My most significant tag find so far

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

So I find these brass tags pretty regularly at the old homesteads and abandoned farm sites I hit. They must have been used for livestock (imagine attached to a cow ear) or on bushels of produce. Typical tag has a simple number stamped on it and no other identification. Found this one and thought, just another tag, but noticed the small nail hole. Flipped it over and saw this.
It looks like this tag was originally used as a miners tag at the Essen Mine #1, then recycled as a farmers tag with the 2 stamped and hammered onto a barrel or something. Here is the entrance to the mine which is downhill from the old farm where this was found. I believe this mine was in operation from the late 1800's to 1915 or so. I've been tempted to search around the actual mine, but have not tried there yet. Only a couple coins in this farm hunt. Silver to wheat ratio is now 24:89.

Good luck out there!

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

How to Research for Treasure Hunting and Metal Detecting From Lead Generation to Vetting - Grab it through Amazon!

[dirtdigginfool]

Now that's something you don't see every day. ..that is a very cool find with a great back story to it...I'd guess that you are very close to the origin/history of it...thx for sharing, now get out to that mine and dig some more really neat stuff! Ddf

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Now that's something you don't see every day. ..that is a very cool find with a great back story to it...I'd guess that you are very close to the origin/history of it...thx for sharing, now get out to that mine and dig some more really neat stuff! Ddf

Yep, the history of this mine is very close to me, like 200 feet directly below my house.

 

[against the wind]

Cool tag,
I thought you were going to refer to the TAG on the entance to the mine. lol
Congrats on all your finds.

 

[vpnavy]

..: NICE FIND pa-dirt_nc-sand :..
​

 

[Steve in PA]

I find a lot of those old miner tags too. The are all over the place in coal country. I never saw such a well made mine entrance. If that's below your house I hope you have mine subsidence insurance

 

[trapperart]

Congrats on the old tag