1775 King George III Today in the sleet...

lovedigging · Jan 6, 2009

Got permission this past weekend at a new spot where there was an old furnace dating back to the early 1800's. Was dying to get there, had sleet today, roads were bad, couldn't make it to work (ha ha) but was determined to get there and see what I could find! Pounded it hard for 6 hours, didn't find what I thought I was going to find. The eagle button came fairly early in the hunt, but never did manage to find a bullet all day. Hit an area where I found the 1920 & 1946 one-cent coins, then a 1964 nickle. This was followed by the 5 flat buttons, and then I found the piece that is posted with the eagle button that I hope someone can help me identify. Shortly before dark, I dug what I thought was another flat button and didn't realize I had a coin until I got home and started "clean up". I was very shocked to see I had dug a King George III half-penny dated 1775. All in all, my butt is still soaked, but it WAS a good day! Hope you enjoy the pictures, and hope someone can give me insight on that one piece...

lovedigging · Jan 8, 2009

wildheart said:
Wow - awesome finds!

The swivel part could be to a horse's bridle, but it also looks like it might have come from a carrying strap to an 1861 Springfield Rifle, Euroarms .58 cal. or even an 1863 model. I tend to go with the 1861 Springfield, since the button looks like a Scovill Mfg. back that matches their 73 model. This particular model backed several different military buttons on both the Union and (early) Confederate sides, but none of those were cavalry buttons. The front appears to be a General Enlisted Men's marking, which is consistent with this style back, and by 1863, most Union enlisted men carried this model rifle. So if you found these items close together, I'd tend toward the rifle strap swivel.

All guesses on my part, but based on some research. In my several trips to the Fredericksburg/Antietam/Chancellorsville areas, I was consistently struck by the fact that the Civil War roamed over many Colonial era settlements, and your finds just prove it. This whole idea just fascinates me. Thanks so much for sharing your great relics!

Wildheart

Wildheart, Thanks for the informative information...

CRUSADER · Jan 8, 2009

Neil in West Jersey said:
I am not an expert, but it looks like it may be one of the many non regals (counterfeits). It looks very similar to my 1773 "Aging George" variety.

If you have a digital scale you should weigh it.

The weight range of the Regal Halfpence should be between 140.9 - 167.9 grains, and the diameter should be 28.5 - 30 mm.

Mine came in at 117 grains, well below the minimum acceptable weight.

In any case, the counterfeits are an important part of our history. These coins filled a need in the weak economy. It is estimated that 40% of the coppers circulating at the time may have been counterfeit!

Congrats on a great find in great condition!!!
Neil