Yesterday I dug up history

Squatty

Jr. Member
Aug 26, 2013
75
65
Gilmanton NH
Detector(s) used
Garrett AT Pro
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
I posted something about this find in the coin section, But I am so thrilled about finding it, I had to share it some more. I found this in 10 inches of soil in the middle of a stand of pines. I believe it was a farmer's field 200 years ago. I was swinging away in the pouring rain, trying to stay in the trees for better rain protection. I got a light audible tone, that registered an 81 or 82 I think. The depth wasn't registering, nor was the top row of segments that estimate the size. I dug in (with my Predator Piranha) and this dark colored coin came out. I couldn't tell what it was at first because off all the patina, but it looked and felt like a coin. As a matter of fact the whole I dug moments before, I uttered, "Please let it be a large cent so I can go home!" Once I got home and dried out, I cleaned it off (gently!!) to see if I could ID it. A 1799 Draped Bust large cent.
P1030149_zps02bd1fc6.jpg, P1030147_zpsbedad24a.jpg

I am so stoked about this find! It was in a place where I would never expect to find a coin. But there she was! Tomorrow my Treasure-buddy and I are returning to this spot to sweep the area. Maybe lightening will strike twice.
 

Upvote 21
I posted something about this find in the coin section, But I am so thrilled about finding it, I had to share it some more. I found this in 10 inches of soil in the middle of a stand of pines. I believe it was a farmer's field 200 years ago. I was swinging away in the pouring rain, trying to stay in the trees for better rain protection. I got a light audible tone, that registered an 81 or 82 I think. The depth wasn't registering, nor was the top row of segments that estimate the size. I dug in (with my Predator Piranha) and this dark colored coin came out. I couldn't tell what it was at first because off all the patina, but it looked and felt like a coin. As a matter of fact the whole I dug moments before, I uttered, "Please let it be a large cent so I can go home!" Once I got home and dried out, I cleaned it off (gently!!) to see if I could ID it. A 1799 Draped Bust large cent.
<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=862160"/>, <img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=862163"/>

I am so stoked about this find! It was in a place where I would never expect to find a coin. But there she was! Tomorrow my Treasure-buddy and I are returning to this spot to sweep the area. Maybe lightening will strike twice.

AWESOME COIN!! Once again I am envious!
 

1799 is a pricey coin. sweet find. congrats! now go back and find some more
 

That is a Awesome find:notworthy: way to goo!!
 

I went back up the hill today swung my coil with authority and purpose. Mosquitoes were WAY thicker, air was thick with humidity and I found nothing but an old pocket knife. But there will be more trips.

FYI... I took the 1799 to a recommended coin shop about an hour from my base camp. He said if the 1799 popped a little better it would be worth about $900.
 

I went back up the spot and found only pocket 2 knives. BUT... the next day I drove up to Plymouth NH to show my coin to a a reputable coin guy to hear what he might say. I tell him I have a 1799 large cent. He tells me that I probably don't because they are so rare. I did even have the coin out of my pocket yet. So he takes it, say, "yeah you have a large cent... but its basically cull grade, meaning it has about its face value. I show him the date, and show that you do this with light, look at the coin upside down... you can make out the date. He says no, it don't work that. You either see the date or you don't. The date is everything. He opened his book and showed a value of $3500, but said that was a better coin. Yours is what we call cull. Says he has only seen two 1799 Large Cents in his life, told me again how super rare they area. Them he offered me $100 for it.
 

A few peroxide dips might bring the date out a little more. Definitely a keeper! Every large copper I've ever dug, colonial UK or American, rang in 80-81 or 85-86. You find a spot like that, you dig every 80s signal deeper than 2 inches :) Can't wait to see what direction your field takes, 1800s or 1700s, or both!
 

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