First finds for a newbie.

UncleVinnys · Jan 19, 2008

These are my first finds.
As a newbie, I was advised to try a lake bed, to make digging easier.
I did learn a lot, but most of the retrieved coins had been underwater
(in Folsom Lake) so they have high levels of corrosion.

Despite being warned not to (like a moron) I went ahead and tried to
"clean" some of them - of course with poor results. See the nickel at
the bottom, where I used a wire brush. Fortunately, none of the coins
are valuable, AND i learned what NOT to do in the process.

Evolution · Jan 19, 2008

I like the button and the token. Keep up the good work.

ModernMiner · Jan 19, 2008

Evolution said:
I like the button and the token. Keep up the good work.

I agree. Two nice finds. Tokens and buttons are always fun.
I've been through the coin destroying phase too, as a lot of us have. Don't feel bad.

Congrats on your finds.
Is Charlie Manson still out there?

-MM-

topdog · Jan 19, 2008

Looks like you are off to a great start with lessons learned.

bootybay · Jan 19, 2008

great start.... wtg on the clad ... lmao @ MM... only you would say that MM...

Copperhead · Jan 19, 2008

Nice going for your first finds ....I wonder if in the future anybody will be able to dig up clad 100 years old... $:-\$

MR----B · Jan 19, 2008

Great going on your first finds, Just ask the tnet people on cleaning your coins and you will get 500 years of accumulitive knowlege.

desertfox · Jan 19, 2008

Not bad finds at all. Warning, what ever you do, Do Not Clean Pennies with other Coins! Have fun MDing and welcome to Tnet! Happy Hunting

Desertfox

Ozzygold · Jan 20, 2008

Nice haul, I bet it felt good digging every one of them.

Moonshadow · Jan 20, 2008

desertfox said:
Warning, what ever you do, Do Not Clean Pennies with other Coins!

Desertfox

Good advice DF. And clean your nickels alone too! Here's the method I use.....

This recipe for cleaning your coins works like a charm. He's my pics to prove it. Make sure you wear gloves though....makes your fingers GREEN Grin

INGREDIENTS:
1 Tablespoon of Table salt, ( Fully leaded not LOW Salt )
Enough DISTILLED white vinegar to cover the coins well,
A PLASTIC Scouring pad, NOT a metal one. ( The sort you use to wash the dishes i.e. a Brillo Pad )
& a bit of ELBOW grease.

TECHNIQUE:
Place Salt and Vinegar into an old Glass or plastic shallow bowl or pot.
Make sure the salt is totally dissolved by stirring well.
Place coins or jewelry in the solution for around 1-2 hours. ( Some items might not need as much time & others may need a bit longer, but DON'T over do it. )
Check the items and give a little scrub every 15 minutes or so with the Brillo pad. The coins will have a dull finish to them but that goes when you scrub.
Put items back into the solution until all the crud is gone then scrub & rinse well with fresh running hot or warm water and then Dry.
and HEY PRESTO.!! you have nice clean coins or jewelry.

NOTICE.!! VERY IMPORTANT.!!
If you have a coin or piece of jewelry that you know or think is Valuable, Then DO NOT use this method.
You may take away alot of the value.

Let me add this too............I only soaked my coins for about 1/2 hour. If they were still dirty after that, just pop them back in as long as needed. Also, make sure you rinse them really well......the salt will make them green again if you don't. If you had alot of clad like I did.....it does take a while cause you are scrubbing each coin. But I had over 100.00 worth, so it was worth my time and effort.

UncleVinnys · Jan 20, 2008

GREAT advice from all of you, and what a nice group of people here!
Thanks to everyone.

imafishingnutt · Jan 20, 2008

UncleVinnys said:
These are my first finds.
As a newbie, I was advised to try a lake bed, to make digging easier.
I did learn a lot, but most of the retrieved coins had been underwater
(in Folsom Lake) so they have high levels of corrosion.

Despite being warned not to (like a moron) I went ahead and tried to
"clean" some of them - of course with poor results. See the nickel at
the bottom, where I used a wire brush. Fortunately, none of the coins
are valuable, AND i learned what NOT to do in the process.

dont wory about cleaning commen cled brother.
unless its a Key date

keep up the good hunts.
next try some playgrounds or schools are great for coins and jewelry.