A Lucky Day?(YES) Short Hunt produces a Very Rare Large Cent and a NJ copper

Don in SJ

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May 20, 2005
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The temperature finally dropped to a very comfortable range for hunting in the woods, so I went out this morning with at least the goal of getting the ole swingin arms back into shape after no detecting for awhile. If I found anything good it would be considered a bonus.

I was pleasantly surprised with the results of my 2 hours on a small site that a few years ago produced only a few late 1700s buttons and a thimble or two.

The first find was the button which upon cleaning appears to be a acorn in the center, so rather nice to get one with some design.
AcornGiltbutton.jpg
The second find was a somewhat iffy coin reading, very deep and I was hoping it was a coin and not a large button or other copper item. To my delight a round copper piece appears. This coin after cleaning was identified as a 1786 NJ copper! The variety is a 14-J (common type) Maris 15-L (Common variety)......
1786NJ 14J.jpg
The third find was a reading that was bouncing from a good copper to a iron type reading, but since it was for sure an solid reading I dug and was rewarded with a hunk of rusty something that at once reminded me possibly of being part of a musket. Need help on this one for a possible ID.
MusketPartmaybe.jpg

The fourth find was another iffy reading and it appears after cleaning just to be a round lead disc that someone drilled a hole in, for awhile I thought it might be a counterfeit coin, but I see no details indicating so.
lead disc.jpg
The fifth find was just a brass round ring shaped type relic, no idea, nothing of significance that is for sure. It is in the group shot at the end of this post.
But, the 6th target was the best find of the day and one of my top finds ever for rarity. I knew it was a large cent by the size and thickness and was fairly certain it was a Draped Bust. Upon cleaning, I saw that it had nice details and I would without too much problem be able to attribute the variety. I got out Breen's book on early year large cents and looking at my coin I noticed the cud on the edge of the reverse so I started by looking for one that matched. Sure enough I found one rather quickly, and believe me, there are many varieties of 1797 so I was pleasantly surprised I found my match within minutes.

Well, then I looked at the rarity for this one, and the Sheldon NC-2 for 1797 is a RARITY 6! That is Very Rare and that made me want to get another opinion before I posted here.. I did so and it has been confirmed that it is indeed the NC-2, the cud is the giveaway for IDing it and I have been told only about 22 of this variety are known. Since Large Cent collectors are a large group, that is good news for me. :wink:
I wish it did not have the corrosion damage, but the coin is what the coin is, I did my best to conserve the coin and it is a welcomed addition to my collection.
1797 NC2.jpg
1julyfinds.jpg
So, my short hunt, in July (a July hunt is a rare event for me) made my month for sure. I still prefer the 1793 I got earlier this year for the thrill of the find, but it sure is nice finding another rare Large Cent variety.

Don
 

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kyphote

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Jan 12, 2010
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Don in SJ said:
Not many square nails would go through a round hole that small and not make the hole squarish.

Don

This is an unused seal and the nail hasn't gone through the hole yet. Here's a thread where it was ID'd by members of the TNet community, as well. This is just a best guess based on feedback from others. I'd love to hear differing opinions as I dig them frequently.

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,293821.msg2115391.html#msg2115391
 

VERMONTPACKRAT

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Aug 6, 2007
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Don in SJ said:
VERMONTPACKRAT said:
Those finds in a two hour hunt would make anyones day :headbang: The Draped Bust is truly awsome and how many NJ coppers does this make for you?

1 of 22 known on the LC, You have a BANNER vote from me too :notworthy:


VPR

My 15th New Jersey copper, wish it were more.

Don


Your 15th NJ copper ! To think that I was hoppin' when I found my toasted 1 NJ...........

Thanks for posting, VPR
 

TommNJ

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Nov 3, 2008
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Congrats on the rare LC, NJ copper and other finds, banner :icon_thumright:

TommNJ
 

Mach1Pilot

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Jul 21, 2008
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Don, You always seem to find some awesome coins! :notworthy:

Congrats on the sweet Draped Bust and NJ largies! :icon_thumright:
 

Bubba65

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Mar 31, 2009
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Awesome hunt Don, Congrats on the rare Largie, my banner vote is in !!!!!!!!! :icon_thumright:

Bubba65
 

U

umrgolf

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Congats Don, another GREAT find.. you've had one hell of a year
 

dfx willy

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Nov 7, 2008
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i always love to see whats been posted by you don!you are a true hunter! and this is also a awesome post. congrats bud! willy
 

Deepdiger60

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Jun 18, 2009
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That 1797 is in excellent shape :icon_thumleft: a lot better then most late 1800,s Great find :thumbsup: Dd60
 

FortBedfordbob

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Dec 25, 2007
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Man Don ! Nice going on that Sheldon NC-2 for 1797 ! Some other Great Finds too. I have never seen a button with an acorn in the middle.
BB
 

DMN

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Apr 19, 2009
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Don, I am sure you've told us all before on preservation tips, but how did you preserve the 1797 coin? Olive oil?
Thanks for your reply (no doubt I'm being repetitious!).
 

Tuberale

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May 12, 2010
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Definate banner. R-6, WHOOOOO-HOOO! And all in 2 hours!

I gotta ask: how did you choose to conserve the 1797? It looks pretty darn great considering...
 

Hill Billy

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Jun 3, 2007
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Congrats Don on your finds, it's good to see you can get out and do a little hunting.
Weather has been beautiful here this week, only I'm working. I hope to get out and hunt soon.
Once again we should be seeing you on the banner :thumbsup:
 

HEAVYMETALNUT

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Dec 8, 2008
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WOW! utterly amazing! love your posts Don.a HUUUGE CONGRATS! :headbang:
 

ANTIQUARIAN

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Apr 24, 2010
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Congratulations on your finds and on making the banner Don! :icon_thumright:
Loved your pics and the story behind them as well.
 

The Patriot

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Oct 16, 2009
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good to see your out swinging again with a vengence.... Congrats on such a great coin... but I bet knowing what you have when you pull it directly from the hole brings a bigger rush then identifying it later...
 

West Jersey Detecting

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Oct 23, 2006
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Summer detecting by Don! A rare event, indeed!

Nice going on the LC. One of 22 known is amazing! The NJ copper is also a beauty! Your 15th!!! Not many people can claim to have found more than a few. (I am still looking for my first. I am finding plenty of coppers, but the horses head still eludes me!).

I have come across a few lead items like yours. I was told by one person that they were makeshift buttons, but I would think it would have more than one hole if it was any type of button.

Congrats on your banner find!
Neil
 

AGCoinHunter

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Aug 13, 2009
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:o :o Awsome LC! Congrats on the banner, much deserved.
 

jfx55

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Apr 13, 2006
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looks similar to the one i dug 2-weeks ago. guess i will post to have it looked at. the detail on mine is very good. wow thats awsome
 

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