Rings up as Silver

[Hubbard]

Found this yesterday in TN. It rings up as silver and is 4cm wide, is slightly curved, and weighs .39 grams.

Feels smooth to the touch. I assume the cream color is patina.

I found it near flat button that dates from late 1700s to mid 1800s. That falls in line with the early settlement of this area.

Any ideas on what this is or how to proceed in the research?

Thanks.

Hubbard

 

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[cudamark]

You may have to do some cleaning to it to determine what it is...if anything can be determined. I don't see a reeded edge, so, may not be a U.S. coin. Better closeup photos in natural light might help us too.

 

[Hubbard]

You may have to do some cleaning to it to determine what it is...if anything can be determined. I don't see a reeded edge, so, may not be a U.S. coin. Better closeup photos in natural light might help us too.

Any suggestions beyond using a toothpick (my current approach) to clean?

 

[cudamark]

I'd start with some hot, soapy water to remove any remaining dirt or grime. If that's all gone, maybe a vinegar bath in the outside concave end of an empty aluminum can for a couple of hours, then rub lightly with baking soda to clean and neutralize the vinegar.....repeat as necessary. Not something I would normally recommend without know what the item is, but, it doesn't look like it could possibly hurt the condition of your item at this point. Once you figure out what it is, you can then decide what further cleaning/straightening/restoring that you wish to do.

 

[Hubbard]

I'd start with some hot, soapy water to remove any remaining dirt or grime. If that's all gone, maybe a vinegar bath in the outside concave end of an empty aluminum can for a couple of hours, then rub lightly with baking soda to clean and neutralize the vinegar.....repeat as necessary. Not something I would normally recommend without know what the item is, but, it doesn't look like it could possibly hurt the condition of your item at this point. Once you figure out what it is, you can then decide what further cleaning/straightening/restoring that you wish to do.

Thanks, I have been using your suggestion.. Still appears mostly plain. However, I see a small "J" stamped on one side. I may see if a jeweler can determine the type of metal.

 

[SlateBeltDigger]

It could be mind trickery but I could swear I see the outline of a bust? Or is that just the pattern the dirt left?

 

[Tony in SC]

I can't really tell but that coating looks alot like lead or babbitt?

 

[xr7ator]

Does it bend easily?