Todays Finds

[Old Dude]

Today's Finds

Hi all. Went back to the corn field for one more hunt before I return to work. Was happy to find my first big copper from this field.



Once I got home, I decided to use a toothpick to see if I could get an idea of what it was. GAP Metal ( Gary ) taught me that this is the very best first step of cleaning an old copper. He has been doing this a long time, and being a great, selfless member, shared his knowledge with me. After the picking, I could see this was my second big copper with absolutely NO details to hint at what it used to be....some days it is PBR and potted meat.

 

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[cjon455]

Thanks for clarifying the boxer thing! Lol! what's wrong w potted meat? Lol

Cool that u got a copper, still exciting to get even though it can't be id'd

 

[ks coyote]

Congrats on the LC. Readable or not it's definitely a keeper.

 

[Old Dude]

Today's Finds

Yeah, it was good to find, but wish I could at least tell what era it is from. Guess it was better than coming home with just that flattened old round ball and the buckle.

 

[Steve in PA]

Dude, I can't tell you how many featureless coppers I have found like that. You go from the thrill of discovery - seeing the big green disc in the dirt - to the disappointment of not being able to identify the coin.

 

[Old Dude]

Dude, I can't tell you how many featureless coppers I have found like that. You go from the thrill of discovery - seeing the big green disc in the dirt - to the disappointment of not being able to identify the coin.

Thanks Steve for that. After finding the flatbuttons yesterday just several yards from this, the possibility that it could be colonial makes it worse for me, lol. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

 

[WHADIFIND]

Nice finding it at all!

You might still get an idea of the ID by the dimensions/weight. Who knows, might be a special size.

WTG!

 

[Old Dude]

Nice finding it at all!

You might still get an idea of the ID by the dimensions/weight. Who knows, might be a special size.

WTG!

Yes sir. Already thought of that. Just need to get off my butt and do it, lol. Am still trying to wake up from my old dude nap

 

[streakert]

i took one once that was toast and laid it on my belt sander with fine grit and got the high points off it enough to figure out it was a Braided Hair cent, the fertilizer from year of plowing had pitted it so,

 

[Old Dude]

Ok, my coin is 7.9 grams and 28.02 mm. Some large cents were 28-29 mm ( Matron Head 1816-1835 ) but weighed 10.89 grams. That would be a huge loss. Other LC's were 29 mm and weighed the same. A KG II half cent minted In 1753 is the closest at 28.2 mm and 8.61 grams. This seems a bit easier to imagine. What do you guys think? Wouldn't 3 grams be too much weight to lose? Mine is still 1.68 mm thick. Not sure about LC's.

 

[WHADIFIND]

Sounds like enough information to hazard a guess. Unfortunately, I'm just not familiar enough with older coins to try. Somebody will though!

 

[cjon455]

I'd try 400 grit lol!!!

 

[WHADIFIND]

I'd try 400 grit lol!!!

I'd just threaten that coin with some 400 grit. He'll probably just break down and confess!!

 

[afxtwin]

nice find! can you elaborate on the toothpick method?

 

[Old Dude]

nice find! can you elaborate on the toothpick method?

Sure! Just take an ordinary wooden toothpick and place the coin on a table or flat surface. Using the point of the pick, just start " scratching " the deposits away. The wood will not harm a copper at all. It will give before the copper will and will absolutely not scratch the coin. Use enough pressure to make it work without breaking the toothpick. You'll be surprised at what it will take away. Again, credit goes to G.A.P.metal for sharing.
I would NOT use this method on silver as silver is a bit softer metal and you might scratch it.

 

[cjon455]

Yes toothpick method is great, cleaned up my 2 center real well

 

[cjon455]

this guy gave me his box of toothpicks, said he didn't need em anymore

 

[afxtwin]

Sure! Just take an ordinary wooden toothpick and place the coin on a table or flat surface. Using the point of the pick, just start " scratching " the deposits away. The wood will not harm a copper at all. It will give before the copper will and will absolutely not scratch the coin. Use enough pressure to make it work without breaking the toothpick. You'll be surprised at what it will take away. Again, credit goes to G.A.P.metal for sharing.
I would NOT use this method on silver as silver is a bit softer metal and you might scratch it.

thanks for the info! as a newcomer, it is very much appreciated.

 

[TokenMan]

Still very cool! I have only 1 LC...I'd take it all day long Congrats on the old copper!!

 

[Old Dude]

You promised you wouldn't put my pic up on the net!