Alpaca

Alpaca, also known as nickel silver, is a non-precious alloy material that plays an important role in numismatics and metalworking. Despite its name, alpaca does not contain any silver, but consists of a mixture of copper, nickel and zinc. Due to its silver-like lustre, high corrosion resistance and good workability, alpaca has been increasingly used since the 19th century as a substitute for silver in coinage, but also in the manufacture of cutlery, medals and technical applications. In numismatic contexts, alpaca is mainly used for circulation coins, commemorative coins, proof coins and occasionally for emergency coins, especially when precious metals were scarce or too expensive.
The use of alpaca in coinage began to increase during industrialisation, when cost-effective alternatives to silver were in demand that could still meet the visual and tactile requirements of a high-quality coin. Smaller states in particular, or those in times of economic hardship, turned to this metal because it was easy to mint and had a long life in circulation. Alpaca coins have a bright, silver-like surface that can develop a characteristic patina with use. This makes them particularly interesting to collectors, as they offer an attractive appearance despite their lack of precious metal content and are often valued as authentic testimonies of their time.
In numismatic classification, alpaca is considered a base coin metal, but is nevertheless systematically recorded, examined and documented. Alpaca has established itself as a material of choice, particularly for modern collector coins or in series mintings that deliberately avoid the use of precious metals. It is also frequently used for samples or designs before a coin is minted in more expensive materials such as silver or gold. The metallurgical properties of alpaca – in particular its hardness and resistance to oxidation – make it an ideal material for everyday coinage.
For collectors and numismatists, it is important to be able to distinguish alpaca from real silver, as it can look deceptively similar at first glance. Modern analysis methods such as X-ray fluorescence or conductivity tests help to determine the alloy precisely. Knowledge of the metal composition also plays a role in conservation and storage, as different materials react differently to environmental influences.
Overall, alpaca is a fascinating material in the history of coinage, demonstrating how economic, technical and aesthetic requirements can be combined in coinage. Its history is closely linked to the changing values in coinage and documents the creative use of resources in the service of a functioning currency.