Found a 2 cent piece today!

[DiggerCam]

While metal detecting in a local park today I found my oldest coin sitting in the hole with me in disbelief. At first I assumed it was a shield nickel with the dirt on it, but I examined it closer and saw the 2 cent. I didn't find anything else for a long time so I stopped for today and brought it home to put into my collection! I can't read the full date, which I believe is 1873 and don't want to ruin it so I am leaving it as it is for now.

Here are some pictures...

 

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[Diggin-N-Dumps]

Thats Awesome! I bet if you clean that up properly its going to have some good detail.

 

[villagenut]

If thats an 1873, you have a special rare one....better confirm that date!!

 

[kingskid1611]

Nice piece, Congrats

 

[Loco-Digger]

It would be great if you dug a 73, all mine are 1864's Congrats on pulling that beauty.

 

[Dozer D]

Could you give us some details of the park? Old, previous house on it back then, history of the park, age if possible. It's a great story find to be able to find a very unusual coin. At what depth was it, type of soil, etc. congrats on your finding.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Congratualtions on the nice find!

If that is an 1873 take your time cleaning a little at a time. Good Luck!

 

[DiggerCam]

The park actually has only been there since the 1970s but in the 1880s there was a homestead there. On a 1934 aerial it looks like an undeveloped piece of property, so they must have torn it down sometime between the 1880s and 1934. I also was there for only 30 minutes (there is a lot of newer trash) but I weeded it out from all the other junk. I also found an oil lantern part and old glass fuse. I am currently also trying to figure out the best way to clean it without ruining it. The soil was sandy and in spots there is clay-like soil.

 

[bologna321]

If its really an 1873 I'd let PCGS or NGC conserve it, I wouldnt clean it myself

 

[BLK HOLE]

WOW congratulations on the awesome find!

 

[cudamark]

If it's truly an 1873 2 cent piece, it would get my banner vote!

 

[DiggerCam]

Does anyone know anything else that will make the date show or clean the coin without ruining it? Also here is some finds from a very short hunt today at the spot I found the 2 cent piece. I found a 1919 penny and 1983 British pound coin...

 

[Diggin-N-Dumps]

Does anyone know anything else that will make the date show or clean the coin without ruining it? Also here is some finds from a very short hunt today at the spot I found the 2 cent piece. I found a 1919 penny and 1983 British pound coin...

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Im sure you will hear many methods on how to "Clean" the coin...but for something like that. I would thinking soaking it in oil a bit would help get some of the crudd off of it.

Olive Oil is your friend when it comes to copper coins

 

[l.cutler]

1873 was a proof only year so it is highly unlikely. You would pretty much have to get rid of the gob of corrosion on the date to know for sure what it is.

 

[Phishfarmer]

Andre's pencils work wonders. If it is rare leave it be and have a pro take care of it.

 

[alabama11]

Sometimes you must get the microscope out for those great finds.

 

[Hawks88]

Super nice find. Congrats.

 

[huntsman53]

Congrats on the find! First off, bathe the coin in Acetone to arrest the Verdigris (stop the chemical reaction of the Verdigris which is damaging the coin), rinse with water and pat dry with a soft towel, Next, soak the coin in Extra Virgin Olive Oil for up to 60 days, checking it periodically to see if the corrosion/dirt/grime has loosened and to rotate it in the Olive Oil. You can use a green Rose Thorn and remove some or much of the corrosion/dirt/grime. Make sure to leave some Olive Oil on the coin and dip it into the Olive Oil periodically while cleaning it. It may take several times of cleaning to get the coin reasonably cleaned. Once you are satisfied that no more cleaning can be done, rinse the con in water as well as possible, pat dry with a soft towel and then place it in a 2x2 protective holder. Yes, the Extra Virgin Olive Oil will somewhat darken the coin but the use of Extra Virgin Olive Oil is needed due to it's low acidity which helps dissolve the corrosion/dirt/grime.

 

[DiggerCam]

UPDATE: Have confirmed the date to be 1868.

 

[PetesPockets55]

Thanks for the update.

Lots of times I will soak it in hydrogen peroxide which seems to release the oxidized meatal and grime as well. Check it frequently to start with to make sure everything is progressing ok.