Topsoil cause of only finding stinkin Lincolns at 1879 house in Lowell, MA

[bobclouser]

I was excited to do some detecting at my friend's house in Lowell, MA last weekend. It was build in about 1877. It's on an 1879 map. I found nothing but Lincoln memorial pennies so far, and the soil is very easy to dig -- almost like potting soil. Is it possible that at some point in the recent past a layer of topsoil was put over the old yard, rendering the older coins and stuff deeper? Does this happen often?

 

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[Honest Samuel]

Good luck to you.

 

[fistfulladirt]

I was excited to do some detecting at my friend's house in Lowell, MA last weekend. It was build in about 1877. It's on an 1879 map. I found nothing but Lincoln memorial pennies so far, and the soil is very easy to dig -- almost like potting soil. Is it possible that at some point in the recent past a layer of topsoil was put over the old yard, rendering the older coins and stuff deeper? Does this happen often?

To me, it happens more often than not. Especially if a newer septic system or house addition has been placed. The excavated soil spread around the house, and/or topsoil added. I've hunted many 1800's era homes and many are a bust for this reason. Never give up hope.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Keep trying and look for non-disturbed areas. I am sure the goodies are there, but probably deep since the ground is like "potting soil".

 

[mrwilburino]

Yes, particularly at some of the nicer homes where the owners could afford to re-landscape every so many years.

 

[Tpmetal]

Yup it happens.... humans like changing stuff around to make it theirs.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Does not have to be that topsoil was added.

Just because the site is old doesn't mean it was sealed and pristine. It just means people have been active on the site for a long time. You just have to peel back the layers to get to the older coins.

And sometimes older coins are found above newer ones. People love disturbing the soil; and density, vegetation and frost all have effects on it as well.