Carolina Tom
Gold Member
After 3 days of hunting in NY, Smittyman and I ventured to the wilds of South Jersey. Treblehunter had set up a couple of days of hunting for us on his spots. He prefers a more picturesque bramble-less hunting environment, and I concur.
The first farm was by the Delaware Bay, part fresh plowed field, part grass. It's was beautiful, there were lots of birds and the fish were jumping. Hard to describe how serene and idyllic it was.
I managed to find my oldest dated US coin here. There is not a lot of meat on her bones, but I would like to introduce you to this 1800 Draped Bust Half Cent!
I also found this button too. Crusader said circa 1780! It's solid and patterned on the front and back with scales or pedals. I've never seen anything like it.
Day 5:
For our last day, we proceeded to an 1800s farm with rolling fields behind it. Here is the pic of Treblehunter watching Smittyman, from his folding rocking chair! Of course, Treb had a Spanish silver and a state copper in his pocket already, so a bit of rocking seemed in order.
Treb's success had me scared! I was doing my very best, and NOT finding any coinage. I received a couple of pep talks about getting my coil over it, blah, blah...
Out of nowhere, I get a nice small high tone. I dig a hole in the sandy brown soil, and a little grey disc appears. I have NEVER seen a coin that small, so I just wasn't sure what it was, or if it was coin... my suspicion was seated half dime. My vision is not good, so I ran over to Smittyman, we washed the coin off. He couldn't ID it either. A loupe revealed this 1831 Capped Bust 5C.
I was flabbergasted to say the least. It's the BEST COIN I EVER DUG! What an ending to a spectacular vacation. I can not thank Treblehunter enough for allowing me to pillage his pristine site!
Here is a pic of all of the coins I found, during the entire 5 days and some relics!
It was physically and psychologically tough, but if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Thanks to everyone that helped to make this a trip that I will never forget.
Thanks for looking, and best of luck on your hunts!
The first farm was by the Delaware Bay, part fresh plowed field, part grass. It's was beautiful, there were lots of birds and the fish were jumping. Hard to describe how serene and idyllic it was.
I managed to find my oldest dated US coin here. There is not a lot of meat on her bones, but I would like to introduce you to this 1800 Draped Bust Half Cent!
I also found this button too. Crusader said circa 1780! It's solid and patterned on the front and back with scales or pedals. I've never seen anything like it.
Day 5:
For our last day, we proceeded to an 1800s farm with rolling fields behind it. Here is the pic of Treblehunter watching Smittyman, from his folding rocking chair! Of course, Treb had a Spanish silver and a state copper in his pocket already, so a bit of rocking seemed in order.
Treb's success had me scared! I was doing my very best, and NOT finding any coinage. I received a couple of pep talks about getting my coil over it, blah, blah...
Out of nowhere, I get a nice small high tone. I dig a hole in the sandy brown soil, and a little grey disc appears. I have NEVER seen a coin that small, so I just wasn't sure what it was, or if it was coin... my suspicion was seated half dime. My vision is not good, so I ran over to Smittyman, we washed the coin off. He couldn't ID it either. A loupe revealed this 1831 Capped Bust 5C.
I was flabbergasted to say the least. It's the BEST COIN I EVER DUG! What an ending to a spectacular vacation. I can not thank Treblehunter enough for allowing me to pillage his pristine site!
Here is a pic of all of the coins I found, during the entire 5 days and some relics!
It was physically and psychologically tough, but if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Thanks to everyone that helped to make this a trip that I will never forget.
Thanks for looking, and best of luck on your hunts!
Last edited:
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Man I am envious of those finds. Recon I need to get over to see Brad sometime soon. He is one heck of a guy to bring you to those producing fields. Kudo's to Brad, one heck of a guy. 
