Farmhouse Finds ... William III?

[lenmac65]

Did a couple digs at an 1850s farmhouse permission this weekend. I am thinking the property is older than I thought, as I found a well worn colonial copper in the field. I have to tilt it just right to see a right facing portrait and Britannia. I think it is William III, but I am no expert and would appreciate any opinions. Also found a slick copper and a barely recognizable Large Cent. The 1920s Mercuries, the wheats, and a beautiful Indian head were in the small front yard where I previously found a two cent piece. Also found a number of buckles and the usual mix of unidentified scrap in the fields. Hoping snow melts soon so I can go back out. Happy Hunting.

 

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[Horst]

first of all big congrats on this outstanding find. From my experience cleaning the german coppers 17xx it is extremely difficult cleaning those without destroying them. No acids!!!! No lemon juice!!!! I had good success with Läufer Glass erasers. German Amazon: "Läufer 69119 Glasfaserradierstift" With a circular motion and almost no pressure the results were good. Be careful "less is more" but some coins I was able to read the date on 'em. Practice on some less valuable coins. Order enough extra sticks as you will wear them down quickly.

 

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[Iron Patch]

Thank you all for your opinions. I am feeling more confident that it is a William III now. I am hoping it is 17th century, as I never find coins that old. Regardless, I am very excited about this coin despite its very poor condition, as it gives me hope there are other colonial items or coins to be found. I have never found Spanish silver or any capped bust coins, but now I am more hopeful. I am surprised I have found no buttons yet, but I am definitely going to slow things down and be more deliberate in my gridding. I actually found this coin zig-zagging back to the car. Again, thanks for the feedback!

It is without question a 1st issue William III Halfpenny 1695-1698. There is no other possibilities. It's not a James II tin halfpenny, and clearly not a William and Mary... that only leaves what I said for that type of reverse. After that they changed completely.

 

[lenmac65]

I had good success with Läufer Glass erasers. German Amazon: "Läufer 69119 Glasfaserradierstift" With a circular motion and almost no pressure the results were good.

Thanks for the tips, as I might do that for future coins. I don't think I am going to clean this one at all though, as I believe the details are worn off from spending versus obscured by mud or corrosion.

 

[lenmac65]

It is without question a 1st issue William III Halfpenny 1695-1698. There is no other possibilities. It's not a James II tin halfpenny, and clearly not a William and Mary... that only leaves what I said for that type of reverse. After that they changed completely.

Thanks for the additional insights; her upright right arm is the clue, right? I am convinced, and am very happy to have a 17th century find. While I would not purchase a coin in this condition, it was certainly fun to find and has sparked my imagination.

 

[lenmac65]

I vote banner also wow that's old and really cool. Well done

Thanks for the kind sentiments and encouragement, but I think the condition should (and will) preclude this coin from such an honor. I'll just have to dig a better one next time .

 

[Iron Patch]

Thanks for the additional insights; her upright right arm is the clue, right? I am convinced, and am very happy to have a 17th century find. While I would not purchase a coin in this condition, it was certainly fun to find and has sparked my imagination.

To be the 1st issue, yes. The 2nd issue had the date in the legend and 3rd issue her arm was across and not up.

As for cleaning, there's nothing to clean. That's the surface and anything you do will only make it look worse.

 

[washingtonian]

Badass! Way to go on a killer find. Don't see many of those around here. Keep up the good work!

 

[Silvermonkey]

Got to love the old coppers. Certainly my favorite thing to find, regardless of their condition. Nice work!

 

[digging440yrs]

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Congrats on the old coppers!

 

[smokeythecat]

I wouldn't clean it. Never use liquids. I made that mistake once upon a time ago and ruined a few coins. I use the Andre's pencils now. They are brass and steel wool inserted into little wood pencils. You take off a miniscule amount of dirt at a time and can stop whenever you want to.

I don't think I've even found a William III coin. One of my toasted ones was a William and Mary, one Charles II, one Elizabeth I, one or two James I. These are from VERY early sites in Maryland and Virginia.

Assuming yours was dug in Mass. I'd bet there was another homestead nearby.

 

[xcopperstax]

Another thought on your coin. Although the house that was there dates to 1855 there's a good chance that it was previously a farm owned by someone else. Massachusetts land records are pretty extensive and go way back. There's a good chance the info is there.

 

[lenmac65]

I wouldn't clean it..... I use the Andre's pencils now ..... ......
Assuming yours was dug in Mass. I'd bet there was another homestead nearby.

Thanks for the tips. I agree. I am going to leave this one alone; I do like the Andre's pencils though. I am so hoping there is another homestead nearby, though it is also possible the current house (circa 1855) was built over an older house. Either way, I can't wait for this snow to melt, as I would love to get a couple more digs in at this farm before the ground freezes too solid.

 

[lenmac65]

Another thought on your coin. Although the house that was there dates to 1855 there's a good chance that it was previously a farm owned by someone else. Massachusetts land records are pretty extensive and go way back. There's a good chance the info is there.

Thanks! I really need to find the time to get to the historical society or the Registry for info, maybe once the ground freezes over.

 

[CRUSADER]

Can't be. 1st issue 1695-1698

OK, that good news. I didn't really look very closely at the bust type, & I know you guys pay more attention than me.