And again
Spoiler:
Divide the coins into 4 bags. 3 coins in each bag =12
1- Weigh any 2 bags. If the same weight then remove one and add the 3rd bag to the scale.
2- If the 3rd bag:
- weighs the same, then the fake is in the 4th bag. Pay the miser with the 4th bag.
****
1-Weigh any 2 bags. If uneven weight then remove either the lighter or heavier bag and add the 3rd bag to the scale.
2- If the 3rd bag:
- weighs the same, then the fake is in the bag that was just removed. Pay the miser with that bag.
- results in uneven, remove the bag that matches the weight of the first one removed (lighter or heavier) . The fake is in the bag still on the scale.
I give up. I have to be up in 4 1/2 hours and I am brain dead.