🥇 BANNER The find of a lifetime! 1652 Pine Tree Shilling!

[Donnie B from VA]

This past Sunday I found the find of a lifetime, a 1652 Pine Tree Shilling at a site in Connecticut. I don't post much on here but thought I would share it with you.

 

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[Iron Patch]

Thanks for that information Iron Patch! That is really good to know. I never even dreamed that one of the professional services would do something like that. Well, I can say for sure now that nobody is touching my coin but me. It makes sense though because to one of these "professionals" it's just another coin to work on before the day is done. It doesn't really mean anything to them. I would be horrified, and angry, if something like that happened to me. Thanks again, Iron Patch!

I never would have imagined something like that could happen... but seen the before and after and was shocking.

 

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[colonialct]

Jealous - yes I am - Great coin Donnie

 

[Donnie B from VA]

Jealous - yes I am - Great coin Donnie

Thank you! I still can't believe that I actually found it but the good part is that I did get it on video. It wasn't a live dig but I turned on the GoPro before my buddy pulled it out of the hole.

 

[Ahab8]

I can guarantee you could send that coin to anyone and all they'd do would be to remove the dirt and say it's done, and send you a bill. Or the alternative... do something really stupid. And if you don't think that could happen there was a post on here several years back where someone sent in a nice 1877 indian with a green patina. The coin was as good as it could be, so it was not the right decision to send it to be cleaned or conserved, or whatever you want to call it. A true professional would have just mailed it back, but the company he sent it too, a well known one, they used some type of acid or something very harsh and stripped the entire surface basically killing the coin. The after was brown, pitted, and horrible. So at min. anyone who sends a coin away for any type of treatment better be sure to know it's a smart move, and then find out what is going to be done before they do it.

The cob is a favorite, as is the others I've found. I can't seem to hit the early silver like I did my first 5 years, but I know I'll dig a good one again at some point. Maybe this Fall.

I was going to warn you as well about going the "professional" route with this coins. There's a lot of horror stories out there. And I know some disagree with my quick lemon juice soak on mine but it looked pretty awful and now I think it looks incredible. I try to avoid getting into these little battles because everybody has an opinion about this stuff. It I am far more confident using my own hands on my own coin. The dark toning is still there and the details pop. If I found a NE shilling or something with stupidly high value I wouldn't do a thing to it. I'd make damn sure I personally brought it to the best of the best.
As for the Banner don't sweat it my friend. We have all had things that should be up there. Our buddy Oxbow dug a Mass silver that got passed over. It makes me laugh when the most common GW button or an Indian head goes up but a 1652 Mass silver does not. Take pride in the fact that is colonial lovers think it's an incredible piece of history and there's not a lot of people who have yanked one out of the dirt. You're lucky to hunt with Dan. Good guy with a lot of knowledge. Hope you find another one day

 

[Donnie B from VA]

I was going to warn you as well about going the "professional" route with this coins. There's a lot of horror stories out there. And I know some disagree with my quick lemon juice soak on mine but it looked pretty awful and now I think it looks incredible. I try to avoid getting into these little battles because everybody has an opinion about this stuff. It I am far more confident using my own hands on my own coin. The dark toning is still there and the details pop. If I found a NE shilling or something with stupidly high value I wouldn't do a thing to it. I'd make damn sure I personally brought it to the best of the best.
As for the Banner don't sweat it my friend. We have all had things that should be up there. Our buddy Oxbow dug a Mass silver that got passed over. It makes me laugh when the most common GW button or an Indian head goes up but a 1652 Mass silver does not. Take pride in the fact that is colonial lovers think it's an incredible piece of history and there's not a lot of people who have yanked one out of the dirt. You're lucky to hunt with Dan. Good guy with a lot of knowledge. Hope you find another one day

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I just looked at your Pine Tree Shilling and it is a gorgeous coin. I am very thankful that Dan allows me to hunt with him. He is a wealth of knowledge and a great guy. Yes, it's great to dig up colonial history but I enjoy our rides and talks to and from the sites. It's like I have my very own history teacher taking me to the sites. I have learned so much colonial history in the last year just by listening to Dan. It really is a dream come true for me to dig colonial. I have been detecting for 22 years. The first 10 years I spent in coal camps from the late 1880's. The next 10 years I spent digging Civil War sites. For the rest of my life all I want to do now is dig colonial. There is really nothing like it. You are surrounded by history when digging colonial.

 

[leddel]

TreasureNet posted a link to this thread on Facebook with the caption "Check this out" so, at least, I'm helping them advertise the site.

They need it especially if they are not going to post great finds on the banner !

 

[Ahab8]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I just looked at your Pine Tree Shilling and it is a gorgeous coin. I am very thankful that Dan allows me to hunt with him. He is a wealth of knowledge and a great guy. Yes, it's great to dig up colonial history but I enjoy our rides and talks to and from the sites. It's like I have my very own history teacher taking me to the sites. I have learned so much colonial history in the last year just by listening to Dan. It really is a dream come true for me to dig colonial. I have been detecting for 22 years. The first 10 years I spent in coal camps from the late 1880's. The next 10 years I spent digging Civil War sites. For the rest of my life all I want to do now is dig colonial. There is really nothing like it. You are surrounded by history when digging colonial.

I am lucky to live in a nice early part of Maine but what makes it really special is that several of my my ancestors landed not far from me in the early 1700s. Last year I did a lot of research and learned that an ancestor had a mill on a river about 15 min away. It took some time as the "office/home" of his business partner was a log house and had no foundation. But he lived very close to the mill and I had a good idea where that was. Eventually I walked into an iron patch and wound up with over 20 pre 1750 coins. One being a fairly rare 1749 Unbarred A regal farthing. To dig pieces that my ancestor may have handled was a pretty emotional experience. This hobby has really unlocked something in me and I'm borderline obsessed with history now. My most enjoyable moments are in the woods detecting and picturing what things may have looked like 250 years ago. One of the cool parts about this discovery was that most of the coins were in amazing condition and were dated 1749. I later learned that approximately 1/3 of all British farthing, halfpennies and some reals were sent to Boston on The Mermaid as payment to the colonists for the Lewisburg Expedition of Cape Breton Island. So I knew that this site was for sure gone by 1776 at the absolute latest. This short circulation coupled with the sandy soil by the river kept these beautiful. The point to all of my rambling is that the finds are amazing but all of the other stories and connections are what makes it so fun for me. I learned so much from that one site. I learned a little history about my family and got Rostand where they stood and touch items that they likely touched. I also learned about the history of these 1749 coins. I'm glad you are loving the colonial stuff and Dans company/knowledge. Now for your coin. Do me a favor and post in in Today's Finds. It will get much more exposure and should be up on The BANNER. I don't often lobby for anything but a Mass silver I will always get behind.

 

[Iron Patch]

I am lucky to live in a nice early part of Maine but what makes it really special is that several of my my ancestors landed not far from me in the early 1700s. Last year I did a lot of research and learned that an ancestor had a mill on a river about 15 min away. It took some time as the "office/home" of his business partner was a log house and had no foundation. But he lived very close to the mill and I had a good idea where that was. Eventually I walked into an iron patch and wound up with over 20 pre 1750 coins. One being a fairly rare 1749 Unbarred A regal farthing. To dig pieces that my ancestor may have handled was a pretty emotional experience. This hobby has really unlocked something in me and I'm borderline obsessed with history now. My most enjoyable moments are in the woods detecting and picturing what things may have looked like 250 years ago. One of the cool parts about this discovery was that most of the coins were in amazing condition and were dated 1749. I later learned that approximately 1/3 of all British farthing, halfpennies and some reals were sent to Boston on The Mermaid as payment to the colonists for the Lewisburg Expedition of Cape Breton Island. So I knew that this site was for sure gone by 1776 at the absolute latest. This short circulation coupled with the sandy soil by the river kept these beautiful. The point to all of my rambling is that the finds are amazing but all of the other stories and connections are what makes it so fun for me. I learned so much from that one site. I learned a little history about my family and got Rostand where they stood and touch items that they likely touched. I also learned about the history of these 1749 coins. I'm glad you are loving the colonial stuff and Dans company/knowledge. Now for your coin. Do me a favor and post in in Today's Finds. It will get much more exposure and should be up on The BANNER. I don't often lobby for anything but a Mass silver I will always get behind.

They got around!

 

[Donnie B from VA]

I am lucky to live in a nice early part of Maine but what makes it really special is that several of my my ancestors landed not far from me in the early 1700s. Last year I did a lot of research and learned that an ancestor had a mill on a river about 15 min away. It took some time as the "office/home" of his business partner was a log house and had no foundation. But he lived very close to the mill and I had a good idea where that was. Eventually I walked into an iron patch and wound up with over 20 pre 1750 coins. One being a fairly rare 1749 Unbarred A regal farthing. To dig pieces that my ancestor may have handled was a pretty emotional experience. This hobby has really unlocked something in me and I'm borderline obsessed with history now. My most enjoyable moments are in the woods detecting and picturing what things may have looked like 250 years ago. One of the cool parts about this discovery was that most of the coins were in amazing condition and were dated 1749. I later learned that approximately 1/3 of all British farthing, halfpennies and some reals were sent to Boston on The Mermaid as payment to the colonists for the Lewisburg Expedition of Cape Breton Island. So I knew that this site was for sure gone by 1776 at the absolute latest. This short circulation coupled with the sandy soil by the river kept these beautiful. The point to all of my rambling is that the finds are amazing but all of the other stories and connections are what makes it so fun for me. I learned so much from that one site. I learned a little history about my family and got Rostand where they stood and touch items that they likely touched. I also learned about the history of these 1749 coins. I'm glad you are loving the colonial stuff and Dans company/knowledge. Now for your coin. Do me a favor and post in in Today's Finds. It will get much more exposure and should be up on The BANNER. I don't often lobby for anything but a Mass silver I will always get behind.

One of the best (and worst) things for me is that I started digging colonial two years ago. As I said, I have been digging for 22 years and the first 10 years was in coal camps followed by 10 years in Civil War camps. Both of those areas present volumes of history, maps and relics to dig and study. The difference is that the coal camps were not that old with the earliest at around 1880. The Civil War sites I dug were always modern working farms so the only connection to the Civil War was in the ground. That is not the case for digging colonial. You are, literally, surrounded by history from the 1600's and 1700's! You have the mill sites, walls, cellar holes, wells, the very work done with the hands of the pilgrims around you while you are digging. Everything I find is a first for me! I have always been a student of history and I love to read about my discoveries. These are the best digging days of my life and I am so glad that I have a friend like Dan to dig with. He's a walking encyclopedia of colonial history and a great guy!

I probably made a mistake posting in Best Finds versus Today's finds but the thread already has over 2500 views. As far as I know, not one moderator has commented on my thread although I see their comments on threads posted in Today's Finds. So, I guess I posted in the wrong place or a Pine Tree Shilling is just ho-hum. They do know what they have on the site, though, because they posted a link on their Facebook page to this thread in order to advertise TreasureNet. That post was picked up, and shared, by another metal detecting site on Facebook which is how I noticed the link.

It's not ho-hum to me and was the #1 coin on my bucket list. I even have the shirt to prove it!

 

[Patriot Relics]

I was going to warn you as well about going the "professional" route with this coins. There's a lot of horror stories out there. And I know some disagree with my quick lemon juice soak on mine but it looked pretty awful and now I think it looks incredible. I try to avoid getting into these little battles because everybody has an opinion about this stuff. It I am far more confident using my own hands on my own coin. The dark toning is still there and the details pop. If I found a NE shilling or something with stupidly high value I wouldn't do a thing to it. I'd make damn sure I personally brought it to the best of the best.
As for the Banner don't sweat it my friend. We have all had things that should be up there. Our buddy Oxbow dug a Mass silver that got passed over. It makes me laugh when the most common GW button or an Indian head goes up but a 1652 Mass silver does not. Take pride in the fact that is colonial lovers think it's an incredible piece of history and there's not a lot of people who have yanked one out of the dirt. You're lucky to hunt with Dan. Good guy with a lot of knowledge. Hope you find another one day

Well said Abe

 

[Donnie B from VA]

I thought I would post a link to my video of the Pine Tree Shilling. My wife bought me a GoPro several years ago to take with me on my digging adventures. I was intimidated by the editing software and didn't start using it until this year. I'm so glad I finally decided to start using it and have it attached to my White's MXT Pro so it is always with me in the field. This is almost a live dig because I hadn't touched the coin when I turned on the camera. I had to edit the video extensively not to give up the site.

 

[gwdigger]

A remarkable recovery. Needs to be up on the banner. Congrats.

 

[Donnie B from VA]

A remarkable recovery. Needs to be up on the banner. Congrats.

Thank you! I'm still in shock!

 

[Ahab8]

One of the best (and worst) things for me is that I started digging colonial two years ago. As I said, I have been digging for 22 years and the first 10 years was in coal camps followed by 10 years in Civil War camps. Both of those areas present volumes of history, maps and relics to dig and study. The difference is that the coal camps were not that old with the earliest at around 1880. The Civil War sites I dug were always modern working farms so the only connection to the Civil War was in the ground. That is not the case for digging colonial. You are, literally, surrounded by history from the 1600's and 1700's! You have the mill sites, walls, cellar holes, wells, the very work done with the hands of the pilgrims around you while you are digging. Everything I find is a first for me! I have always been a student of history and I love to read about my discoveries. These are the best digging days of my life and I am so glad that I have a friend like Dan to dig with. He's a walking encyclopedia of colonial history and a great guy!

I probably made a mistake posting in Best Finds versus Today's finds but the thread already has over 2500 views. As far as I know, not one moderator has commented on my thread although I see their comments on threads posted in Today's Finds. So, I guess I posted in the wrong place or a Pine Tree Shilling is just ho-hum. They do know what they have on the site, though, because they posted a link on their Facebook page to this thread in order to advertise TreasureNet. That post was picked up, and shared, by another metal detecting site on Facebook which is how I noticed the link.

It's not ho-hum to me and was the #1 coin on my bucket list. I even have the shirt to prove it!View attachment 1465421

That's a great picture man. And I am a HUGE dog lover!!!!

Nothing ho hum buddy. That's #1 on just about every New England or colonial hunter out there. I now put a NE shilling at the top of mine. Likely never happen but why not dream big. I figured I'd never my a tree coin period....and that happened. There's gotta be a few out there in the dirt.
I'm not going to go into a long rant on this BANNER system but I scratch my head often at some of the things that go up over other finds like yours that are so damn good most only dream about them. Maybe that's the issue? People just can't comprehend these finds. Let's go with that Donnie lol

 

[tomjiggy]

That's a super-find! It's on my wishlist, but seeing as I live in Southwest Virginia, I think it will only ever be just that...a wish.

You have as much a chance of finding one as the next guy. These were issued in Mass, but by no means did they stay there. I'm hoping to find one here in the colonial NC areas.

 

[Donnie B from VA]

Thanks Ahab8! I find it interesting that TreasureNet will use my coin to advertise their site on Facebook. White's Detectors did the same thing on Facebook except they only used a photo of my coin (with my permission) but didn't state who found it in the post. They also provided a link so you could buy an MXT Pro! I'm with you. Now, the top coin on my bucket list is a New England Shilling, Oak Tree or Willow Tree. Any denomination will be just fine. We are going to hammer that site and see if there might be another one laying around there. If there is, I hope my buddy Dan finds it.

 

[Ahab8]

I truly hope to see somebody in this group find a rare one. That would really be something. My buddy dug an Oak tree last year that was extremely rare. Maybe 12 known if I remember right. Hey do you have the Whitman Colonial coin book or Salmons book on Mass silvers?

 

[skarmajunga]

Awesome T-shirt Donnie......and Dog too!

One of the best (and worst) things for me is that I started digging colonial two years ago. As I said, I have been digging for 22 years and the first 10 years was in coal camps followed by 10 years in Civil War camps. Both of those areas present volumes of history, maps and relics to dig and study. The difference is that the coal camps were not that old with the earliest at around 1880. The Civil War sites I dug were always modern working farms so the only connection to the Civil War was in the ground. That is not the case for digging colonial. You are, literally, surrounded by history from the 1600's and 1700's! You have the mill sites, walls, cellar holes, wells, the very work done with the hands of the pilgrims around you while you are digging. Everything I find is a first for me! I have always been a student of history and I love to read about my discoveries. These are the best digging days of my life and I am so glad that I have a friend like Dan to dig with. He's a walking encyclopedia of colonial history and a great guy!

I probably made a mistake posting in Best Finds versus Today's finds but the thread already has over 2500 views. As far as I know, not one moderator has commented on my thread although I see their comments on threads posted in Today's Finds. So, I guess I posted in the wrong place or a Pine Tree Shilling is just ho-hum. They do know what they have on the site, though, because they posted a link on their Facebook page to this thread in order to advertise TreasureNet. That post was picked up, and shared, by another metal detecting site on Facebook which is how I noticed the link.

It's not ho-hum to me and was the #1 coin on my bucket list. I even have the shirt to prove it!View attachment 1465421

 

[Donnie B from VA]

I truly hope to see somebody in this group find a rare one. That would really be something. My buddy dug an Oak tree last year that was extremely rare. Maybe 12 known if I remember right. Hey do you have the Whitman Colonial coin book or Salmons book on Mass silvers?

I don't have either of those books yet. My library is full of token books and Civil War books from digging those sites for twenty years. I will be building a library of colonial books now. I did find Noe's Pine Tree Shilling book online and have been reading that one.

 

[Ahab8]

I don't have either of those books yet. My library is full of token books and Civil War books from digging those sites for twenty years. I will be building a library of colonial books now. I did find Noe's Pine Tree Shilling book online and have been reading that one.

Donnie here's a couple of pics from Whitmans book. A couple of your coin and one of the coin we are looking for lol