On: Using Euro coins as weights (2004)

[pessimizer]

Metric only has an advantage for precision measurements that have to be operated on arbitrarily, not for dividing things. You're usually dividing things in halves, far less often into thirds and even more rarely into fifths. 1/8 oz is an ounce that has been divided in half three times. Or you can think of it as a pound that has been divided in half seven times.

[masfuerte → pessimizer]

I understand why they might have chosen 1/8 oz. I don't understand why they chose not quite 1/8 oz. That's the puzzle.

[avidiax → masfuerte]

Could it be that it is meant to be 1/8th ounce nominally, but there is some lacquer or varnish that takes the weight up slightly?