Questions regarding identification of three coppers: Any help?

ToastedWheatie

Hero Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2013
Messages
527
Reaction score
749
Golden Thread
1
Location
Hudson Valley, NY
🥇 Banner finds
1
Detector(s) used
800
Infinium
Whites M6
Primary Interest:
Relic Hunting
These are NE U.S. farm field finds, and I'm having an issue or two in identifying them.

It's the diameter and weights that are confusing me.

Coin "A" weighs 7.8 grams and has a diameter range of 27.4-28.2 mm. The design, to me, comes back as a George II farthing or half penny. But these measurements do not match up to what I see on Coindatabase.com that they should be. I'm confused.
coina1.webpcoina2.webp



Coin "B" I haven't cleaned other than water and peroxide, but I thought I could figure it out based on diameter and weight. Wrong...
It's thin, measuring 26.8 - 27mm with a weight of 5.5 grams. I see no shank mark ( button) and it is not domed. Heavier than button. but lighter than any copper coin I can find of that diameter.
Any thoughts?
coin b1.webp coin b1.webp

Coin "C" I also haven't attempted anything other than a thumb rub and peroxide yet.
These measurements match a British halfpenny (I think). diameter range 27.8-28mm, 9.3 grams.

Were British halfpennies, minted after 1820, used in the US as currency?
coinc1.webp coinc2.webp
 

Last edited:
Congratulations on the old coppers! :icon_thumleft:

The farm fertilizer kills the old coppers, most of mine are recovered toasted! :BangHead:
 

The only logical conclusion I have is that the two unknowns are state coppers (Ct are not uncommon around here) and all three are counterfeit.
 

Coin A is a George II Halfpenny and dates 1729-1739.
 

You are relying too much on weight/diameter for identification of old coppers . You know the first one is a KGII halfpenny, likely genuine (regal). The other 2 are most likely also KGII or KGIII halfpennies. Try highlighting with skin oils to see if any details pop in varying light conditions.
 

Top Member Reactions

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom