coins

Spanish Scientists Mod Optical Mouse Into Counterfeit Coin Detector


Counterfeiting is as old as money itself, with the history of currency including a millennia-long arms race between mints and the forgers that copy them. While governments have finally crafted paper money so intricate that counterfeiting isn't a major problem, detecting counterfeit coins remains a challenge. Now, Spanish scientists have modified a regular optical computer mouse to create a cheap and easy device for sniffing out phony Euro coins.

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The Breakdown

Everyday Electromagnetism

How can a magnet move a copper penny?


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