1782 Half Real Charles III - fire damaged?

[lenmac65]

This weekend I searched the former homesite where I found a draped bust cent earlier this year. About mid way through my search, I found this half real of Charles III In an area across from the cellar hole. I was super excited at first, as the small bumps on the coin made me think I had a Massachusetts Oak Tree pence from the 1600s. Although that was not to be, I was still very happy to see it was Spanish silver. Given the bumps and discoloration, I think this coin may have endured a fire; what do you think? I also think the coin may have been holed, which contributed to the chip at the top edge. The date is tough to see, but I believe it is 1782 or possibly 1789. The back is rough too, but the Mexico City mintmark is clear. Also dug seven buttons in various areas of the property. Thanks and good luck out there. (UPDATE: Thanks to Mackaydon, i.e., Don in SoCal, I determined this coin is 1782 based on the assayer initials of FF. See Don’s helpful post below, as you may find his tip useful when trying to ID Spanish silver.)

 

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[JeffInMass]

Great finds neighbor! I have to agree with your assessment- fire damage, definitely holed and looks like a 1789 to me- well done!

 

[grisso3]

sweet ! see my avatar

 

[BennyV]

This weekend I searched the former homesite where I found a draped bust cent earlier this year. About mid way through my search, I found this half real of Charles III In an area across from the cellar hole. I was super excited at first, as the small bumps on the coin made me think I had a Massachusetts Oak Tree pence from the 1600s. Although that was not to be, I was still very happy to see it was Spanish silver. Given the bumps and discoloration, I think this coin may have endured a fire; what do you think? I also think the coin may have been holed, which contributed to the chip at the top edge. The date is tough to see, but I believe it is 1782 or possibly 1789. The back is rough too, but the Mexico City mintmark is clear. Also dug seven buttons in various areas of the property. Thanks and good luck out there.View attachment 2150184View attachment 2150185View attachment 2150186View attachment 2150187

Definitely holed.

 

[Mackaydon]

Here's a way to tell the difference between a 1782 and a 1789:
The '82 assayer is 'FF'
The '89 assayer is 'FM'
Don in SoCal

 

[Bamasteve]

Nice finds, congrats!

 

[lenmac65]

sweet ! see my avatar

Thank you. I wish my coin looked like your avatar 😀.

 

[lenmac65]

Here's a way to tell the difference between a 1782 and a 1789:
The '82 assayer is 'FF'
The '89 assayer is 'FM'
Don in SoCal

Thank you, Don. I didn’t think to look for that type of info. Upon closer inspection, I see the FF. I was leaning toward 1782 before, but this confirms it. I said it before and will say it again, you sure know your coins. Thanks! P.S., I updated my post accordingly.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Yes, looks like fire damage from here - still a great find - congrats !

Here's a 1880 Morgan Dollar I found last Winter that looks similar.
I'm pretty sure it was in a house fire.

 

[oldmxrat]

Congrats on your Spanish silver!

 

[Mackaydon]

lensmac65.
Many thanks for the kind words.
Keep swinging and posting.
Don in SoCal

 

[lenmac65]

Yes, looks like fire damage from here - still a great find - congrats !

Here's a 1880 Morgan Dollar I found last Winter that looks similar.
I'm pretty sure it was in a house fire.

Thanks for the comments and pics. That damage looks pretty consistent with mine. The fires reeked havoc on our coins, but at least we both got positive IDs and dates, which is a good thing.

 

[Silvermonkey]

You gotta love finding Spanish silver...nothing much better. I would agree that this coin has suffered some fire damage. Not that there is anything wrong with that...just adds some extra character. Congrats lenmac65 on a excellent outing!

 

[Hunk-a-lead]

This weekend I searched the former homesite where I found a draped bust cent earlier this year. About mid way through my search, I found this half real of Charles III In an area across from the cellar hole. I was super excited at first, as the small bumps on the coin made me think I had a Massachusetts Oak Tree pence from the 1600s. Although that was not to be, I was still very happy to see it was Spanish silver. Given the bumps and discoloration, I think this coin may have endured a fire; what do you think? I also think the coin may have been holed, which contributed to the chip at the top edge. The date is tough to see, but I believe it is 1782 or possibly 1789. The back is rough too, but the Mexico City mintmark is clear. Also dug seven buttons in various areas of the property. Thanks and good luck out there. (UPDATE: Thanks to Mackaydon, i.e., Don in SoCal, I determined this coin is 1782 based on the assayer initials of FF. See Don’s helpful post below, as you may find his tip useful when trying to ID Spanish silver.)View attachment 2150184View attachment 2150185View attachment 2150186View attachment 2150187

great saves all around, big time gratz on that old silver, so cool

 

[Trezurehunter]

Congrats on that Spanish silver and those nice old buttons.

 

[moemoney]

This weekend I searched the former homesite where I found a draped bust cent earlier this year. About mid way through my search, I found this half real of Charles III In an area across from the cellar hole. I was super excited at first, as the small bumps on the coin made me think I had a Massachusetts Oak Tree pence from the 1600s. Although that was not to be, I was still very happy to see it was Spanish silver. Given the bumps and discoloration, I think this coin may have endured a fire; what do you think? I also think the coin may have been holed, which contributed to the chip at the top edge. The date is tough to see, but I believe it is 1782 or possibly 1789. The back is rough too, but the Mexico City mintmark is clear. Also dug seven buttons in various areas of the property. Thanks and good luck out there. (UPDATE: Thanks to Mackaydon, i.e., Don in SoCal, I determined this coin is 1782 based on the assayer initials of FF. See Don’s helpful post below, as you may find his tip useful when trying to ID Spanish silver.)View attachment 2150184View attachment 2150185View attachment 2150186View attachment 2150187

Nice find! I worked in a gold and silver exchange for over 30 years and I've seen lots of silver victims of house fires. One time some folks brought in hundred ounce bars that had burned and bubbled. Another time a man brought in a silver dollar "lump" that had been a bag of 100 Morgan dollars!

 

[lenmac65]

Nice find! I worked in a gold and silver exchange for over 30 years and I've seen lots of silver victims of house fires. One time some folks brought in hundred ounce bars that had burned and bubbled. Another time a man brought in a silver dollar "lump" that had been a bag of 100 Morgan dollars!

Thank you for the comments and insights. The thought of 100 Morgan dollars turned into a lump brings a tear to my eye though.

 

[moemoney]

Thank you for the comments and insights. The thought of 100 Morgan dollars turned into a lump brings a tear to my eye though.

Yeah, all we could do was put it one the scale and pay scrap silver price for it...and silver price was about $4 per oz. !

 

[Gare]

Still a nice find Thanks for sharing

 

[mindcrime1988]

Some cool old buttons and a little silver never hurts.