A base metal is a common and inexpensive metal, as opposed to a precious metal such as gold or silver.[1] In numismatics, coins often derived their value from the precious metal content; however, base metals have also been used in coins in the past and today.[2]
Specific definitions
In contrast to noble metals, base metals may be distinguished by oxidizing or corroding relatively easily and reacting variably with diluted hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form hydrogen. Examples include iron, nickel, lead and zinc. Copper is also considered a base metal because it oxidizes relatively easily, although it does not react with HCl.
