Fugio
Sr. Member
- Feb 25, 2016
- 268
- 494
- Detector(s) used
- Legend, AT Pro, Garret Pro-Pointer AT
- Primary Interest:
- All Treasure Hunting
Well, winter is upon us here in New England. Yesterday was an unusually warm day for December, the ground unfrozen for a brief moment. I seized this opportunity to get perhaps my last day of detecting in this year. I am fortunate to live on what was an old farm in the early 1800s, so whenever I don't have time to travel to a permission I simply step outside and search our amazing property for coins and relics.
I was out maybe 20 minutes when I hit upon an excellent sounding 46 on the Legend. I dug and flipped the plug over to find what appeared to be an old washer. I examined it, and almost through it away, as no design was readily discernable. However, I decided to review more closely, given that I have made mistakes in the past discarding what turned out to be facinating finds.
As I scrapped the dirt away from the surface, I noticed what looked like arabic numerals. Upon further investigation, I saw clearly that there were arrows clutched in the claw of an eagle. I knew right away I found an early coin. With a little help from my flashlight, I could read the date: 1788! Turns out I found a 1788 Massachusetts One Cent coin with a hole in the middle.
Sadlly, this coin, like so many coppers that we dig, was pretty well toasted. I gently cleaned with peroxide and Qtips, as well some distilled water and called it a day. The eagle and date turned out quite legible, but the obverse sadly is quite far gone. This is the oldest coin I have found to date, and by far the best I have found on my property. Despite its rough shape, I would say this is not a bad way to end the season!
I was out maybe 20 minutes when I hit upon an excellent sounding 46 on the Legend. I dug and flipped the plug over to find what appeared to be an old washer. I examined it, and almost through it away, as no design was readily discernable. However, I decided to review more closely, given that I have made mistakes in the past discarding what turned out to be facinating finds.
As I scrapped the dirt away from the surface, I noticed what looked like arabic numerals. Upon further investigation, I saw clearly that there were arrows clutched in the claw of an eagle. I knew right away I found an early coin. With a little help from my flashlight, I could read the date: 1788! Turns out I found a 1788 Massachusetts One Cent coin with a hole in the middle.
Sadlly, this coin, like so many coppers that we dig, was pretty well toasted. I gently cleaned with peroxide and Qtips, as well some distilled water and called it a day. The eagle and date turned out quite legible, but the obverse sadly is quite far gone. This is the oldest coin I have found to date, and by far the best I have found on my property. Despite its rough shape, I would say this is not a bad way to end the season!
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