newest soybean field finds

[mrtwintower]

Here are the last two days finds from our soybean field. I was gone yesterday so my wife went without me and found the two right side columns of coins and the toy. In her finds were a 1936 buffalo nickel (our first), a 1943 nickel and 3 wheat pennies and a 1968 penny. I got back today and our take today was 3 nickels and 4 pennies and two horseshoes. still amazing to find these where we had little hope for.
My question to you who read this, remember we are new to this, is what should we do to our coins after finding them. Clean them with brush and water? leave them alone? It would be nice to see the dates better. Just what should we do or not do?
Thanks so much!!

 

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[BuckleBoy]

Good find! And bravo to you for finding a farm field that wasn't already covered in crops a foot tall.

Usually a toothbrush and water for wheats (unless it is a 1909-S, 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, or 1931-S).

For IH's, 2c's, Large Cents, Colonial Coppers--first a wet cotton swab rolled over the coin gently, then perhaps use the peroxide method IF the patina looks solid. NEVER use olive oil on a coin, button, or relic.

For nickels, usually I toothbrush with water, then bring out the detail with the oil from my fingers rubbed LIGHTLY on only the highest points of the coin. I use this method for CN IH's and FE cents too--since the nickel in them will generally mean that they're reddish colored fresh out of the ground. The oil on the fingers on the highest points creates contrast so you can see the design on the coin. If the nickel's patina isn't reddish, I sometimes just use water without any brushing. Or even dry brush them. (You will be able to tell, with some experience, which cleaning method is best)

For silver--when you dig it--do not field clean it. If you rub it at all, or pick at the dirt, you will scratch the coin.

While I hunt, I place any dug silver coins (fragile relics too) in a medicine bottle (free at any Walgreens, etc.) that is filled with cotton balls. Then when I get home, I soak the silver coin for a few minutes in water, then use warm water (with the drain plugged!) to Blast the dirt from the coin. Then while the water is running, use a camel's hair Very Soft make up brush to tease the remaining dirt off the coin (while the water is running the whole time over the coin--the water will carry the loose dirt away so that you won't scratch the coin). When it is done, pat dry or let air dry.

Don in SJ has had excellent results cleaning individual silver coins by heating peroxide in the microwave and dropping the silver in. This is probably the Best way to remove the dirt without scratching the coin. (I like it better than my method listed above.)

For any clad coins (modern stuff), there are recipes for coin tumblers for them here in the Cleaning Section of the forum if you want to clean 'em and spend 'em.

Sounds like you found a SILVER "war nickel" there. Well done!


Best Wishes and HH,


Buckleboy

 

[{Sentinel}]

Yes, I have to agree with Buckles. Good find

 

[Mr Tuff]

nice haul!!!!! MR TUFF

 

[mrtwintower]

Thank you buckles. thats the clear info we were looking for!

 

[mrtwintower]

oops forgot to add these photos.

 

[BuckleBoy]

Thank you buckles. thats the clear info we were looking for!

Glad to help.

If you have any questions, drop a line.



-Buckles

 

[Skelly607]

Nice finds!

 

[ProPointer]

Sick find! I have yet to dig a silver nickel, let alone dig a silver coin this year as well. OUTSTANDING dig

 

[CRUSADER]

every coin or token needs to be assessed individually (1 method does not fit all). The first most important thing to do before cleaning is establish how rare it is or whether its a key date (this means getting a spot on ID which could be difficult with the number of varieties out there so get yourself a good coin book if you haven't already). This can be difficult if the dirt is hiding the features, so go carefully until you know because this will affect how you treat it from then on. If you not sure, don't clean until you have good advice from members who handle these on a daily basis.

 

[BuckleBoy]

every coin or token needs to be assessed individually (1 method does not fit all). The first most important thing to do before cleaning is establish how rare it is or whether its a key date (this means getting a spot on ID which could be difficult with the number of varieties out there so get yourself a good coin book if you haven't already). This can be difficult if the dirt is hiding the features, so go carefully until you know because this will affect how you treat it from then on. If you not sure, don't clean until you have good advice from members who handle these on a daily basis.

This is wise advice for copper coins. For silvers, you really can't go wrong with peroxide, since it is a "no-touch" way to remove the dirt from the coin and avoid scratching it.


-Buckles