Colonial Copper - Can Anyone Identify it?

[bookfisher]

I found this Colonial Copper in the woods on Tuesday. Though it's pretty corroded, the portrait is visible. I was hoping somebody can identify it. It's the same size as a quarter, but much thinner. Thanks.

 

[UnknownBounty]

Almost looks like a william or an irish harp. I'm not sure though.

 

[Deepdiger60]

Looking at the reverse under high mag. of your coin i see a date 1795 it looks like a Irish half penny if iam right .Good dig Dd60
http://www.wikicoins.com/Ireland_Half_Penny

 

[silverfinder]

Congratulations. My guess is that it's either French or English, circa 1700.

 

[Mr Tuff]

nice old copper MR TUFF

 

[bookfisher]

Thanks guys for your help.

 

[girardpaguy]

Looks like an oldy. wish i could help

 

[CRUSADER]

WOW Charles II Irish Halfpenny I Think! 1600s!!!
http://www.historyincoins.com/xxx-8-2-9-1.jpg

Looked in the book, the nose bothers me a little but the base of the bust is right for Charles II 1680-82

 

[Don in SJ]

WOW Charles II Irish Halfpenny I Think! 1600s!!!
http://www.historyincoins.com/xxx-8-2-9-1.jpg

Looked in the book, the nose bothers me a little but the base of the bust is right for Charles II 1680-82

Agreed, Charles II Irish Halfpenny, I have 1680-84 for date range so you got yourself a nice oldie!!

Attached is the one I found just last year to make it my oldest copper found. You have more detail than mine, I would try and clean off some of the Reverse in order to possibly see the Harp to confirm ID>

Don

 

[CRUSADER]

WOW Charles II Irish Halfpenny I Think! 1600s!!!
http://www.historyincoins.com/xxx-8-2-9-1.jpg

Looked in the book, the nose bothers me a little but the base of the bust is right for Charles II 1680-82

Agreed, Charles II Irish Halfpenny, I have 1680-84 for date range so you got yourself a nice oldie!!

Attached is the one I found just last year to make it my oldest copper found. You have more detail than mine, I would try and clean off some of the Reverse in order to possibly see the Harp to confirm ID>

Don

I eliminated the 1682-84 variants dues to the differing bust at the base

 

[bookfisher]

Thanks Crusader. Thanks Don. When an English expert and an American Expert in Colonial Coppers agree that it's probably a Charles II Irish Half Penny, I think we can take that to the bank. Thanks again, for the ID. I really appreciate it. By the way Don, should I give it another hot peroxide bath?

 

[Don in SJ]

"More Peroxide?"Hard to say, I would but that is me, but at minimum, take a wet q-tip and rub over the wet coin and see how much crud comes off yet without taking off any loose corroded patina. If a lot comes off onto the q-tip, then I would do another peroxide soaking and after it is as clean as you are brave enough to do, put it in distilled water or if none at least boiled and then cooled a bit tap water to help neutralize the acids. Dry thoroughly, then I would coat with a hot bees wax or Renaissance Wax if you have it, but Bees wax is readily available and cheap and it works. I melt the wax under a lamp and with the coin on a plastic lid, it covers the coin, flip it over, ensure the edges are covered, once completely covered in melted wax, remove, wipe of excess, let dry then buff with an old toothbrush. This works great on old coppers that need some sprucing up.

Don

 

[CRUSADER]

Thanks Crusader. Thanks Don. When an English expert and an American Expert in Colonial Coppers agree that it's probably a Charles II Irish Half Penny, I think we can take that to the bank. Thanks again, for the ID. I really appreciate it. By the way Don, should I give it another hot peroxide bath?

Not an expert, I don't mind the specialist label It took me a little while to work out, as I have never had one Its an excellent early find for the US, keep doing what you know, looks like your hunting the right spots 8)

 

[bookfisher]

"More Peroxide?"Hard to say, I would but that is me, but at minimum, take a wet q-tip and rub over the wet coin and see how much crud comes off yet without taking off any loose corroded patina. If a lot comes off onto the q-tip, then I would do another peroxide soaking and after it is as clean as you are brave enough to do, put it in distilled water or if none at least boiled and then cooled a bit tap water to help neutralize the acids. Dry thoroughly, then I would coat with a hot bees wax or Renaissance Wax if you have it, but Bees wax is readily available and cheap and it works. I melt the wax under a lamp and with the coin on a plastic lid, it covers the coin, flip it over, ensure the edges are covered, once completely covered in melted wax, remove, wipe of excess, let dry then buff with an old toothbrush. This works great on old coppers that need some sprucing up.

Don

Ok Don, I'll give it a try. If I can get it looking better, I'll post new pictures.

 

[CRUSADER]

"More Peroxide?"Hard to say, I would but that is me, but at minimum, take a wet q-tip and rub over the wet coin and see how much crud comes off yet without taking off any loose corroded patina. If a lot comes off onto the q-tip, then I would do another peroxide soaking and after it is as clean as you are brave enough to do, put it in distilled water or if none at least boiled and then cooled a bit tap water to help neutralize the acids. Dry thoroughly, then I would coat with a hot bees wax or Renaissance Wax if you have it, but Bees wax is readily available and cheap and it works. I melt the wax under a lamp and with the coin on a plastic lid, it covers the coin, flip it over, ensure the edges are covered, once completely covered in melted wax, remove, wipe of excess, let dry then buff with an old toothbrush. This works great on old coppers that need some sprucing up.

Don

Ok Don, I'll give it a try. If I can get it looking better, I'll post new pictures.

good luck

 

[Deno]

That is one sweet copper.

 

[Kirk PA]

That is what it is all about when hunting Colonial America. That copper would make my year. Keep at it, Book! I have missed your posts.

Kirk

 

[terpfan]

Bookfisher, that is an incredible Colonial find. Any copper from the 1600s would certainly be a lifetime find for me. Can you tell us how deep it was in the ground?

 

[Kyle PA]

It is good to see you back, Book! I haven't seen a post from you in a long time. You came back in style, too!

I love the 1680s copper! Long Island's history is up there with the best!

 

[bookfisher]

Bookfisher, that is an incredible Colonial find. Any copper from the 1600s would certainly be a lifetime find for me. Can you tell us how deep it was in the ground?

I can't remember the exact depth the VDI on my MXT was reading, but it was in the screwcap range and probably 5 or 6 inches deep.