Hey, at least I got out! 12/21/11 finds

[p2c]

Hi all,
I debated posting/not posting, but as the posts of finds have diminished with diminished weather, I thought this was post-worthy... I think this is my 5th december hunt, and it's been good in December for me. I got silver on every hunt out, but last hunt it wasn't a coin, it was one of those name bracelets on a chain--so that didn't count toward my total, but it will become $$ for me at some point.
Today I was out for about a 3 hour hunt. First find to note was the Merc, it was in a creek bed, under about 3 inches of water and 3 inches of muck. Recovery was a pain. It was so blackened, the metal was just awful and I couldn't even tell if it was a Rosie or Merc.
Soon after that I found the 1929 Wheat, also in the creek, though not as deep. Then I found the 1902 V nickel on a hillside. Finally the last wheat was a surface find. I saw it on the creek bank while I was on the other side. It was a 1945.


Normally, I try not to mess with the metal of dug silver, but this Merc was terrible. Sorry I didn't take before picks. I started by putting it in some EZzest coin dip I had for 12 seconds. The result was not great. I could see every thing, but the coin turned that off-white porcelain color that sometimes silver comes up as (if you've seen that you know it). I didn't want that, so I rubbed it with backing soda, something I really hate to do to a coin. That did the trick, reviving it from that white non-metallic appearance to silver appearance with a cool looking tone on the obverse which the photos don't do justice flash hides it, no flash makes it look darker and less shiny. I concluded with a brief second dip, to hopefully cover up some of the visual evidence of the rub. I am happy with the appearance...

[Lookn4Seated]

At least you got out AND got a silver. Congrats on the Dec. silver.

[Lowbatts]

Well it sure looks like it was in great shape when it hit that creek bed so long ago! Nice recovery!

[marinedad]

1st day of winter silver is a good thing.

[Gimmie The Loot]

Nice recoveries! I am jealous!

[rob.s]

Great outing and with this weather were having I'm sure you'll have more!!

[jfrag21]

Nice finds P2C despite the conditions...