My colonial silver collection - all in one BIG pic

[Bill D. (VA)]

I've had many requests this year to post a group shot showing all the colonial silver coins I've dug to date. Things started slowly after I dug my first one more than 15 years ago, but as I improved my research techniques and started getting into some early and untouched sites my finds began to increase. It took about 12 years to get to that magic 100 mark which I hit 3 years ago. Since then I dug 10 during the 2010-11 season, 15 more the following year, and an astounding 24 this past winter bringing the total to 149. It was difficult putting this pic together as I had these coins spread out in numerous displays, and had to take a lot of photos beforehand so I'd be able to put everything back in its proper place when I'm done with the group shots. It's still going to be a tough job with all those cut pieces that look very similar. Anyway, I decided to break the coins down into a few major categories which I thought was quite interesting, and these are summarized below. Also, FYI, these coins range in age from 1563 to about 1803.

- Hammered coins (including 7 from the 1500s): 20
- Other whole coins: 46
- Cut pieces: 65
- Cobs: 15
- Counterfeits: 3

(Note: If you're interested in seeing close-up details of the coins you can click on the attached image 2 or 3 times to fully enlarge the 4 MB file.)

It's going to be hard to keep up my recent pace, but I hope the extensive research I'm doing this summer will help me land on some new and very productive sites next season. I've decided to not set any goals for next year or for the long term, but will just let things play out and see where it goes. Besides, it's not all about finding the silver, but about the thrill of the hunt including all the investigative work that's so rewarding when it eventually pays off and leads you to the treasures you seek. I tell ya, October can't come soon enough. HH to all ..... Bill

 

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[Greylock]

That is an amazing collection of colonial coinage. Makes me want to get out and do some hunting right now. Keep up the good work.

 

[doninbrewster]

Amazing would be an understatement for your finds. I have some fairly old spots I've found in NY and in the last month added 3 half reales and a 2 reale to my collection, but nothing that approaches what you have found. Interesting you found so many cut pieces. They really did do that hundreds of years ago to make change. When they found the HMS Feversham off the coast of Nova Scotia (sank in 1711) they found many cut pieces including a number of Massachusetts silver coins. Great finds!

 

[screwynewy]

Truly remarkable and dare I say probably unmatched by any other digger here in the US. If anyone thinks this comes easy you are greatly mistaken. I can't imagine the hours of research and actual searching that you have invested in these colonial silvers. You are so right about the excitement when your research pays off and you find a spot that you have read about or heard tales of. It is like opening a window to our countries early history. Congrats on your success and I look forward to seeing more of your amazing finds in the future.

 

[beau-bc]

Primo Hunting and Collection

 

[wheatfinder13]

Simply amazing

 

[The Patriot]

Not much to say here but WOW...Those silvers are amazing and finding so many from the 16th century...Just goes to show you, through hard work and preserverance that anything is possible... Thanks for taking the time to break your displays down to show us!...

cheers

 

[Treasurecoast1715]

Amazing collection! Awesome finds!

 

[Zodiacdiverdave]

Fantastic collection Bill, your hard work and dedication really shines through. I would love to find just a fraction of that, you are a true insperation to us all.
I will be hunting a colonial area in NH next week so I am hoping to bring home a Mass. shilling but I wont hold my breath.
Again great collection, thanks for showing it.
Dave

 

[vpnavy]

Outstanding collection - you might consider putting it in a frame with a felt backing Bill. Thanks for sharing...

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Outstanding collection - you might consider putting it in a frame with a felt backing Bill. Thanks for sharing...

That would look nice, but I need to keep the coins in their own separate displays organized by site to maintain the integrity of the finds. I do have a nice wooden display case with felt backing for 17 of the hammered coins that were all found at one site, and those coins will be returned to that location soon. But I might take the hi-res pic of all the coins and blow it up for framing.

 

[OneWetKnee]

That is literally awesome! That is better than most museums collection. I still wait for my first

 

[huntsman53]

A very impressive collection of finds! Now the question is, how many Copper Colonial Coins did you find during the same time period? I would bet that that collection is very impressive as well! Congrats and thanks for sharing!


Frank

 

[Wildcat1750]

What an incredible collection after 15 years!
Hopefully someday I'll find my first.

 

[BuckleBoy]

My friend, that is truly a remarkable collection there. I know quite well how hard it is to keep up a pace. Maintaining in any area/profession/hobby is harder than succeeding in the first place. It takes way more planning, and it ceases to become about luck--or at least it can't, if one is to maintain the level. We will be facing the same dilemma in the future down here, and I don't look forward to that day. But for now, we'll enjoy it.

Congratulations on your truly astounding finds.

Best Wishes,

Buckles

 

[mangum]

Truly amazing! Now if I could just find my first! Research obviously pays off, I need to take some time to do that. However after working a whole week Id rather go swing! I know sooner or later I'll have to buckle down & do some research once all my spots dry up...Thanks for sharing your treasure!

 

[Dr.Tones]

Love it

 

[rayrayvegas]

Simply incredible! Thanks for sharing your achievements on hard work and research. Living here outwest I could not even imagine having hunts like yours. Congratulations.

 

[Valley Ranger]

Super nice!

 

[Steve in PA]

Thanks for taking the time to make the picture happen Bill. I know how hard it is to take all the pieces from their individual frames, arrange them for the picture, and then return them to the proper frames. Here is the last group shot I took in 2009 when I had 42 pieces. I now have 54 Spanish and 1 William III English six pence, so maybe it's time for another group shot? I found my first Spanish silver in November 1989, so it's taken me 23 years to get 54 here in Pennsylvania. The only thing I seem to find more of than you is the 8 Reales. I have one complete 8 reale, and seven cut 8 reales.

Have you surpassed Stan yet in total colonial silver?