Just back from a morning hunt. Strange coin/button? Cool early eagle button.

Cape Hunter

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May 17, 2019
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Two hour hunt at a spot that has been quite good. Think I need help here. What appears to be possible Silver coin or button (but no shank spot). Very thin, one side reminds me of MA colony coin. About the same size. But has a "SE" stamped on one side. Added updated images. Says Louis XVI? Looks like a coin. Has me stumped.

Eagle button was a surprise after cleaning. Dirt was really hiding what was under there. Cool type of brass latch, pair of matching small dish shaped buttons. Rather plain.

I found this War of 1812 eagle button image which looks to be a close match to the one I found. Even the "R" in the shield. I found that this is a Rifleman's coat button.
 

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Upvote 30

paleomaxx

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That coin is an awesome find! It appears to be a French "Colonie Cayenne" (French Guiana) 2 sous.

2 Sous.jpg


The date would have been in the middle right where they counter-marked it so that's toast, but they were minted between 1780 and 1790. Definitely not something you see everyday so congrats!

 

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OP
OP
Cape Hunter

Cape Hunter

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That coin is an awesome find! It appears to be a French "Colonie Cayenne" (French Guiana) 2 sous.

View attachment 2000448

The date would have been in the middle right where they counter-marked it so that's toast, but they were minted between 1780 and 1790. Definitely not something you see everyday so congrats!

Many Thanks Paleomaxx! How a coin like that made it's way to the woods of Brewster is probably quite a tale. I knew it was something different than the usual finds. This spot has quite a few targets mixed with iron. Bring my 9in coil next trip.
 

pepperj

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Congrats on the counterstamped silver.:occasion14:
I really like them, but don't show up often enough.
 

JamieD

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Wow, that counterstamped 2 sous is a bit special!

The SE countermark is an official countermark (or contempo forgery) for the tiny island of St Eustatius in the caribbean. Countermarked in 1797, it looks like, to indicate a value of 1 stuiver.

Here‘s one that sold a few years ago at auction:


The countermarked coins of the Caribbean are an interesting bunch and keenly collected. There’s a bit of background info here:


jamie
 

OP
OP
Cape Hunter

Cape Hunter

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May 17, 2019
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Wow, that counterstamped 2 sous is a bit special!

The SE countermark is an official countermark (or contempo forgery) for the tiny island of St Eustatius in the caribbean. Countermarked in 1797, it looks like, to indicate a value of 1 stuiver.

Here‘s one that sold a few years ago at auction:


The countermarked coins of the Caribbean are an interesting bunch and keenly collected. There’s a bit of background info here:


jamie
Can't thank you enough Jamie! Never would have guessed a small coin it would involve a tiny little island that sold Armaments to the US. I have found so many War of 1812 buttons both British and American in this same area about 2-3 acres. Would love to know what was going on there.
 

OP
OP
Cape Hunter

Cape Hunter

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St. Eustatius looks like it was a hopping place in the late 1700's. Must have attracted some interesting folks for sure.
 

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JamieD

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It‘s had quite a journey, minted in Paris, used in French guiana, on to st eustatius then up to Massachusetts!

Sounds like a great site you have there, more treasures to come hopefully.
 

JeffInMass

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Absolutely incredible coin neighbor! The rest of the finds aren't too shabby either- Congrats!
 

Rhapsody

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Two hour hunt at a spot that has been quite good. Think I need help here. What appears to be possible Silver coin or button (but no shank spot). Very thin, one side reminds me of MA colony coin. About the same size. But has a "SE" stamped on one side. Added updated images. Says Louis XVI? Looks like a coin. Has me stumped.

Eagle button was a surprise after cleaning. Dirt was really hiding what was under there. Cool type of brass latch, pair of matching small dish shaped buttons. Rather plain.

I found this War of 1812 eagle button image which looks to be a close match to the one I found. Even the "R" in the shield. I found that this is a Rifleman's coat button.
Wish I had your problems! Good digs!
 

Digger RJ

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That coin is an awesome find! It appears to be a French "Colonie Cayenne" (French Guiana) 2 sous.

View attachment 2000448

The date would have been in the middle right where they counter-marked it so that's toast, but they were minted between 1780 and 1790. Definitely not something you see everyday so congrats!

Awesome!!! Congrats!!!
 

Hunk-a-lead

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Dec 20, 2020
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Two hour hunt at a spot that has been quite good. Think I need help here. What appears to be possible Silver coin or button (but no shank spot). Very thin, one side reminds me of MA colony coin. About the same size. But has a "SE" stamped on one side. Added updated images. Says Louis XVI? Looks like a coin. Has me stumped.

Eagle button was a surprise after cleaning. Dirt was really hiding what was under there. Cool type of brass latch, pair of matching small dish shaped buttons. Rather plain.

I found this War of 1812 eagle button image which looks to be a close match to the one I found. Even the "R" in the shield. I found that this is a Rifleman's coat button.
such an awesome coin, great saves all around
 

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