First Two-Cent Piece, 1865 (after some research)

[Dave2000]

This was my last signal of the day on Saturday morning (high 70s on my ATP). When I recovered it, there was no detail visible whatsoever. After measuring it and consulting with others online (including getting opinions in the Treasurenet "What Is It?" subforum, which were correct), it turned out to be an 1865 two-cent piece.

Pictures show how it appeared right after recovery and after several days of cleaning. Obvious extensive environmental issues, but I'm happy to have enough detail (including the year) for a solid I.D.

Pictures:
1. Obverse/reverse when I found it (note: no detail visible)
2. In my hand, right after recovery
3. Obverse/reverse after cleaning
4. Date detail (cleaned)

 

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[cjon455]

very cool u were able to get the date!!

 

[deershed]

A Two Cent Piece is up near the top of my wish list, Awesome!!

Great to see you got it cleaned up enough for a ID. Congrats!!

 

[Dave2000]

Thanks! This is probably the only U.S. coin I've found that was so crusty and toasted that I couldn't make out any detail at all initially.

Here's a shot early in the cleaning process. I was pretty excited to see "865" clearly.

 

[UnderMiner]

I like your dedication at revealing the detail and date of that two center!

 

[romeo-1]

Crusty treasure!

 

[I-DIG-IT]

Nice digs.

 

[Dave2000]

This was found less than a hundred yards from a saltwater beach, probably 10 feet or so above the water level on a wooded hillside. I was walking back to my car when I decided to dig this last signal. I'd spent about two hours going over the area where I found an 1848 LC a few weeks ago (this is the same beach area) but that morning was pretty much a bust until this. I guess some saltwater got to this over the last 150 or so years.

 

[Old Dude]

Great job getting the date off that. What's your address? I have one in just as bad if not worse shape you could work your magic on lol. Congrats. Nice old coin to find.

 

[Dave2000]

Great job getting the date off that. What's your address? I have one in just as bad if not worse shape you could work your magic on lol. Congrats. Nice old coin to find.

LOL, thanks-- yeah, this was so crusty that it looked like there were features underneath that turned out not to be there (it was just built up deposits of crud). I thought it might've been an old transit token at first.

 

[The Aluminum Monster]

Great find and great job cleaning it up! The oddball United States coins (2c, 3c, 2 1/2d, etc) are at the top of my wishlist.