Here`s some big (old) silver!!- update on cleaning w/pics

prolab69 · Jul 9, 2008

OK OK, before you all ask! no I didnt find this in my yard. This is how some research paid off. Was checking through my old maps and found out where the old Watkins Glen fair grounds were located back in the 1800s, I really didnt have much faith for this spot, but gave it a shot anyway. So about 20mins into my hunt I pop this out of a 6 inch plug, this coin was black! either from tar, or from a fire. seems like it was tar, pitch or roof tar, who knows.
but this coin had little or no hope of being cleaned. braught it over to Mud(swat)s house on the way home to show him, so maybe he`ll chime in on how messed up it was. still needs a little more cleaning.
enjoy the pictures
Pro-

______________________________________________________
well, heres how she turned out, Id rather not buff the detail off of her so this is where I stopped. I think most of the crud preserved he detail to what she is now. After the pictures I gave her a silver glaze buffing so she shines pretty nice. Compared to what she looked like when I found her, Id say its a night and day difference.
It was a free find, so im happy with it.
heres some pics
Enjoy!
Pro-

prolab69 · Jul 9, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

Actually I thought it was a Kennedy Half at first, all i could see was the rim, but of course 10 mins later I had to rub it some to find a date, thats when I got excited.
Pro-

Old River · Jul 9, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

congradulation, very nice half.

Captn SE · Jul 9, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

Wow, the detail on that coin is fantastic!! :thumbsup:

Did you find anything else at the fairgrounds to speak of, or did you cease all hunting after finding this amazing half?

HH,
CAPTN SE
Dan

bazinga · Jul 9, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

Now that's a find to be proud of!

time4me · Jul 9, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

You've been having an exceptional run of amazing finds recently! Way to go!!!! That half dollar is awesome.

Jim

prolab69 · Jul 9, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

Well I ran down there after dinner, so it was pretty much getting dark anyway. found 2 quarters and a musket ball. I did find a tag from a 1958 Edsel in my yard behind the garage this morning though, and here i was thinking there was a Buick buried there.
Pro-

Derek752 · Jul 9, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

-Prolab- AWESOME!!

That is one SWEET half !!!! , forgoet about the black tar crude....the detail is PERFECT !!!

What else did ya find ?? ...I cant wait to see what else you get there...I cant wait...go hunt it right now !! LOL

I did'nt know you lived by Watkins Glen !!

CONGRATS ! :thumbsup:

Derek

Roger Mn. · Jul 9, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

Nice 1876 seated liberty half dollar. If there is tar on it gas would take it off .Congratulations. :thumbsup:

jimb · Jul 9, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

That half dollar is awesum! It seems like there is nothing like that in Wis.

Merf · Jul 9, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

Congrats on that great find :thumbsup:

dugdigger · Jul 10, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

that's an awsome half!!!!!!!!!

stillgottawork · Jul 10, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

:icon_salut:

I'm still looking for my first silver coin.....dirty or clean! It pays to due research...Thats a great find......sgw.

willpond & LLK · Jul 10, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

:thumbsup:

THAT'S A SWEET LOOKING COIN! :thumbsup:

Michellets · Jul 10, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

Nice Half with great detail! :thumbsup:

I also like that Edsel Tag, it's probably a rare find. I bet other people will be looking at those old maps and figure out that spot in no time! HH M

treasurefiend · Jul 10, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

Super find bud!!! :thumbsup:

NEdirtdigger62569 · Jul 10, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

That is an excellent find. I am from Sayre,PA. I have researched some about that area as well, but the price of gas has kept me a bit closer to home. I have read several of your post and you seem to be as "infected" about detecting as I am. P.M. me sometime and we'll set up a hunt. I used to frequent the Ithaca area alot and went to school in Spencer, so I know the area pretty well. Again nice finds.

watercolor · Jul 10, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

WOW, that half is stunning!

prolab69 · Jul 10, 2008

Re: Here`s some big (old) silver!!

Yeah, I hear ya on the gas prices, Ive been wanting to do a road trip to the Hudson Valley area for quite some time now and driving a 94 chevy blazer just wont cut it. But the spots around here are getting slim to say the least. The place where that Half was found was all re-done with new construction for the HS trac & field so I really doubt theres much left. The history here goes back to the early 1800s, there were soldiers through here in the late 1700s chasing all the indians out, but the chances on finding something related to that era around here is slim. The hudson Valley is where I grew up, right on the edge of the Hudson river.
That area had Dutch settlements as early as the 1600s and when I get my chance to head up that way, oooooh boy!! itll be like a kid in a candy store!!