My best finds from the weekend - hunted a new permission (1800s homesite in Western Indiana)

[bcbirdman]

Excited to share my favorite finds this weekend. Went all day saturday and half the day sunday. The land owner told me that when she moved to the property in the 1970s, there was a 90 year old man who told her there used to be an old cabin on the hill in her cow pasture when he was a kid. Super fun hunt. The soil was very sandy which was easy to dig and also probably helped preserve the metal better I assume because everything seemed to be in great condition.

The first suspender strap looks like it says "Pat. 1859" I think. Hard to make out the last number for sure.

The 2 cent piece was a first for me. What a beautiful coin!

Also found a thick brass ring (no design except for 18K inside so assumed it was gold plated at one time).

Another suspender strap has what appears to say "S & GM co. Pat. March 7, 1871"...Also at the top, there's a small 318 I think. Anyone who knows more info about this specific company or model, I'd love to know. I tried to look it up online, but had a hard time.

Lastly I found an 1869 Indian head cent in great condition I think. Pretty excited. Apparently 1869 was a year they didn't mint that many so I think it is harder to come by.

 

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[JeffInMass]

That soil was very kind to those finds, especially the 69 Indian and 2-center. Everything was sweet, but that Indian is definitely a lower mintage and worth a few $$- Congrats!

 

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[iAmMike]

The 2 cent coin looks to be favorable condition, congrats on your first 2 center!

 

[Digger RJ]

Excited to share my favorite finds this weekend. Went all day saturday and half the day sunday. The land owner told me that when she moved to the property in the 1970s, there was a 90 year old man who told her there used to be an old cabin on the hill in her cow pasture when he was a kid. Super fun hunt. The soil was very sandy which was easy to dig and also probably helped preserve the metal better I assume because everything seemed to be in great condition.

The first suspender strap looks like it says "Pat. 1859" I think. Hard to make out the last number for sure.

The 2 cent piece was a first for me. What a beautiful coin!

Also found a thick brass ring (no design except for 18K inside so assumed it was gold plated at one time).

Another suspender strap has what appears to say "S & GM co. Pat. March 7, 1871"...Also at the top, there's a small 318 I think. Anyone who knows more info about this specific company or model, I'd love to know. I tried to look it up online, but had a hard time.

Lastly I found an 1869 Indian head cent in great condition I think. Pretty excited. Apparently 1869 was a year they didn't mint that many so I think it is harder to come by.

Very Cool!!!!! Congrats!!!

 

[bcbirdman]

I have 3 brass 18k rings that were plated! Someone got shafted !

Haha! That's great. Thanks for confirming

 

[bcbirdman]

Check that Indian cent real good. There is a 69 over 68 overdate that year that has some extra value.

Oh cool! Didn't think to look for that. Thanks!

 

[bcbirdman]

Well the soils were kind to the recoveries.
Very nice 2 cent and IHP, both are winners.
Liking the suspender clips as well.
Congrats on all the recoveries.

Now the ring that is brass had a 18K gold wash-basically the dirt farmer's wedding ring.
The local dry goods store had a display of them, along with a few solid gold ones.
But being a homesteader with hardly anything the gold wash rings were purchased for a few dollars and it was a good looking ring for the price.
Basically served the purpose of being finger banded to others.

Thanks for the info! Very helpful

 

[bcbirdman]

Smith & Griggs Manufacturing Company, Waterbury CT. John Smith was the person who applied for the patent.

Thank you! Good to know. I always enjoy reading about the origins of the finds

 

[bcbirdman]

The 2 cent coin looks to be favorable condition, congrats on your first 2 center!

Thanks! Super happy with it

 

[scruggs]

Very nice hunt and recoveries1

 

[ModernMiner]

Wow!!! Beautiful suspender clips. I love that 2 cent coin. I’ve only dug one myself. The IH coin is one of my favorite designs too. 👍
I’m a Hoosier too. Left in 1978 though. Still go back to LaPorte once a year to see family and friends.
Thanks for the great post.
-MM-

 

[The Rebel]

You had a great hunt. Those are some fantastic finds.

 

[Gofish73]

That soil was very kind to those finds, especially the 69 Indian and 2-center. Everything was sweet, but that Indian is definitely a lower mintage and worth a few $$- Congrats!

Great hunt. Congrats!

 

[lrgoodger]

Very nice Indian! I've only ever found two 1869s and neither was as good as yours. I also have found brass rings stamped 18K. So have other hunters I know. Apparently fraud was not that uncommon over the years.