

Just look at the conversion rate of the Liberian dollar. It is worth about $0.35 US. The silver leaf is so thin that this is not an investment but a novelty. Just display it next to you Elvis plates.