Short after work hunt - ROA Decoder, Matron Head LC, Reins Guide

[Steve in PA]

I went out for an hour and a half after work last night. I hit mowed areas as far away from the farm house as possible since the lawn looked so nice.
I probably dug 200 holes around this place this past winter/spring, but must have done a great job restoring my holes

Anyway, I dug this 1939 Radio Orphan Annie decoder which appears to be in pretty nice condition, but I'm not sure that it is fully intact. Looks like it might have had a back plate? Any info on these is appreciated as I am mainly a colonial / early American digger.



I also dug a large cent. As usual, I went from the euphoria of seeing it in the dirt, to the despair of realizing it was toast



The reins guide rounded out my finds. Thanks for any looks, likes, and comments

UPDATE: Further research has answered my question. The Decoder Pin is only missing the steel pin that must have rusted away. I'll have to clean it better and see what my "Official Number" is

 

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[Digger RJ]

Nice!!! Congrats!!!

 

[lenmac65]

I also dug a large cent. As usual, I went from the euphoria of seeing it in the dirt, to the despair of realizing it was toast

That says it perfectly. I don't have a lot of great permissions, so I have only dug about six or seven large coppers, most of which were slick. It is such a crash and letdown when they're blank. Looks like you have a history of great finds to make up for it though. Good luck. Hope your next copper has a solid strike remaining.

 

[DigginNorthernVa]

I like the ROA decoder. It's on my list of things to find. Nice digs!

 

[Steve in PA]

That says it perfectly. I don't have a lot of great permissions, so I have only dug about six or seven large coppers, most of which were slick. It is such a crash and letdown when they're blank. Looks like you have a history of great finds to make up for it though. Good luck. Hope your next copper has a solid strike remaining.

Thanks and I hope you get into some good dirt that preserves your next copper. Out of the six large coppers (counting a half cent) that I have dug this year, only one has been well preserved and that was the oldest one, a 1740s KG II

 

[DigginNorthernVa]

I would imagine the pin broke off while it was being worn...to your good fortune!

 

[pa-dirt_nc-sand]

Congrats on a productive short hunt. I keep seeing coppers posted in amazing condition, not so much around here. I think they come out much nicer in sandy soil. Congrats

 

[wpsgta1000]

Found one in identical condition years ago in Georgia. Mine was 1939 also. Cool find on your part.

 

[DigToChina]

That decoder is awesome. Hope you can get it turning.

 

[Steve in PA]

That decoder is awesome. You get it turning.

Haven't decided whether to try to get it loosened up and turning. Looks like it's pretty solid, but don't want to risk breaking something.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Nice finds!

 

[A2coins]

Love the decoder and all your finds I need a hunt like that soon keep rippin

 

[wpsgta1000]

The “secret” message after the show was something along the line of “drink your Ovaltine”.

 

[Steve in PA]

The “secret” message after the show was something along the line of “drink your Ovaltine”.

Thanks. Actually that is what they said in "A Christmas Story" but in reality the messages were about the next episode. I checked into this.

 

[Reanm8er]

Yeah, I thought about the Ovaltine too.

Congrats Steve on the cool and memorable find!

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Love the 1939 Radio Orphan Annie decoder Steve, I've never seen one of those before.
Don't you just hate finding an LC, only to realize that time has stolen the details.

Dave

 

[Steve in PA]

Love the 1939 Radio Orphan Annie decoder Steve, I've never seen one of those before.
Don't you just hate finding an LC, only to realize that time has stolen the details.

Dave

I was aware of these decoders and dug a broken one in an ex girlfriend's yard years ago. But I wasn't sure what it was at first. Yes I have been disappointed by large cents far too many times as well. A few sites have produced nice ones, but most of the ones around here are eaten up pretty bad.

 

[Joe-Dirt]

Steve, if I’m not mistaken, you are entitled to “ honors and benefits” with that decoder. You should jump on that for sure

 

[Steve in PA]

Steve, if I’m not mistaken, you are entitled to “ honors and benefits” with that decoder. You should jump on that for sure

LOL I'll have to look into that

 

[Trezurehunter]

Great finds Steve. I like that Decoder, and the Large Cent.