Dug my first 1788 Massachusettes One Cent coin!

[Fugio]

Well, winter is upon us here in New England. Yesterday was an unusually warm day for December, the ground unfrozen for a brief moment. I seized this opportunity to get perhaps my last day of detecting in this year. I am fortunate to live on what was an old farm in the early 1800s, so whenever I don't have time to travel to a permission I simply step outside and search our amazing property for coins and relics.

I was out maybe 20 minutes when I hit upon an excellent sounding 46 on the Legend. I dug and flipped the plug over to find what appeared to be an old washer. I examined it, and almost through it away, as no design was readily discernable. However, I decided to review more closely, given that I have made mistakes in the past discarding what turned out to be facinating finds.
As I scrapped the dirt away from the surface, I noticed what looked like arabic numerals. Upon further investigation, I saw clearly that there were arrows clutched in the claw of an eagle. I knew right away I found an early coin. With a little help from my flashlight, I could read the date: 1788! Turns out I found a 1788 Massachusetts One Cent coin with a hole in the middle.

Sadlly, this coin, like so many coppers that we dig, was pretty well toasted. I gently cleaned with peroxide and Qtips, as well some distilled water and called it a day. The eagle and date turned out quite legible, but the obverse sadly is quite far gone. This is the oldest coin I have found to date, and by far the best I have found on my property. Despite its rough shape, I would say this is not a bad way to end the season!

 

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[Fugio]

Those little marker flags they use to mark buried utility lines work well for that, if you don't want to leave the hole open.

So funny you mention that. I keep thinking I need to get some of those flags and always forget. Mainly because there are a couple spots on the property with buried cables or large targets a couple feet down that I somehow keep trying to dig up over and over, forgetting where they were haha. Maybe I will actually pick some up this time. Cheers!

 

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[Digger RJ]

Well, winter is upon us here in New England. Yesterday was an unusually warm day for December, the ground unfrozen for a brief moment. I seized this opportunity to get perhaps my last day of detecting in this year. I am fortunate to live on what was an old farm in the early 1800s, so whenever I don't have time to travel to a permission I simply step outside and search our amazing property for coins and relics.

I was out maybe 20 minutes when I hit upon an excellent sounding 46 on the Legend. I dug and flipped the plug over to find what appeared to be an old washer. I examined it, and almost through it away, as no design was readily discernable. However, I decided to review more closely, given that I have made mistakes in the past discarding what turned out to be facinating finds.
As I scrapped the dirt away from the surface, I noticed what looked like arabic numerals. Upon further investigation, I saw clearly that there were arrows clutched in the claw of an eagle. I knew right away I found an early coin. With a little help from my flashlight, I could read the date: 1788! Turns out I found a 1788 Massachusetts One Cent coin with a hole in the middle.

Sadlly, this coin, like so many coppers that we dig, was pretty well toasted. I gently cleaned with peroxide and Qtips, as well some distilled water and called it a day. The eagle and date turned out quite legible, but the obverse sadly is quite far gone. This is the oldest coin I have found to date, and by far the best I have found on my property. Despite its rough shape, I would say this is not a bad way to end the season!

Very Cool!!! Why would someone hole such a Beauty!!! Congrats!!!