First large cent

babybear · Mar 6, 2013

Well the blizzard fizzled here in my part of PA so out I went today and I'm glad I did. Started out with a 45 Merc followed by a 57 Wheatie. The Artillery Insignia came next. But I'm in awe of the large cent, my first. Had no idea what it was when I dug it, but after carefully cleaning there's no doubt. It's too toasted to get a date but its awesome all the same! Thanks for looking. HH

Mi$terG · Mar 6, 2013

Congrats! That's a nice grouping of finds. I can't wait to find my first large cent.

Erik in NJ · Mar 6, 2013

Yes, I remember the feeling when I dug my first large cent! Was in the same hole with an IH cent...the LC was pretty toasted too, but will always be special to me. With some careful cleaning you might be able to get a date. I really wrecked mine trying to clean it up, but it was my first year of detecting. Try dropping it in some boiling hydrogen peroxide...

winslow · Mar 6, 2013

Congrats on the large cent. I've never found one but they are even harder to find in the west. Like the button too!

Don In South Jersey · Mar 6, 2013

You never forget your first, boy she was nice. I found an identical artillery insignia find like yours.

JohnnyMac · Mar 6, 2013

good job

SilverDreams · Mar 6, 2013

Congrats! I can't wait to find a large cent.

granthansen · Mar 7, 2013

Congrats!! You must be thrilled. I'm still waiting for my first :-(

JmCraz8 · Mar 7, 2013

Congrats on your first large cent!!

DJWEHAGE · Mar 7, 2013

Very cool and congratulations!

Steve in PA · Mar 7, 2013

Congrats on your first large cent. When I bought my first metal detector in 1985 I was living in Dallas at the time. I really wanted to find a large cent, but finding one in Dallas would be next to impossible. Came back to PA for Christmas that year, lent the detector to my brother for a few hours, and he goes out and digs a beautiful 1847 LC!! It took me several more years before I finally got one, but I have dug over 100 since then.

terpfan · Mar 7, 2013

Congratulations on your first large cent. They are a thrill for those fortunate enough to unearth one. Just because you can't see a date doesn't mean you can't find out what year it was produced. Large cents have many different varieties for each year. The distinguishing features of each variety can often help you learn its date. I've been able to find dates for each of the three "dateless" large cents I have found over the years. If you can't find a date, at least you can narrow down the range of dates. Here is a good source: Large Cents

babybear · Mar 7, 2013

Thank you all for your replies. Terpfan, thanks for the link. I believe I'm dealing with a later date 1839-1857 coin. Those years also fall in line with the history of our property.