Don in SJ
Silver Member
- Joined
- May 20, 2005
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- MINELAB SE Pro
- Primary Interest:
- All Treasure Hunting
Today I hunted in the general area where we have been getting some old coppers, but the soil is not too kind to most of them, but I will take what I can get.
I was hunting next to shallow burrow pits that were dug in the 1700's and early to mid 1800's to mine the Jersey IronStone that was used for foundations in the old houses. Also, next to the 30-50 depressions is a nice sized Vernal Pond, which was a source of fresh water for the early settlers, so always a good place to check for old artifacts and coins.
On earlier hunts to this site I have gotten a couple tombac buttons and early 1800 era gilt buttons, but never a coin at this exact area. So, as I was getting close to the mined area, I got that nice sweet high tone on the Explorer and about 5 inches down out popped a cruddy copper. I was not sure at first if it was a large colonial button or coin till I picked it up. As soon as I looked at it I thought it was a typical lightweight KGIII counterfeit Halfpenny, but I continued my hunt and only got a few pieces of lead and iron rings after that.
When I got home, I still had no idea what coin it was, and LOL, if someone says, never clean a coin, well, gee, you would wonder forever what the encrusted copper disc was!
After about an hour of good hot peroxide and some wet q-tips, the words AUCTORI appeared and I knew it was a state copper.
The coin is not the best shape, darn CT coppers and me just don't get along for getting one in great condition, but at least I was able to see enough on it for positive ID and year. Whether I can get the correct variety remains to be seen, but I will try on a rainy day to get the variety.
2008 has been a good year so far, but time to slow down till the fall.
Don
I was hunting next to shallow burrow pits that were dug in the 1700's and early to mid 1800's to mine the Jersey IronStone that was used for foundations in the old houses. Also, next to the 30-50 depressions is a nice sized Vernal Pond, which was a source of fresh water for the early settlers, so always a good place to check for old artifacts and coins.
On earlier hunts to this site I have gotten a couple tombac buttons and early 1800 era gilt buttons, but never a coin at this exact area. So, as I was getting close to the mined area, I got that nice sweet high tone on the Explorer and about 5 inches down out popped a cruddy copper. I was not sure at first if it was a large colonial button or coin till I picked it up. As soon as I looked at it I thought it was a typical lightweight KGIII counterfeit Halfpenny, but I continued my hunt and only got a few pieces of lead and iron rings after that.
When I got home, I still had no idea what coin it was, and LOL, if someone says, never clean a coin, well, gee, you would wonder forever what the encrusted copper disc was!
After about an hour of good hot peroxide and some wet q-tips, the words AUCTORI appeared and I knew it was a state copper.
The coin is not the best shape, darn CT coppers and me just don't get along for getting one in great condition, but at least I was able to see enough on it for positive ID and year. Whether I can get the correct variety remains to be seen, but I will try on a rainy day to get the variety.
2008 has been a good year so far, but time to slow down till the fall.
Don
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Great site pics too.
