Urban Archaeology

Pop Out - Repousse Coins

2012-01-26T16:28:00.000-08:00

1965 40% Silver Early Type Repousse Kennedy Half Dollar
Recently, I found a very bizarre coin. A 40% Silver Kennedy Half Dollar. Only it wasn't your average half dollar. It was a 3 dimensional portrait of Kennedy. Literally sticking out of the coin. Appearing as though it was busting right out of the coins original portrait. I was instantly fascinated. But I had a lot of questions regarding the coin. Was it a real silver coin? Who made it. And are they common. And if so, why have I not heard of, or seen them before?

Side View Of My Repousse Coin.
I set out on my internet quest late in the afternoon of January 25th 2012 to get answers. And I scoured the web for hours until I finally came across something that looked like my coin. A clad half dollar made by the American Historic Society dated 1997. Called the History making coin. It was very much like mine. However. The detail of the coins 3D portrait were not as sharp as mine. Nor did it have the "breaking threw the coin" theme. And just looked, well. Mass produced and cheap. As you can see in this picture of one very simular here.

1996 Kennedy 3D Collectors Coin These clad Half Dollars are quite common. In fact, its the only thing that came up in my search for 3D coins. But my coin, was different. And I just knew there was more to it than it being some novelty coin you could buy for 20$. So I continued my search. Which led me to Ebay. But I found nothing, until I stumbled upon a ring that was called a Repousse Kennedy Half Dollar. Only, it wasn't Kennedy's portrait. It was a liberty head. So I decided to click it and see what it was. And I was quickly clicking on the sellers other items to see what else he may have. And I discovered an entire page full of Repousse, or Pop Out coinage. With loads of different designs and coin types. I had just discovered a whole new coin art form. Or novelty if you will. That has been ongoing since the 1890's.

View of the reverse side of my Kennedy Pop Out Coin.
While my coin isn't exactly a rarity. It is still collectible. And after I contacted a dealer in these coins. I was told of these early kennedys there are 4 types or 4 drifferent posses and the average price is 40-75 dollars as it depends on the pose. But who knows. They could be a dime a dozen. And that is ok with me. As I just think these are a great novelty to have. And I find the best way to find a realistic price, is to check completed listings on Ebay. Then deduct 10-15% for the real world. However, I also learned there are entire price guides to these artistic numismatic creations. Such as books and Ebooks. And I would assume mass information on their types, creation dates ext. Many of the pop out coins I see are made into jewelry, such as fobs, rings, pins, brooches, pendants, cuff links and more.

The common pop out coins I have come across are the Miss Liberty pop-outs, as well as a few different Presidents, Lincoln being the most common of them I have seen. Shown left, is a Pop Out Coin Die, Courtesy of the Numismatic Bibliomania Society On Flickr. See References at end of article.
If you do a google search, for pop out coins, or repousse. You will come across some fantastic coin designs. Made on many different coin types. From cents, silver dollars and gold coins. As I mentioned before. The Miss Liberty design seems to be the most common. And I can see why. Its a fantastic image. As seen here in this picture of a Miss Liberty Silver Dollar Pop Out.

Now, I am not an expert in the exact process in making these coins. However. As a novice jeweler. I would imagine, they are made from a combination of the die and chasing tools. Or a combination of two dies. The punching die, and a cub die with an incused and slightly larger image of the same design. However, that is really only a guess. But I am sure I am not to far off. As most people understand the basics in my coin ring making process, there is still more to it. And that is the trick that makes things like these coins and other coin art forms collectible. Its not only the art. But the fact people are not easily able to reproduce them.

1902 s Double Eagle Gold Coin, Liberty Repousse.
For me. Being able to have found one of these coins. And see it in person, has gotten me instantly excited about adding more to my collection. And next time I am at a coin show. I will be sure to ask dealers about them. As should you, even if you have to plan to buy one. But to just see how neat they are in person. Because pictures just don't do them any justice.

Shown here is a fantastic Mercury Dime, Repousse Ring! Now, that is a coin ring! Imagine finding that metal detecting! That would be a find! Anyway, moving on the end of this short article. I still have lots to learn about these coins. And over time I will. But I was excited to share it here. And share the links, and references I used to help me with this article. So if you find these interesting. You can go about learning more about them. Listed below, are two places I found to be very helpful. Especially Pop Out Coin dot com.

References:
Pop Out Coins
The E Asylum

Ebay search for Repousse and Pop Out Coin got me a lot of results as well. Plenty of interesting pictures to look at. And neat designs!

Coin Rings By Ryan O'Shea

2011-12-28T22:48:00.000-08:00

I got started in making coin rings threw tinkering around with hobo nickels. I always found the things people did with coins in the past to make a few extra dollars extremely interesting. The idea that one can take a nickel for example. And sell it for 5 dollars is rather brilliant. But that wasn't really what made me fall in love with these coin art forms. It was the art form. The fact that a common coin, becomes a one of a kind piece of art. As a kid, old hobo nickels were the most interesting thing in any coin shop when I would visit. And I would imagine a white bearded man, in raggedy cloths carving away at a buffalo nickel with a dull, crusty pocket knife with his darkly stained brittle fingers.

(One of my Hobo Nickels, Right)
He had missing teeth, but ate sardines from cans and slept under bridges and smelled of garbage. And every day. He would make his way into town. Where he offered a nickel, with the carving of a drifter for a dollar to passers by. He wasn't begging. He was offering his art. And the thing that fascinated me most of all. Was. Those carved nickels, ended up in coin shops like the one I was in. While the hobo, or person who carved the coin, may had been long forgotten. Or never even really known. The coin. Was desired by collectors. I liked that. So I started to carve my own.
As I was going threw my 5 cent carving phase. I ran into a man one day while down at the local green grocer. Who was wearing a coin ring. It was gold in color. With a buffalo nickel in the center. We talked a bit about the ring he wore that I had noticed and found interesting. It wasn't really anything unique. But, I had an idea that day. I wanted to see it wrapped around the finger instead of being put into a big clunky set band. And it hit me. I would make rings from historic coins. And literally put history in my friends hands, and around their fingers. While I was already aware of the common "Spoon Tap" style coin rings. A coin turned into a plain band by tapping the rim slowly into a plain silver band that only showed a hint of it once being a coin on the inside band. I really wanted to see the details. I wanted it recognizable from a distance, so you would know what it was without explaining it was once a genuine circulating coin.

1943 WALKING LIBERTY HALF DOLLAR- PATTERN COIN RING #WL001

Naturally. The place to start was with American coins. However. As a foreign coin collector. There were several coins that inspired me such as Gothic Victorian Florins, the early 20th Century British Indian Rupees with the high silver content, and Turkish Ottoman Empire Silvers. However. The one coin that really inspired me the most. Was the Newfoundland Sterling Silver Half Dollars, and 20 cent coins of the 19th century. I was, and still am a collector, and huge fan of these coins. So it was only natural my first be one of them. However. My first attempt. I made the ring to big. And decided to sell it, to cover my loses. And buy another to start over. To my surprise. When it went to auction. I was blown away with the price it sold for. It sold for 97 Dollars. And, I decided that I had to work very hard to perfect this new hobby. Because if I was going to sell my rings I wanted to do the best job I could. So I hammered away for a long time. And I gave coin rings to friends and family. I sold the others threw word of mouth. And threw the internet here and there until I felt confident enough in my self taught method to start doing custom orders. And once I started doing that. I was shocked at the orders I received. I learned later. That not many people know how to make these rings. It's a well guarded secret to these coin ring makers. And I now understood why.

My Newfoundland coins. Have been my most popular and best selling of all my rings. I was the first to make them into rings, and I think that is part of why. I was only one making them into rings like this. So I had the market to myself for a while. That was fun! Especially since almost all of which were bought from international buyers. And majority of them ended back up in Newfoundland.
(Newfoundland Sterling Coin Ring -top right and below)

My rings created a bit of a buzz. Leading me to sell quite a number of them. Not only were international buyers wanting them. But Americans with certain heritage wanted them. So I stuck with doing 99% of my rings of foreign origin. With a few American Coin Rings here and there on Ebay, along side my nickels. Or threw custom orders. American coin rings, as much as I love em. Just are not desired as I thought they would be in the beginning. Especially being rooted in Oregon. However. I have been asked how I make them more often, than IF I will make one. I learned rather quickly. That, there is only about 4 people who make these rings and sell publicly. But there is hundreds of people who wanna learn. I have been asked to make a how to video, to being offered money to teach this method. And though I have made no choice to share it at this point. While the concept on how to make these rings seems simple enough. I can assure you. Its difficult. And it can be incredibly frustrating and hard.

(Swiss 2 Franc, Left) It requires serious patience. And for me, a lot of attention to every detail of the process. However. I will admit. There is a part of me that still feels like, I have no idea what I am doing. And that I just happened to stumble upon my method by mistake. Although, I am doing it. And coming out with some decent rings.
But I really had to work hard to figure them out. And I continue to learn and invent new tricks each time I make one. So even if I wanted to make a video or teach someone. My methods are always changing. And I dunno if i would ever feel like I gave my best instructions. So the real payoff for me is, right now. People like my work. And I get excited to think, someday. Long after I am gone. Someone might still be wearing one of my rings, or have one of my nickels in their coin book. Or a young kid will see it and imagine who made it.
I make these all by hand. Everyone of them is handmade. I am a traditional type of person. So I stick with my first method. Two or three tools. And a lot of hammering over 1 or 2 days. Then I go onto my finishing stage of the ring. And the entire process can take 1-5 days to complete depending on the level of perfection that goes into them.

I typically make my rings in several basic styles. All of which I call comfort fit. With slight variations. Your typical style band. Which I call a "tire". Because its flat, even and slightly rounded on the rims. And I do a "crown" or "bottle cap" style. Which I think fits the best. Especially with the comfort fit. Most of my rings are made to be worn reeded edge facing up the arm. See an example of a "crown" style on this 1918 Silver Indian Rupee.

The "tire" example, you can see in the images up top of the Walking Liberty and Swiss ring. And the "Bottle Cap" design, you can see here somewhat on this 1918 French 2 Franc. Though its typically used more on much smaller coins. Basically its a slightly flared rim. And only slightly sanded down so it fits snug at the joint but is breathable at the knuckle.

Having a ring that fits really well. Makes a huge difference. And I try to make my rings the best I can, to contour to the wearers finger. So I am always playing with different designs. But these three are the most popular when someone picks a style they think suits them best. And if it doesn't. They can give it back, and I fix it up for them. And I offer free refinishing as well. Since my final finish of the ring is also a special little process I developed to bring out the relief on the coins design without having to use silver black. Which I personally think is important on a coin ring. Buffing away the detail to remove silver black would be tragic to the relief. So I use my own. And I sometimes use just a simple antique finish.
Anyway. I hope this article was interesting. I thought it would be fun for you to look at during the detecting off season. If you are learning to make coin rings. And need any advice. Or if you would like your own custom ring. All you have to do is contact me.

Dig into your hearts. And lets help out Yulelah. 10/11/11

2011-10-12T00:34:00.000-07:00

Please watch these two videos. A great guy, and fellow metal detectorists needs our help. Though, he may not be asking for any help. I personally wanna help. As I know others do. DiggingNorway is a great lad as well. And has also made a video in support, and a call for aid to Yulelah. I know I will be personally saving my clad change finds, and putting it all into paypal this week. Along with what I already have to help him.
All I ask of you. Is to watch these videos. If you are a youtuber. Then also check out his channel. And get to know the character many of us have come to admire for his kindness, honesty and generous nature to others.
Thank you all for taking the time to look at this post.
Not seeing the videos in your email? Then click here to be redirected to the website.
Urban Archaeology

Yulelah's Latest Video 10/11/11

Visit his blogspot here:
Yulelah's Blog Spot Page

My last silver finds video 9/29/11

Kennedy in stitches

2011-08-31T21:18:00.000-07:00

Wow. What a month! Its been so busy this summer, I thought H and would never get a chance to get to go on vacation. If even for one day at a Hotel overlooking the coast line. However. We finally said enough is enough. And dropped everything. And booked a short vacation to Southern Oregon. To go camping and play in the tide pools at the rock lined sands of Harris beach.
As we prepped for our vacation. We purchased yet another set of solar panels. And during their set up. I sliced open my thumb and my pinky finger with the Mora knife I always carry. It cut right to the bone. And the blood literally flew out of my thumb like a sprinkler on full blast. Naturally. I thought I had done more damage than I actually had due to the amount of red flowing everywhere. A typical trip to the Urgent Care in Eugene. I was held up for four hours waiting to get stitched back up. I thought, there would be no digging in the week to come. But. I broke the advice of the doctor after only four days. But. Once on vacation. Would end up cutting myself again. As would Holly.
As you will see briefly in these two videos. Holly and I both suffered from deep knife cuts. We skipped the gore, promise The strange part is. We are both actually quite skilled using knives, razors, swords and digging tools -with not even the slightest foul from our piquerism of the soil we play in.

"Kennedy N' Stictches" 8/18/11 - 2 Minutes.

Watch here if received by Email: http://youtu.be/AJ-Ni45lQH0
Detecting in So, Oregon 8/24/11 - 8 Minutes

Watch here if Received by Email: http://youtu.be/AJ-Ni45lQH0

By the End of the trip. We had pretty much covered all bases. Including a full day of doing absolutely nothing but laying around camp. Reading books, magazines and talking about ideas for our little business. We each made a "new" find with our new E-Tracs. We even got to go gold prospecting. And collected plenty of cons from gold beach and other areas. But the best part of the trip was just getting away.

More E-Trac yack. Family detecting. And Seattle.

2011-07-15T01:20:00.000-07:00

I am truly, truly blown away with this machine. Honestly. Words can't describe how well this machine works. Put simply. You get over a coin spill. You hear multiple coins like you have never heard them before. Over a silver coin on edge under a nest of roots 6 inches deep next to a nail, you hear it. Incredible. I recently got to get back out to do some detecting. This time I hit Seattle. I asked everyone I knew on these sites if they knew of any spots to detect. I got not a single response. So I had to hit the town blindly. I did however. Have a little bit of an edge. I lived in Seattle once upon I time. So I had a few places in mind. However. They all turned out to be totally hunted out. And any coin older than 1990 was over 4 - 5 inches deep - Seattle rains constantly and drives the goodies down deep. So add that to a spot that has been hammered to death. I was SOL. Even the easements gave up very little. But. That was ok. At least I was finally detecting in a different state. And I was happy about that.

This detecting adventure in reallity. Was more of a much needed vacation anyway. In fact. A long overdue one. We had to juggle the time we had carefully so the girls had time to do all the "Seattle tourist" stuff. Which was also great fun. However. I was shocked when the girls said they wanted to go threw Antique shops and....go metal detecting! So, we hit the University area first. Loads of clad, and more beaver tail pull tabs than I have ever dug in all my hunts combined. I learned a beaver tail tone so well. I can see why they are all left in the dirt by fellow coin shooters. Our first hunt was short. About an hour. It was all the time we could squeeze in. But we had a blast. And it was cool to be walking around in my old neighborhood.

(Me outside of my old Seattle Apt)
The next day. We devoted to cruising around the city. Looking at old buildings. Visiting antique shops. Where I bought quite a number of old stocks. And old ads and labels to decorate our new home. As much fun as that was. I was really looking forward to the next day. When we could get out to do some metal detecting. Holly was the first to locate a silver coin. Her first silver on the E-Trac. I quickly followed up with the nicest merc dime I have ever dug. And Sahale dug her first wheat penny right after that. The only wheat cent I might add! See video clip of the Seattle digs below.

1949 Rosie Dime. Silver Number 1 for Holly on her new E-Trac

Reverse of 1943 s Mercury Dime. Fully split horizontal bands on faces! A first!

Sahale's First Wheat cent!

After we got home. I was incredibly eager to do some more detecting the next day. But was lacking the energy to really go out and hit it hard. So I just hit my front yard in a 2 tone ferrous. And dug a wheat cent followed by this little brass political token of Franklin Peirce. This commemorative token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the mid-20th century.

The following day. There was a rather big event across from our house. Where the families all met up. Had a picnic and hung out. We even heard a story from Holly's cousin about a guy who dug a gold ring in the easement out front of their house. They described this person in such detail. That we knew who it was.
Afterwords. Everyone came and toured the new house. And the kids were so impressed with our house. That they all want to spend the night. So. Holly and I let Tal have her little cousin over. Where we BBQ'd, and ate on the front porch. And then went and flew the remote control helicopter. After which. We decided to take out Holly's Daughter along with her sisters daughter for a quick little metal detecting hunt. We didn't plan to dig, or video any of it. Just toss out a few coins and let them find em. However. I got a good signal and ran to the house for the digger. I came back and dug a 1940s Wheat. Was very surprised to find a wheat in this spot. Then, we found another. Then, a nice big SILVER RING! FUN! Family is GOOD LUCK! This video has no digs. But shows the finds right after. See below.

Ring and Wheat Cent. Dug on 7/14/11

Anyway. Its hard to beat. Taking out the youngsters. And digging treasures. The kids dug over 2 dollars each in clad. And had a blast using the pinpointers to help locate the goodies. And the E-Trac's performance can't be topped. Its an incredible machine. Anyway. Will be updating as I get some more hunts in. Which, will be very soon! probably tomorrow!

E-Trac has landed. - Modes and Emulator.

2011-05-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

Here is my first post regarding the E-Trac by Minelab. Now, because I am new to this unit. As are a few others I know. I thought it would be a good first post to share the starting point I started at. Below you will see a link to download the Minelab Etrac Emulator. A great program! And a MUST for us newbies to the unit!
However, if you are running a Mac OS. This program will not work as its a windows file. This file is safe for downloading. And is hosted at MY mediafire account.

MINELAB E-TRAC EMULATOR: Download it!

Emulator add ons:
Gold Jewelry:Download
Silver Jewelry:Download
Larry P's 61 American Coins: Download

Instructions from, www.minelabforums.com (GREAT SITE! Come join!!!)
All you do is click to download the target package you want, for instance for American coins you would click on Larry P's Incredible 61 target US coins . This will download to your downloads file or wherever you have your downloads go. Open where it is downloaded but do not unzip the file. In a separate window go to your C:\Program Files\EtracEm-V1-en\datazips and then just drag the "61_US_coins.zip" file into the C:\Program Files\EtracEm-V1-en\datazips file. Now your E-Trac emulator has US coins added to it.

The E-Trac's exchange program is great! The unit comes with a Disc (also in Windows format) and users can exchange programs, patterns ext via the E-Trac's USB interface. Its quite simple to use. And you can save up to four programs on the Unit. And as many as you like on the computer. It makes for a quick and easy mode change. And that in itself is something I wish the Explorer II had. Where the EX2 only has 2 modes to save to. And you must program them in manually.
Here is the basic mode I started out with. Coin Pattern With Nickels Download. However, I must say. The E-Trac comes ready to go right out of the box. I did make a few changes to the pattern provided here. I got rid of the top right black bar. As this is where silver dollars and half dollars tend to hit as I am told. And I changed a few settings as well.
I will upload my mode, and discrim pattern as soon as I can. And leave a link to it under the metal detecting side bar.
I have not used the two tone relic mode yet. However. I am told, it is killer! A little noisy. And takes some getting used to. But as I understand it. Some people use this mode quite often. And do extremely well. As the E-Trac is excellent at hearing the good targets over iron! So, I am adding this mode as well.
2 TONE RELIC MODE.
Also. Before I forget. I have been asked quite a lot since I bought my E-Trac. Where I got it from. The answer is at sgtriker.com. Banner is at bottom of page.
Give Ran a call. And ask him about the E-Trac. Tell him Ryan O'Shea from Oregon sent you. He's a great guy. And runs a great shop.

Now. If you are an Explorer or E-Trac user. Zagg.com is having a sale today on their products. Lucky for us. That means, big discount today on the E-Trac and Explorer screen protectors! I just ordered two today! As they were finally within budget. ZAGG.COM - MINELAB SCREEN PROTECTORS

In my next post. I will do an a more in depth review of the E-Trac from a beginner in training. And also compare my personal favorite unit, The Explorer II (with a pro coil added) to give you Explorer users an idea of the difference in the units. So far. I can tell you this much. The Explorer II still holds its title as one of the best machines ever made. And the E-Trac is very much like it. Tones are very much the same. And so far, overall performance is a draw. Lets see how I feel about it in the weeks ahead as I get to know the machine. I have to admit. I am very impressed with this unit so far. Even though, I don't fully understand its language yet. So. I am going buy the golden rule. Dig it all. Because after all, its the best way to learn any machine. So....
See you in the funny pages. Till next time.
Over n out.
-Ryan

Metal Detecting With Minelab

2011-05-17T21:21:00.000-07:00

MINELABS EXPLORER II W' PRO COIL.

I have officially been hunting for over one year now. And I have to say. Its a hobby I don't plan to ever give up. I started out using an Ace 250 machine. And found myself hooked right away. I eventually upgraded to a Minelab Explorer II. And Holly and I now have four Minelab Machines all together. Two Explorers, a 305 and my newest addition due this weekend. The Minelab E-Trac. With an expected fifth, another E-Trac due shortly as well. All good things come in pairs.

I have been saying it now for nearly a year that I was going to buy an E-Trac. But felt deterred due to its price tag. And the fact the Explorer II is such an outstanding machine. Especially with the addition of the pro coil that I felt there was no real need to upgrade other than. The excitement over a new machine.
However. I got up early this morning with E-Trac on my mind. Its been driving me nuts since I moved back into the Emerald Valley. My new house is an older home built in the 1930's. And I have already dug several silver coins, silver rings, old toy cars and an absurd amount of wheat pennies here in the front yard. I have not even gotten to the lower lot yet! But I know there are goodies still waiting to be found in the untouched parts of this property.
Not to mention the surrounding area. Its an older part of town. And I have dug loads of excellent silvers all around here. It is a great area. And all I have to do. Is walk out my front door.
So. I got up, and called Ran. And placed an order for my E-Trac today. And I should have it by the weekend. Monday at the latest.
I have not felt this excited since I ordered my EX2! I am just excited beyond all words. And its inspired me to start a new series of columns on Minelab machines. Specifically focusing on the Ex2 and E-Trac. To provide hopefully some useful tools and insight for hunters with a minelab, new to, or looking to buy a Minelab. All from a novice hunter.

I stopped posting most of my finds publicly several months ago, due to the fact. I felt a lot of it was redundant. Who needs to see every silver dime a guy digs? At the same time, I felt as though I just wanted to keep most of them to myself from now on. And that was for a multitude of personal reasons. Like everyone. I am not immune to budding an ego, or feeling like a little competition. But I really do want to remain humble. And far from that. So I do my best.
I truly treasure the hunt, and enjoy the rewards. I love spending time with Holly. And getting outside. I love coming home with stuff we treasure. And, I especially love it when we find neat stuff. Not just from detecting. But from picking as well.
I started this site. In order to share. And not show off after all. And I remain stable in that. And I hope my finds are not discouraging. But help show you. That if I can find it. So will you! And trust me. I am not very good at this hobby. But Im working on it.
So let this quick update/article serve as an introduction to some future articles. As for Cody. I will be posting one on the Garrett for you shortly. Along with some tips to get you going.

Also, if you read this far. The Explorer II pictured above and up top is officially for sale. Best offer gets it. All you gotta do is email me about it.

EXPLORER II IS SOLD!
We have a new detectorist here in the County Lane, Oregon! Welcome to the exciting world of metal detecting! You know where to find me. Anytime you wanna go hunt, call me! You got a GREAT machine! Once you learn it. You will be blown away!

Hobo Nickels

2011-04-26T05:20:00.000-07:00

I have always been fascinated with hobo nickels. When I first saw them as a young boy. I asked the coin dealer, what is a hobo nickel. He explained them to me in such a manner that I imagined a hobo, riding a trolly car in San Francisco hand carving a nickel to sell to get a hot meal. I can still see that image in my mind to this day. A scruffy looking bum, carving a nickel with shards of metal to make a portrait of street life. However. I never really realized people continue this odd old tradition to this day. These people, may not be hobos. But. Still bring incredible work to the hobby. Just take a look on Ebay. There is some fantastic work on there. Nothing like the traditional hobo nickels I remember seeing as a kid. But more complex engraving bringing some images to life I doubt anyone could pull off back then. But. What do I know? I am not an artist. And I have never engraved anything. But. I wanted to try it. So. I have taken up a new hobby in my spare time between school. As the rain continues to poor down on the Emerald Valley. My first Nickel, was basically a test more or less to see if an an average person such as myself could do it.
Keep in mind. I had limited tools. No magnification. And NONE of the fancy expensive tools the professionals are using. This first sloppy example was literally done on my knee. With a cheap set of engraving tools I picked up at a local hardware market.

"Hobo Nickel" #01. No name.

As you can see. Its very basic. Made from a 2005 Jeffferson Nickel. I used a D mint, rather than the P buffalo reverse nickel. As, I was hesitant to just destroy a modern buffalo nickel, or even a old buffalo nickel having no clue what I was doing. It didn't turn out exactly as I had seen it in my mind. But, I felt I did ok for a first go. So, I decided to give it another go. This time. Using a vintage buffalo nickel. However, one with a semi worn date. As, I just dont feel ready to, well. Destroy a nice old nickel, even if it is common. So. I am sticking with 1-2 dollar nickels for now.

"Hobo Nickel" #2 Traditional Style.
On this nickel. I decided to go with the traditional style type we have all seen in a coin shop, or private collection at some point. This time. I had a bit more tools to work with. But still no nerd glasses for magnification. And believe it or not. I have poor eye sight. And need to wear corrective lenses. But they in no way helped in seeing the finer details I was engraving into this coin. But, I felt better about this coin. In fact. I had planned to sell it on ebay. See if I could make a few dollars to buy some other goodies. But. I may keep it. Its my first traditional style hobo nickel I have ever owned in my collection. And compared to all the professional coins out there. I doubt I would get over 40 dollars for it. And that is wishful thinking at that price.

As you notice, I am not much of a photographer. And some of the detail of these coins that really shines to the naked eye just does not show up in these pictures. But, if you look hard enough at the reverse of this nickel. I simply engraved my initials. And branded the buffalo's butt with #02. Each of my nickels will include a nice branding on their butt. I thought it was clever. But, I am a dork. What can I say?

Being new to this hobby. I ran into a number of walls to learn the secrets these pros are using. And got a lot of bull corn and ignored emails as to how they colored these coins to give them an aged look after the carving. So, I tried a number of techniques. Before the best aging technique really hit me. However, I found a combination of them really did the best job in the end.

Anyway. I thought it would be fun to share these. And see if anyone else has had an interest in these. Or an interest in making them. If so. Please, comment. And I will continue to post them. As well as an easy walk threw of the techniques I have used so far to help get you going on your hobo nickels.

RECENT FINDS

As for updates on Detecting. I was able to finally make it out for an hour as the rain broke. Didn't find much. Lots of clad, few toy cars. And this silly little smashed Ster-Ring. Now, if you are fans of the ATC. Then, take a close look at the makers mark! ha! Looks like I scored one of Ringmaster Tim's Rings! Made me laugh a bit. And I felt it was worth posting. Even though, it is just scrap silver at this point. Still. Its a tank of gas and change!

New silver highs! And 10cent Gas!

2011-04-25T03:50:00.000-07:00

www.kitco.com

After a nightmarish week of 5 bee stings, a court hearing over the property I rent being in sudden foreclosure, a birth in the family to an unfit, drug addicted mother and loser father and then finally a toothache due to a lost filling which has me in a world of misery. I woke up at 3am to POP another handful of aspirin. Like I typically do. I logged onto kitco to see how the market has opened. To my amazement. We jumped up 3 dollars, nearly touching 50 an ounce. And currently rest at 49.16.
I guess the silver filling that popped out of my tooth may be worth saving. I have a feeling, we will see some interesting moves here this week. And Wednesday, I'm eager to see what Bernanke has to say. I hope some good questions are asked. However. This is the time, if any, to really be out hunting for that silver and gold. Record highs in gold and silver have been incredible in the last 2 weeks. Expect to see it go to the moon? Or is the ride over? I have a feeling, it will continue to run its course same as always. Even if we see a few dips. I am sure we will be over 50 an ounce in the weeks a head. But for those of you who constantly make the argument that a pre 1965 silver quarter can buy you a gallon of gas. Even at 45$ an ounce. You can now buy that gallon for a silver dime. Think about that one! So, for those of you all holding real money. Gas prices have actually gone DOWN for us. Which, if you think about it. Ain't such a bad thing. I can pay for my hunting adventures by just digging a few silver dimes. That is pretty cool.
And believe me. Rain or shine, tooth ache or not. I'm out digging as soon as possible.

In the meantime. I'm back. The site will be updated here and there. And I will talk with you all soon. For now. Back to bed.
Cheers!

Coin of week. A 1904 Edward VII British Silver Florin.
The hunt for this elusive coin has finally come to an end for me. FINALLY! Its not in top form. But, I don't care. Im sure many of you know, Kind Edward the 7th's reign was rather short lived. And many key date coins bearing his bust from many of the British colonies are scarce, or demand a higher premium. Especially in a high grade.
None of that really matters to me. However, the design does. And this coin I have wanted to find for ages. As shown above. We see Britannia standing. Which, I find very eye appealing. And I am extremely happy to finally add this nice sterling silver coin into the collection.

Gold Coins CAN be found with Metal Detectors!

2011-02-15T20:35:00.000-08:00

St. Patrick's Day Gold. By Neil McElroy

In March of 2007 I received permission to metal detect some private property in Dorena Oregon. The land owner told me that the house on his property was built in 1904.... however, the property was being used well before that! The original house on this property was built sometime in the late 1800's, but it burnt down just prior to 1904! Needless to say, this information got me real excited to see what I may find!

On the Morning of March 17 (St. Patrick's Day) I loaded up my metal detector into my car and headed out. After I arrived at the property the land owner and I talked a little and he followed me around for a few minutes to see what targets I dug. I didn't find much at first. He lost interest in just a few minutes and he headed back into his house and left me to hunt by myself.

I dug up an old horse shoe and a few old rusty farm related relics... but then I got a pretty good 'coin' sounding target. I pinpointed nice and carefully and I dug down about 5 inches. After a few scoops I noticed a gold colored disk in the dirt on my digging tool. I picked it up and couldn't believe my eyes! I was looking at an 1868 $10 GOLD COIN! HOLY COW!!!! My first GOLD COIN!!!

To be honest I'm not totally sure what happened the next couple minutes! I was on cloud nine! But after several moments I calmed down and I re-checked the hole and discovered another first for me ~ a 1912-S Barber Half dollar!! SO COOL!!!!

The best thing was that I showed these two treasures to the land owner and he let me keep 'em both! He jokingly said the next gold coin that I find there he'd keep for himself! I detected for just a few more hours, but I couldn't concentrate, so I headed home to tell everyone about my good luck on Saint Patrick's Day!
I didn't get a chance to go back to this property until July 2007, and to make a long story short, I did it again! I dug one more gold coin ~ a 1910-S $10 gold coin! And the land owner made good on his word and kept this one for himself, which was fine by me. I was glad I could find a gold coin for each of us!

Neil McElroy
Eugene Oregon

Guide To American Gold Coins: 1-4$

2011-02-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

In this guide we will cover federal issue gold coins as part of our Coin Archeology guide series. And as part of this websites Gold Month. In future chapters, we shall get into the private and territorial gold coins as well as commemorative issues. Unlike the silver coin guides posted before. I will not be going into great detail about the coins values. But rather what you need to know about each coin series. Starting from 1 Dollar coins threw to the Four Dollar Stella Gold coin. And then starting at the Five dollar (half eagle) coins threw to the Ten (Eagle). And the 20 Dollar coins (Double Eagle) as the last chapter. I have made these lists very simple. Each coin type if clicked will enlarge in order to see the details. Or to serve as a stand alone chart of each coin type. I have chosen to save much of the historical facts surrounding gold coinage for another article where it will serve more purpose in the article I have prepared for later. But, to keep things in proper sequence. I wanted to make this list in order for people to become familiar with these coins. Or to identify one. As always. By whatever means you come across a historical coin. Especially gold. Do not attempt to try and clean these coins with anything other than a rinse under water to remove dirt if present from a dig. Which I want to remind all of you. Is NOT impossible! Questions, comments and emails are all welcome if you need more information on any coin listed here in.

ONE DOLLAR GOLD COINS: "GOLD DOLLARS These coins were authorized on March 3rd 1849. The weight was to 25.8 grains with a .900 fineness. The first type. The Liberty Head/Type 1 or "Small sized" gold coin was struck until 1854. It was later changed in 1854 to a slightly larger sized coin in diameter, but resulting in a thinner coin to keep the same standards.

Note: Open Wreath Reverse is found only in the 1849 variety

Interesting Fact: The Indian Head Princess 1$ Gold coins, like the Indian Penny are actually Lady Liberty in an Indian Head Dress. And not of a American Native like the Buffalo nickels which did depict a Native American.

2-1/2 DOLLAR GOLD: QUARTER EAGLE Authorized on April 2nd 1792, Quarter Eagles weighed 67.5 grains or .9167 (almost 92%) Gold fineness.

In 1840 A Coronet and Smaller Head were designed to conform with the appearance of the larger coins.

INDIAN HEAD: This new type featured a sunken relief in all the main devices and legends. And had no raised edge as its precedents. Designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, a pupil of Famous Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Pratt based the standing eagle on the reverse of the Indian head coin off his teachers Gold Ten dollar Coin. Which was, derived from Theodore Roosevelt's 1905 unofficial inaugural medal, designed by Saint-Gaudens. And Engraved by Adolph A Weinman. Who later created the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. All of which are some of the most striking coins in 20th century coinage.

THREE DOLLAR GOLD: The Indian Princess 3 dollar gold coin was never a very popular coin to the general public. And it saw very little circulation. The coins changed hands in the east and midwest until 1861, after which they dissapeared from circulation: threw the 1860's less than 10,000 were struck each year. In 1874 and 1878 the mintage increased significantly in anticipation of the coins going into broader circulation. However on the west coast the coin was probably not seen in change often after 1860's. It is said these coins were useful for purchasing postage stamps of the time. Which was 3 cents. Or for acquiring 100 silver three cent coins, also known as 'trimes" which were also in circulation at the time.

STELLA: Exact mintages of the STELLA gold 4$ coin to best my understanding are unknown. The coin was envisioned by John A. Kasson as Americas answer to various foreign gold coins popular in the international markets. IE: British Sovereigns, Italy's 20$ Lira and the 20 Peseta's of Spain. Each smaller than a US 5$ gold coin. The Stella was doomed right from the start. As it was an odd denomination. And the 20$ gold US coin was already used in a much more convenient exchange medium. The two designers of the Stella, so called the Stella because of the star on the reverse. Were George T. Morgan. And Charles E. Barber for the coiled hair variety. These gold coins were never minted for circulation. But, was minted none the less. And therefor it will be listed as our final gold coin of this chapter. Some of the finest surviving examples of this coin can be seen in the Smithsonian Institutions National Numismatic Collection.

Well, that concludes this chapter of Federal Issue American Gold Coins. In the next chapter. We will start with the 5$ gold coins. And move up from there. Chapters can be found in the "Coins" Menu. And if you are a subscriber will be emailed out as they are posted.
To learn more about American Coins and prices. Simply buy a Red Book. Or continue your venture on Google. There is much information out there. And remember. Finding a gold coin is NOT impossible. It has been done. And in future chapters. I will talk about places you are most likely to find them. As always. Please check back. There is much more to come. Especially for GOLD FEVER FEBRUARY. Thanks for checking out Urban Archaeology's Coin Archeology coin post on Federal Gold Coins chapter one.

-Ryan

The "In's and Outs" of Coin Roll Hunting

2011-01-30T14:15:00.000-08:00

By, Nick Foley
01/29/11
http://www.youtube.com/bookofnick

It's been said that the best way to rob a bank is to own one. That may be true, but the next best way is Coin Roll Hunting.

Click here to see the coin roll hunting video!

What is coin roll hunting? It's exactly how it sounds. It's a hunt for coins hidden underneath the paper of the bank's coin wrappers. What are coin roll hunters "hunting?" Well, every hunter has their own prize in mind. For some, it's that rare date, mint mark, or error coin that keeps them hunting. For others, it's the discovery of old coins that are no longer produced. For me, it's all about finding one thing: SILVER!

That's right, there's silver in them thar rolls! While most silver coins minted in the United States Mint were officially taken out of circulation in 1964, there are still a few silver coins floating around. After all, the machines that sort these coins are only machine, and the people who sort them are only human! As a result, a small percentage of silver is inevitably overlooked.
So how do you find these silver coins? Well, you can sort through grandma's old coin jar, and depending on how old your grandma is, you might do pretty well. You can also check all the change you get from your everyday transactions for silver, but it's very rare that you will ever find one that way, just because you probably don't come across too much change in one day. The best method I've found is to "buy" coin rolls from the bank, search them, and deposit them back into the bank. It sounds pretty simple, but don't stop reading here. Below, I'll outline some tips that will make everything a bit easier.

First of all, let's discuss what kind of coin you should search. It really depends on what you are looking for. If you're into coins for their numismatic value, then you may be happy getting and searching any kind of coin roll. If you are looking for a cheap way to accumulate copper, then you can buy rolls of pennies (they come in $100 boxes) and remove any pennies minted in 1982 or prior, when they were made of solid copper, and not just copper-plated, as our current pennies are. With today's copper spot price of $4.32 per pound, the metal value within one of these old pennies is almost $0.03. Some people buy boxes of Nickels just for their copper content. As of the writing of this article, the melt value of the copper within a nickel is $0.07. The best thing about nickels is that you don't have to open the boxes and separate them by dates, as all the Nickels in a box will have the same melt value (excluding war nickels, made between 1942 and 1945, which contain 35% silver).

The War Nickel, 1942-1945 is identified by a large mint mark on its reverse. And Contains 1.75 grams of silver!

The silver hunters, however (like me!), will search rolls of dimes, quarters, and half-dollars. These coins dated 1964 and prior contain 90% silver. That's a lot of silver! With today's melt value of $28 per ounce, a dime is worth just over $2.00, a quarter is worth over $5.00, and a half-dollar over $10.00! Also keep an eye out for halves minted from 1965 to 1969. These contain 40% silver and should definitely not be overlooked.

An example of a 40% Silver Kennedy half Dollar found in change!

Most people with Coin Roll Hunting experience will tell you that they have had the most luck with half-dollars. The reason why should be obvious to anyone who has ever tried to purchase something with a half-dollar and seen the open-mouthed, unbelieving stare of the clerk at the register; they are simply not used very much. As a result, less people have had the opportunity to pick out the silver ones. I'll think you'll find, as I have, that half-dollars are the best way to find silver.
So how do you get half-dollar rolls? Okay, okay, I'll tell you! Get them from your bank. The way I've approached getting half dollars from your bank is to very politely ask the teller if they have any half-dollars you can withdraw your money with. Most of the time, the answer will be no, but sometimes customers will bring in halves and the bank will have a roll or two. Some people have claimed getting a bonanza of silver from customer-rolled halves. But if they don't have any halves, don't fret. Simply ask if they can order a box (or boxes) for you. Most banks (not all) will perform this service for you for free, as a caveat of you being a good customer of the bank. If they inform you that they will charge you for this special order, don't do it. Perhaps a polite talk with the manager may change their mind, but it's not worth the risk to pay for a box of coin rolls in which you may not find any silver.

How many coin rolls should you get? Halves typically come in boxes of $500. You should get whatever you can afford to. The more the better! Some people buy one box at a time, some people buy 10 boxes at a time. I have personally never gotten more than 4 boxes at one time.

Next, your task is to open each roll and hunt for your treasure! If you are just searching for silver, then you don't need to look at the date of each individual coin. The quickest way is to remove the coins from the wrapper, and do a "rim check," where you carefully look at the sides, or "rim," of each half dollar. The ones you don't want will have a distinct copper-collored rim. The ones you do want will have a distinct silver-colored rim. If you're unsure if it's copper colored or silver colored, then just check the date! Once you get used to this kind of searching, you will know if you have silver the moment you unwrap the coin roll.

Did you find any silver? I hope you did! Did you get "skunked?" I hope not. Remember: it's not guaranteed that every box will have silver. Sometimes you will get lucky, sometimes you won't. That's why I like to get more than one box at a time; if I get skunked by one box, I will usually find silver in the next.

Now that you (hopefully) have a pocket-full of valuable silver (or other historically valuable coins), you get to experience the biggest downside of this project: the mountain of coins that are only worth their face-value. Don't lose any sleep, though. They are a great way to fill up your gas tank, buy lunch, or spitefully pay that $100 parking ticket. If you're jones-ing for cash, though, it's best to wrap them back up, bring them to the bank, and deposit them.

Golden Rules of Depositing:

1. Never deposit at the same bank you bought the coins from. The bank went though all the trouble of special-ordering your coins, and now you're going to make them count it all? That's just rude. Besides, you might find your own searched coins the next time you go hunting. Instead, deposit them at a bank you don't like, maybe one that was charging you monthly fees you didn't know about, or one that foreclosed on your home.

2. Never deposit more than $500 at a time. This is not just a courtesy to the teller, but anything more than this might raise a red flag on your account. After all, banks are now being trained to report any "suspicious" activity. Though you're probably a peaceful person, keep an eye out for yourself.

Well, that's it! I hope you enjoy the thrill of the hunt. All that's left to say is: take that silver that was stolen from you back from the Federal Reserve - you deserve it! That and: GOOD LUCK!

Nick Foley

Oregon Treasure Legends. Pt 2. by Dennis O'Connor

2011-01-26T00:33:00.000-08:00

Coos County - According to legend, some forty thousand dollars in gold bars were buried by miners during an Indian attack halfway between Sugar Loaf Mountain and Coquille.

Clackamas County - In the area of Government Camp at base of Mount Hood, a cache of stolen treasure is said to be buried.

Clatsop County - Overlooking the river in Astoria is a landmark on Coxcomb Hill called Astoria Column. Before the 125 foot monument that commemorates westward expansion was built in 1925, a cabin stood along Coxcomb Hill Road. Here, lived an elderly man who upon his deathbed, revealed that he had placed $10,000 in a coffee can and hid in a tree stump near his cabin. The cabin stood along the edge of a hill. Though at the time of his death in the 1920s, searches were made for his buried money, it was never found.

Curry County - Where the Rogue River meets the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach, a number of treasures have been found in the past, leading to possibilities of more.

Crook County - In the 19th century there was a popular campsite for miners and settlers located on the north side of the Ochoco River near Skeleton Rock and about two miles east of Prineville. Legend has it that buried in the area is an estimated $50,000 in gold bars and coins.

Douglas County

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Near the small town of Days Creek, miners were said to have buried pouches of gold nuggets in the late 1800s. The old mining camp sits at the confluence of Days Creek and the South Umpqua River about seven miles northeast of Canyonville.

- Over a dozen lost gold mines are said to be located in the Steamboat Mountains in the vicinity of Deadman and White Rock Butte, between the South Umpqua River and North Steamboat Creek.

- Located just below the mouth of Salt Creek was a mining camp called China Bar, named such because it was worked by Chinese prospectors. The Indians, who had long called the area home, were unhappy with these intruders and and an on going war was taking place between the two factions. During one vicious attack, the miners fled with their gold to a cave near China Bar, but were chased down by the Indians and killed. Their gold is still said to be hidden in the cave, which has not been located. China Bar is extremely remote, located on logging roads deep in the mountains in an area called Scuzzy Creek in Fraser Canyon.

Harney County – In the Owyhee Desert, an arid region of canyons, volcanic rock, sagebrush and grass, that lies not only in Oregon, but also in northern Nevada and southwestern Idaho, is said be a hidden mine. In the 1870s, soldiers stationed at Fort Harney were called to fight an Indian uprising. While camping in the Owyhee Desert, one of the soldiers found gold nuggets. With more pressing duties, they were not allowed to explore further. Upon their return to the fort, they told of their find, but anyone who searched was not able to locate the mine again. Some four decades later; however, a sheepherder came upon the same location. While lying on his deathbed, he told about finding the mine, but didn’t provide the specific location. After his death, numerous gold nuggets were found with his belongings.

Hood River County - At Horse Thief Meadows near the Dalles, $25,000 from a stagecoach robbery is believed to be hidden.

Jackson County - In the 1860s, an old miner was said to have buried some $8,000 worth of gold dust near Jacksonville. He returned years later to get the gold, which at that time was said to have been in the vicinity of J.N.T. Miller's field. though, he dug up a large amount of the field, he could never find his buried cache.

Josephine County - Fifty thousand dollars in gold nuggets was said to have been buried by a miner within three hundred yards of the ghost town of Golden.

- In 1878, a German prospector named Karl Meyer took shelter under a rock ledge during a storm along Miller Creek. While waiting out the rain, he spied a badger disappear into a large hole in the nearby rocks. When the rain stopped, he widened the hole and crawled through into a cave. There, he was excited to find a large vein of gold. Breaking off several pieces he soon had it assayed and found it would be worth $415,000 per ton. He then returned to his camp on Miller Creek but was unable to find the cave. He continued to search for the elusive cavern for the next six months, without success. He later died of tuberculosis, having never found the cave.

Lake County -(Also known as Little Ireland due to the large Irish Immigrants)

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The Lost Forest Mine in south central Oregon was discovered by a cowboy who was rounding up cattle in the early 1900s. He planned to meet up with other wranglers at Sand Springs near the Lost Forest. The first to arrive, he found an interesting rock while waiting for the others. Afterwards, he took it to Lakeview to be assayed but never returned for the rock or the results. Too bad he didn’t return because the rock was found to have been at least 50% gold. When the assayer tried to find the cowboy, he was unsuccessful and the exact location was never known. It was speculated; however, that the gold still lies at Sand Springs.

Lincoln County - There is a pirate treasure that is said to be buried near Cascade Head near Lincoln City on the Pacific Coast.

Tillamook County - Somewhere on the base of Neahkahnie Mountain, now located north of Manzanita in Oswald West State Park, is said to be a buried pirate treasure, hidden in the late 1500s. Clatsop Indian legend says that the pirates buried a treasure chest on the slopes at the base of the mountain and marked the spot with an inscribed rock. Legend further has it that the treasure is guarded by the ghost of a man who was killed and buried with the loot.

- Legend has it that a Spanish ship carrying a large amount of gold disappeared in a storm in 1679. Through the years, an number of artifacts have been found on the sandy shores at Nehalem Beach, leading historians to believe this is where the wreck washed up.

Umatilla County

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A March, 1915 newspaper tells of what was called Old Squaw's Buried Treasure on the Umatilla Reservation near Pendleton, Oregon. The tale was told by an old Indian woman upon her death bed, alledging that she had buried a significant amount of gold some two decades before. After telling her story, numerous farmers and Indians searched for her cache, and one can containing $1,100 in gold was found on land, that at the time, was farmed by P.F. Kirckpatrick. Though the old woman insisted there was more, she was too weak to provide more details and died without the rest ever being found.

- In Umatilla Meadows between Pendleton and Stanfield, at a place called Stage Gulch, a stagecoach was robbed in the early 1900’s. The bandits made off with about $1,200 in gold but were quickly captured. The two were to be hanged for their crimes, but before their execution took place, one of them confessed that the loot was buried near the scene of the holdup. Though, he surely hoped for a reprieve the pair were hanged anyway. Though the treasure was searched for, it was never found.

Dennis M. O'Connor

Notes From A Novice: By Kathleen Panno

2011-01-14T17:55:00.000-08:00

I have always treasure hunted since I was young, and began with the usual bottle dump digging with my brothers. We never made a big profit, but this was my start in the direction of hunting in general.
In my freshman year of high school, I encountered a man metal detecting on the beach in Kennebunk, Maine where I lived. He was kind enough to answer questions, and nice enough to allow me to try his detector! I cannot remember what I found, it might been only one or two pennies. Reguardless, I have wanted to to metal detect since then.
Fast forward over thirty years later, and my daughter in law gives my son a basic Bounty Hunter for Christmas in 2008 because she just didn't know what to get. It sat unused until the end of 2009, and that's when I tried it out for the first time on Thanksgiving Day when everyone else was enjoying turkey and warmth! I wish now that I had saved the small amount of pennies I had found in the parking lot of a National Forest Park. It didn't matter, I had caught the bug and longed for Spring.
I used his detector for the first month or so, but then purchased a grade higher; a Bounty Hunter 202 and used that for most of the early summer. Now, I have a 505 and am looking to change over to a Garrett Ace 250 as I progress in my hunting school of learning. I know many would have much input as what is a good machine, but I know what I can handle financially, and the Bounty Hunter's were what I was comfortable with at the time.
Reguardless, most of the secret of metal detecting, is learning to read the signals of your machine, AND most importantly, much research and patience. If your short on patience, it's simply not the hobby for you.

We always enjoy watching the great video finds on Youtube etc., but the countless hours or days where you go through dry spells is not recorded, and hence you sometimes get a false idea that each day is great. Not so. Sometimes, you can leave rather discouraged, especially when you find about .12 cents for over two hours of detecting. Don't be discouraged though! I just want to be realistic, and once you begin to hunt, you will not have preconcieved ideas that will leave you putting your machine in the closet or on Ebay.
I have met some wonderful folks, and enjoy it when the youngsters want to know what I'm doing. Most of your detecting is in the public, so expect to have much curiosity shown. My advice also, is not to be intimidated by the more experienced people in this field.
I had an elderly customer who had company coming from California, and told me she full well knew what to do and where to go with the wife, but the husband was difficult to entertain. She said he loved metal detecting, and asked me if I knew of anyone who did. She had no idea this was one of my favorite subjects, and so I volunteered to go out with him when they came.
Well, I chose an old park as ourfirst place, and I felt quite inadequate when I found that he had even traveled to Europe and had come back with a roman denaris which all the hunting clubs got excited about. His machine and equipment were almost enough to discourage me.
Anyhow, about a half hour into the hunt, I got a quarter signal that was pretty strong and my usual "aluminum can" signal. However, it was the 1914 Penn Relay Game Medal that I have posted the photo of. He was very excited about it and said it would easily be the find of the month as he said this is something that is unique in nature as well as the historical value of it. Phew! I had won his approval, and he was quite informative, but also less abrupt in conversation when he realized I was serious about this hobby as well.

My best "find" for the day besides this medal, was the handmade rosewood pen he presented to me as a gift before I left. I felt quite priviledged, as it's beautiful, and he had made them to bring to a class reunion he was attending during this trip.
I guess my final words would be to encourage others to pursue this hobby knowing we are all novices in the beginning. I'm actually still looking forward to finding my first gold, and am content that it hasn't happened yet.
When you find the big treasures in the beginning, it makes it difficult to go through the dry spells as your asperations have become too high too quickly.
feel the same way with quality machines and equipment. I found my first silver merc with the cheapest machine, and this gentleman I detected with found only a 1913 wheatie with his top of the line White's. If it's meant for me to find, it will be there at the right time.
I do so hope that other enthusiasts will post their experiences as well. It's fun to see the discoveries of others.

Lastly, I don't think of any place as being "hunted out". My neat little barber dime was found at the local fairground that has been scoured for years. The same gentleman that detected with me found a gold nugget just shy of an once that he got in a place where hundreds of folks had hunted. His wife has that beautiful piece hanging on a necklace.

Oh yes, the clad that I found this past summer all went towards an outstanding bill I had...over 160.00. That was a good side benefit.

Happy hunting! Kathleen Panno

BEST FINDS FOR 2010.

FAQ: Video Blog Uno.

2011-01-11T02:12:00.000-08:00

Can't See The Video? Click Here: Video Diary or "Vlog"? Uno.

I get a lot of questions from people via this website and the facebook page that belongs to it as well as other sources. Like you. I am still only just half a year into it. So. I tried to make a video to answer some of the questions people commonly ask me. I guess its my first "vlog" for whatever that means. I talk about being new to the hobby. How I got into it. How I go about detecting. Explain the "Moon Tanning" that everyone seems to be so interested in, some local history of my hometown that has been buried by a deeply liberal community (I did mean to include photos and videos of it in the video but will include a few rare photo's below) and what I have learned so so far in this weird but exciting hobby. Please keep in mind. What I say is not always correct. And nor should anyone follow my advice without doing their own local research when it comes to my method of detecting. The video is a little long. So. I am sorry for that. Feel free to skip it if you like. This is just something I wanted to try. And see how people respond. Luckily, the camera cut off. And my long rambling was ended. Otherwise this could have ran an hour.

KKK CROSS BURRING ON TOP OF SKINNERS BUTTE. As for the forgotten history of the KKK and extremely racist territory of Oregon. Here are a few of the photo's mentioned. I post them here only for historical reference. A disgusting and sad fact that once was. As well as some photos of old civic stadium as I had also intended. Please keep in mind. That I, being interested in history. Especially the town I live in. Not only do I go out and swing a stick. I like to learn about the history of any city I reside in. Good or bad. I was always saddened to uncover this dark past. PICTURED HERE, IS THE KKK MARCHING DOWN WILLAMETTE ST.

I would delve into it, into far more detail if you were to request it. However. I will warn you. As an Oregonian. Especially from the Valley area. You might not like what you learn. And its not really something I would care to cover more so than the little that I have. I would rather focus on the good rather than the bad. For it brings me far more joy to feel a good connection to our predecessors than a sick and twisted negative one.
PICTURED HERE IS A PARKWAY EASEMENT at 10th and High St. CIRCA 1930.

CIVIC STADIUM: GAME NIGHT. CIRCA 1950.

As mentioned in the video. It was under the old wooden bleachers. Or, grand stand that got me thinking of a metal detector and uncovering whatever lost history I could before they had planned to demolish it. In the photo left. You see a tight corridor underneath the grand stand. However. What is not pictured. Is the huge spaces of old hard pack dirt. There is enough room to swing a detector there easily. And probably make some exciting finds leading back to the depression era when it was built. I have personally seen these spaces. And they are quite something. I can only imagine the wonderful things that could be discovered. Your guess is as good as mine.

CIVIC STADIUM CIRCA 1950. SHOWING THE MASSIVE EXPANSE OF A FOOTBALL GAME FIELD.

As always. In search of something our predecessors lost into the soil. We look for places that were high traffic areas. Places of gathering. And not only is Civic Stadium one of those places. It is still standing. A historical masterpiece in itself. What lay beneath its surface is only a small part of it. I look at this last photo I will provide. A design plan for the stadium. That was eventually built by hardworking men and women for families to come and enjoy a family outing at a sports game. And I would hate to see it destroyed. As it is legend. A place of memories for many generations that have come and gone. And we are lucky it is still standing. Its American history. One of the last all wood stadiums in the entire United States of America. The place that I saw great history. The place that inspired me to start my adventure into Urban Archaeology. Metal Detecting.

I will continue to attempt my video "vlog" here and there. But I need topics. So keep the questions coming please. This was just a practice. A little, Ishtar. A heavens gate if you will. And it is what it is. I will do better next time. Oh, and dont forget. Those trees! Hit em hard! The one important fact I left out about trees that also works to the detectorists advantage. Is, well. Leafs. Yup. The falling of a leafs, pine needles and debre. Imagine if you lost an old Silver Dollar while relaxing under a tree for shade. That very silver dollar was most probably never noticed as it lay on top the soil. Because it was covered by an oak leaf. ??? You follow? Ok Good.
Thanks for subscribing. And being patient and the site goes under rebuilding.
So here is whats on the roster for this months columns, and articles. Kathleen Panno has written an article as a new detectorist in Maine. Dennis O'Connor is back with more Gold prospecting tips. I have written an article on hunting for gold coins. And some more useful articles for new and veteran detectorists a like. How to know if a Diamond is Real. Part Two of a new Detectorist guide. Cleaning clad change, with or with out a rock tumbler. And am working on yet more of the Coin Archeology series of American Silver coin ID guides as well as foreign silvers. And as always. A few finds here and there. I leave you with this great clip of Neil McElroy's amazing 1917 Walking Liberty Half Dollar.

Click here to watch if you are reading this via email.
-Ryan

Holiday Giveaway - WINNERS!

2011-01-01T18:04:00.000-08:00

If the video of the drawing does now show up in your email. Simply click here to see it on the website.

EMAILS HAVE BEEN SENT OUT TO EVERY EMAIL ADDRESS THAT WAS DRAWN. THESE EMAILS ARE TO LET YOU KNOW YOU HAVE WON. AND TO GET YOUR MAILING ADDRESS. AS WELL AS TO CONFIRM YOU ARE A WINNER. YOU MUST RESPOND FROM THE EMAIL MATCHING THOSE THAT WERE DRAWN. FOR SAFETY OF SPAM AND SECURITY REASONS. ALL YOUR PERSONAL EMAILS ARE KEPT PRIVATE. I AM THE ONLY ONE BESIDES HOLLY WHO KNOWS THE SECOND PART OF YOUR EMAIL ADDRESSES. AND I USE THAT TO CONFIRM YOUR WIN. AGAIN. YOUR EMAIL MUST MATCH THE EXACT EMAIL YOU SUBSCRIBED WITH. IF YOU DID NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL. CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER JUST IN CASE. OR WRITE TO ME AT THE PROVIDED EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW FROM YOUR REGISTERED ADDRESS THAT WAS DRAWN.
This is not ment to sound harsh. But you would be shocked at the high volume of people trying to take advantage of even these little drawings. RYANOSHEA@ROCKETMAIL.COM

AGAIN. THANK YOU TO DENNIS, EATHAN, RICH, TIM AND THE ANACONDA TREASURE TEAM. FOR YOUR DONATIONS TO THIS GIVEAWAY. THIS FUN LITTLE EVENT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AS COOL WITH OUT YOUR HELP!!!

As a reminder. If you see a copper round with a number on it (pictured is number 1). You have won a larger item. Since the packages are sealed. I do not know who those winners will be. So. Each token has a special number stamped on its reverse. The single number goes to a prize. Simply email me with the number on each side so I can send out your item. If for some odd reason you can not read it. Have someone read it for you, or take a picture. These copper rounds are small in size. Again. Thanks to everyone who is a subscriber to this website. Everyone who stops by to check it out. And anyone and everyone who contributes to the site. And happy new year! It's 1/1/11. A lucky number. I hope it is a fruitful year in your hobbies of choice. -Ryan

TOKEN NUMBER ONE HAS BEEN FOUND BY D.G. AND HAS WON THIS CUSTOM HAND MADE TREASURE CHEST! A 60+ DOLLAR VALUE THANKS TO OUR FRIEND RICH!

ONE OF OUR WINNERS ADAM SHARES HIS WIN, THANKS TO A DONATION BY THE ANACONDA TREASURE TEAM!

JON SHARES HIS DRAWINGS WINS! NO PULL TABS!

REMEMBER TO GET ME YOUR MAILING ADDRESS BEFORE 2/1/11. OTHERWISE. YOUR PACKAGE WILL BE FORFEIT. AND ANOTHER SUBSCRIBER WILL BE DRAWN. EMAILS HAVE BEEN SENT TO EVERYONE WHO WAS DRAWN. AND REMEMBER. WE DO NOT SHARE YOUR EMAILS WITH ANYONE ELSE. ITS OUR WAY OF AVOIDING SPAM. IF FOR SOME REASON YOU DID NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL. AND YOU WERE DRAWN. CHECK YOUR SPAM BOX. OR SEND ME AN EMAIL INCASE YOUR EMAIL WAS RECORDED WRONG.

COAL OR COIL HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!!

2010-12-03T23:59:00.000-08:00

HEY ALL!! I know its been a while since the last post. But the last month has been a busy one. Holiday shopping ya know? However. I was able to dive into some heavy heavy research this month for my upcoming columns. I have to say. I am quite proud of one especially. And I think all you treasure hunters are gonna love it too. Plus I have new finds. and videos to get uploaded. However. The Holidays are near. So first things first. The I DIG HISTORY - COAL OR COIL HOLIDAY GIVEAWAYS!!!!! Silly name. I know. But. I am in a mood for giving. And I got some stuff I will be giving away to the subscribers of this website! With the help of some great people and friends. (Check out a sneak peak prize posted on December 31st posted at the bottom!) You can expect prizes from these fine clubs, companies and folks. Including myself and our mystery prize person! Anaconda Treasure Company/Team has made some really cool donations to the drawing. So thank you!! Check out their website if you like just by simply clicking the teams icon. Again. Thanks guys. I have also gotten some great donations from my friend Dennis O'Connor. Thank you very much Dennis. Hes a great man people! And gives me lots of articles for the site on learning to gold prospect. Find ghost towns ext. I have learned LOADS from Dennis over our talks. Last but not least. Eathan over at black cat mining has made a prize donation as well for you gold bugs! Black Cat Mining So a big thanks to Eathan for your support as well!!!

And last in line is me. I have mixed up a bunch of items for our subscribers. Things you can expect to find metal detecting! Yup. Who knows what you will get. But. I promise you that there will be some goodies on my part.
HOW THIS WORKS.
You could win literally a pull tab or Gold. Clad or Silver. As well as some other great items. Or come home empty handed. All items are put into blind envelopes. And sealed. It's a Virtual Holiday Treasure Hunt. What shows up under your coil. Could be coal or ???? And trust me. There is some goodies just waiting to be mailed out!
Subscribers will be picked at random by a random drawing. Which will be filmed and posted January first. Might actually get to see me hungover and knackered. I will be reading out the first half of your email address. No @comcast.net or Gmail. That way you know if you won via the video. And I can confirm that its you when we correspond via email after the drawing. You will receive an email from me to inform you that you have won. And that I need your mailing address. So remember to check your spam folder just in case. If an email does not show up for some reason. The first half of your emails will be posted in text on the video. Simply write to me so I can confirm the second half and get you your package. I will be asking a lot of questions. So keep checking in.
There is no cost to enter. Just simply Enter your email to subscribe to this site. All emails will be kept private. No SPAM! No mass emailing.
Rules are Simple. JUST BE A SUBSCRIBER! That is it.
If you run into problems for any reason trying to subscribe. Just simply Email me.
Again. Packages will contain some great items. Some will be DUDS! But, you got nothing to lose! Keep an eye out for blank copper tokens that have a number on them. As they are for prizes. The number 1 token for the prize that will we will post a sneak peak of on the 31st. And taken back off on the 1/2/11. So get a look while you can. Cut off date for entries is Wednesday the 29th of December 2010! Drawing will be held on the first day of the new year. And keep checking back for new updates. And our next drawing.
Happy Holidays and as always. Happy Hunting!!
-Ryan

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THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS. AND TO EVERYONE WHO HAS FOLLOWED THIS SITE! WELCOME ALL NEW SUBSCRIBERS. AND BEST OF LUCK! SEE YOU ALL ON THE FIRST OF JANUARY 2011!!! TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNING SUBSCRIBERS WHO WILL BE GETTING A PACKAGE IN THE MAIL.

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
RYANOSHEA@ROCKETMAIL.COM

Shirts and Gear!

2010-11-07T04:24:00.000-08:00

SHIRTS WE OFFER.

Skull and Cross Detectors Shirt. 14.99 S-XL. Your choice of print on front or back and shirt color.

COIN SHOOTERS / COIN ARCHAEOLOGIST SHIRT. Two color print on light tan shirt. 20$. (OUT OF STOCK!)

We also carry an array of items to go along with your hobbies. Including Full Precious Metal Acid Testing Kits. Loops, Scales, Diamond Testers, Slab Style Coin Cases (With Custom labels for your special coin finds), Coin Books, E-Books, Audio Books on Detector Tones, Treasure Chests And more.

Coin Style Slabs Come In a variety of colors and sizes. And make your own sizes for those odd sized coins. Let us know what type of coins you wish to have cases made for. And we will provide you with a photoshop template. And prices. So we can insert the sticker labels. GREAT FOR FINDS!

Diamond Tester

This has been a very popular item. And one that I personally carry with me in my gear box on my outings. Priced right. So its affordable! Comes with a leather like case. A small loose stone plate. At 6 and 1/2 inches long. It fits perfectly into any gear bag or box. Never know when that heart stopper ring will show up! Why wait to get results? Get a diamond tester. (These are currently on back order. Very popular!)

DIGITAL POCKET SCALE

This is a GREAT professional precision pocket sized scale! Perfect for weighing coins, rings, bullion, gold and jewelry. This scale has a max weight of 1000 grams. And six weighing modes: Grams, Oz, Grain, Dwt, Troy Oz and CT. Stainless steel platform. Has a removable tray/lid. Backlit LCD display and runs off 2 Triple A batteries that come included. A must have! I dunno how I detected so long with out one! This is the exact model I use. Only 18.99!!

HELPING MAGNIFIER

This handy little magnifier is great for looking at rings, coins and all sorts of items. Its lightweight. Compact. And I use my quite often! This comes brand new in sealed package. The picture posted is of mine as an example out of the package. Comes with two gator grip adjustable arms. 2-1/2" for 4x power magnifying glass. Locks at any angle. Cast iron base. Nickel plated fittings and 8 ball joints for all angles. Also works great for close up pictures of rings! And comes in extremely handy for other uses when you need to fix your gear. 8$!

WE ACCEPT PAYPAL, AND MONEY ORDERS. WE DO OFFER COMBINED SHIPPING VIA FLAT RATE FOR ANY COMBINED ORDERS. OTHERWISE YOU ARE ONLY CHARGED THE EXACT COST OF SHIPPING. ALL ORDERS CAN BE PLACED BY DIRECT CONTACT HERE.
RYANOSHEA@ROCKETMAIL.COM

WANT TO MAKE YOUR OWN SHIRTS? WE OFFER CUSTOM SCREEN PRINTING!

URBAN ARCHEOLOGY PRINT WEAR!
We offer custom screen printing for all your hobby needs! We own a small fully functional four color silk screening shop. We can print you your very own custom print wear with your designs and your ideas! Affordable T-Shirts, Hooded Sweat Shirts, Banners Ext. We offer a wide range of colored shirts. All 100% heavy duty cotton. If we dont stock it. We will work hard to get it. All our orders and prices are fully customizable to your budget as well. Meaning we can print you just a few shirts if that's all you need. Leaving room for us and you to both make that extra money to support our hobbies. We constantly offer specials for all subscribers to the site. So be sure to join.

No Minimum! Order one shirt at a time as you get orders, with a free one month screen hold.
Screen Set Up Fee(s): Per Screen: 35$. Includes photo positive.
Colored Shirts Are 5.25$ Each S-XL. 2XL-4XL is an additional 1$ Includes one color ink.
Whites/Plain Shirts are 4.00 Each: S-XL. Includes one color ink.
Hooded Sweat Shirts. Write or call for price quote.
Each additional ink color is 1$. Plus cost of screen set up.
Screen holding fee is 10$ a month for each screen after first month from order.

To place an order for T-Shirts and pricing. Contact us directly.
Ryanoshea@rocketmail.com

11/5/10 - Money Talks. Silver Walks!

2010-11-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

Out of the land of the constant rain they came. A moon tan on their backs, and detectors to the sand......
Ninja's are seeking. While you are sleeping. Oh, master Ninja. Silver Yen, Silver American.
Oh Master Ninja, Easements, silver walking.....

11/5/10 - Money Talks and Silver Walks. Team Moon Tan Hunt video.

Worded version below.

Noah and I came up with a new idea on where to find goodies last night. However. The only way to do it. Is extreme Moon Tanning. We hunt in an Urban Area. And, if you wanna hear that old money talk. You need to be able to hear. So, we set out late after traffic was minimal. Foot traffic was still high as it was a Friday night. So, naturally we got a few drunken college loud mouths here and there. Making dumb ignorant comments. However, it was mostly positive. Lots of questions by passers by. "Do you really find treasures with those"? If treasure is what they wanna call it. Then, yeah! We do. And we have not been at this hobby very long. Anyway. Last night. As I was saying. We discovered a new improved method of how we hunt. And we put it to the test. And it did not take long before it paid off. The first find of the night was a small gold pin with a Norman Cross on it. This little pin is a Sigma Chi Fraternity pledge pin. I would not have known that much about it. So, thanks to youtube user Forkemdvls for the comment on what it was. I almost passed on digging it. The signal was weird, choppy and only making little nulled beeps. Bouncing low, to near a zinc cent. Since I was sweeping an area that was totally void of other targets. I assumed it was junk. And since I was not digging anything. I said what the hell. And I saw the yellow down in the hole.
As we pressed on. Holly was next to get a interesting target. She found a 2002 50 Euro Cent from Germany. While its not old. Her and I both love to find foreign coins. And so far this year, we have found lots of interesting foreign coins. Some British. A few old pre decimal Irish. A silver Netherlands, A silver franc, Australian 2 cent and plenty of Canadian. Noah, found a flat silver (railroad track coin maybe?) Canadian coin from the late 1800's. And just the other night. A cool South African Coin. They are just cool to find. Because they are different. First silver of the night was a Silver 1956 Rosie dime. This coin was a bit tricky as it was literally on edge. Yet, I managed to get it to chirp in as silver as I rotated my sweep around the target. Yet, it was not saying much. During the day. This target would have easily been missed. And since it was in an area I know for a fact has been hit several times pretty hard during the day when traffic is buzzing. It was most likely missed. Not my favorite coin. I don't like presidential coins. Especially the Rosie, and the Ike dollars. But, I will take a silver Rosie dime any day.
Once we reached the area we wanted to hunt. Almost instantly old coins started popping up. As I dug a wheat cent i noticed Noah and Matt huddled together. I said to Holly, hes got a good target. Lets go. So, we moved down the block a bit to step in just as Noah popped a plug with a HUGE silver laying perfectly flat deep in the ground. It looked like a 1941 Walking Liberty. Camera rolling. We popped it out. And, it was!

1941s Walking Liberty Half Dollar- Cleaned.

The excitement of this find had the whole group fired up. We had to take a break to calm down. So, we ended up going to get something to eat. Looked at our finds. Talked detecting. And about how the new method of detecting seemed to be working. So after munching down some cheap tacos and cane sugar Mexican cokes. We hit it for another 30 minutes. And literally. Right out the door where Noah and Matt parked. Noah found a 1942 Mercury Dime within 10 minutes.After that Noah and Matt called it a night. And ended up taking off. Holly and I hunted for a few more mintues. Trying to fight the urge to fall asleep. Someone approached us. And asked us all about Metal Detecting. So, we ended up having a long chinwack about it. Sharing stories of finds. And that anyone can do what we do. If you have some patience. I took a few last swings. Digging up plenty of clad and some other crap. Targets all over. Too tired to dig em up. Even if they were Silver. I finally called it. I knew I could return at anytime. So, Holly and I headed home. Thanks for stopping by. And remember. If we can find it. SO CAN YOU! Questions, Comments or hunting tips ext. Write directly to us. Or subscribe to the site. HH- IDH team.

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UPDATE: 1840's - ???? Spoon?

I dig this spoon a month ago. And I can't remember where! See. For some reason. My brain does not quite grasp onto things right away. So I didn't see a relic. I saw. Scrap copper. Today. I was thinking about this odd spoon. And realized. Wait a second. When have I ever seen a copper spoon? NEVER! UNLESS! Its an old plated spoon thats been in the ground a LONG time. Well. Turns out. I was right. I knew it was old. But i did not realize the Rogers Nickel Silver spoons began in the 1840's. The spoon reads. ROGERS NICKEL SILVER just under and behind the spoons head.
From what I understand. They had a hard time perfecting the electro plating process back then. Using a Nickel, zinc and copper alloy. Rogers Bros. became part of the Meriden Britannia company. The Meriden Britannia company absorbed dozens of other silverware makers in the area and expanded its operation overseas, after which it became known as the International Silver Company. International Silver may have used the 1847 Rogers mark as early as 1852. The successor to the International Silver Company is still in business and uses the 1847 trademark to this day.
So. How old is this spoon. Take a good look at it. If it was silver plated. Someone did a poor job. I found an 1879 spoon this year. That still had 90% of its silver plating left. This Rogers Spoon has ZERO. Instead. It actually has a nice old copper patina to it. Its surprisingly flexible. As if it was pure copper. Or. The mixture of metals. Especially the zinc has long since decayed back into the soil. As zinc is a strong metal. And hard to bend even in thin strips. It is weak when it comes to acidic soil. So. I dunno. This relic is definitely old. How old....is anybody's guess. These are the real fun finds. As you have to really work hard to unlock its mystery. And date of birth and origin. Where as. Coins. Have it written right on them. Dont get me wrong. I LOVE coins. But I absolutely love relics and personal objects as simple as this ugly. Brown spoon. Unlocking their history is what makes them interesting and fun. Soooo. ANY IDEAS ON THIS SPOON? GOT AN ANSWER OR LEAD? PLEASE COMMENT!
Here is a picture of the name stamp in macro. Who knows. Something as simple as a variation of the stamp. Could tell a great deal.

THE LIPSTICK CONTAINER

Another interesting find. Was this amazing lipstick container found DEEP in the ground in the oldest part of town. We have never been able to ID it. In fact. the patina was so green and thick. We had to clean it up a bit. But not over clean it. We wanted to leave the rustic look to it. Once we removed the thick green layer. The engraving became visible. Very neat find! However. Its gone unnamed company wise. As, we can not read the writing on the bottom. And have no way to date it. Ideas?

11/2/10 - Back To Cuttin Worms

2010-11-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

WARNING!! THIS VIDEO CONTAINS SOME STRONG LANGUAGE DUE TO POOR EDITING!
IF YOU ARE EASILY BOTHERED BY CURSE WORDS. PLEASE SKIP THE VIDEO. TO THE POST.

Tonight. For the first time. The rain fianlly let up for an entire day. So, after work. The team got out and got to cuttin worms. We had no specific goal in mind of what to find. Though, Im sure Noah did. GOLD! However. Holly and I just wanted to get out. We started in a park for about an hour. Where Noah dug a DEEP 1943 Mercury Dime the day before. So we decided to meet there.
Things started off slow. A turd log here. A pull tab there. Then. Noah dug a DEEP 1940 Silver Washington Quarter.

Things continued slow. No big finds. A junk ring. A few wheats, plenty of pull tabs. And just as we were about to wrap it up. Holly got a sweet hit on the Explorer II. A nice fat silver ring! A little research after we got home on it revealed it retailed for 106$. Not bad!

7.1 Gram .925 Silver Ring. Made by SETA co. Dug by Holly.

After our quick hunt with Noah. We headed back to Noah's to clean the finds and have a quick beer and do some research on the neat foreign coin he found. A 1999 South African 25 Francs. Not sure of its monetary value. But it is a neat find. You always wonder how they get to out little town.
After our quick drink. Noah had to leave. So. Holly and I headed back out to do some more detecting. It has been so long since we have had a chance to get out and get a good full hunt in. We were quite happy just coin shooting. So, Holly picked a new spot to do so. And there was clad change a plenty. LOADS of it in fact. We really only had time to get the surface targets off the surface of one small area. However. To my surprise. My second target was a deep one iffy one. I was only able to hear it sweeping one direction. Even pinpoint was weak on it. About 8+ inches down. Expecting a clad. I dig poorly. This area. Until last night. We did not realize was a little older than we had originally thought. So, after clawing my way threw roots in a hurry to get back to picking up clad. I saw the beautiful gleam of silver instead. A 1959D Rosie Dime.

Totally unexpected. Holly also picked up a wheat cent. So, we found a new potential hot spot. And, if its been hit before. Its not been hit very hard. There were coins everywhere. Once we get threw all the surface clad and the clad in the first few inches. The silver coins should start popping up if they are there. Which I believe are. Along with other goodies waiting to be found. And since we hit only one part of this area. I expect to be finding more than just coins. Though the hunt was short. We all managed to get some silver in our collection. And it was a pretty good night.
On our way home. Holly and I picked up a bite to eat. And I was handed this PERFECT 2007 P mint Kennedy Half. These beautiful Satan Finish, uncirculated gem choice coins are not made for circulation. So, it was an awesome added bonus to end the night. Someone took it either out of a special mint roll and spent it. Or, took it out of a collection. Who knows. Lucky I caught it before it got any dings or scratches on it.

CUSTOM METAL DETECTING COIN FIND CASES WITH LABELS.
I have recently made a connection for graded coin type cases. Which I can make custom labels for.
If interested. Get in touch with me. And I can get you your OWN custom cases for your special finds.

This example is of my FIRST FIND type labels. Which feature a first find label with state of origin. Find location. And metal detector coil. Along with my catalog number for the coin. They are stackable. Or, fit in their own special page for your collection books.

We also offer a "Gauranteed Treasure" card using these slabs, with an encased historic coin. Which we give to someone if they have a property we really want to hunt. Cool huh?

Be sure to come back Tuesday November 9th 2010 to see the new DVD trailer for our friends at ATC for their new DVD. Info on their site. Newsletters. Tokens. Finds and more!!!

AMERICAN SILVER COIN GUIDE PT. ONE

2010-10-18T18:14:00.003-07:00

In this column. I will be going over United States Silver Coins from 1900-1970, with the exception of the Barber series extending back to 1892 so you have an easy reference to identify your coin(s) for silver content. I will also list off some basic specific dates along with mint marks in each coins category to show you some of the higher value, rare and error coins to look for. Part Two will cover the 1800's. Which is a rather large list.

Each coin category is a bit different. So read each variety's details. This is just a basic list with some example pictures. Most example pictures I provide are of coins in a low grade. If your coin shows more detail than the provided pictures. You have a better than average grade. (hold your coin next to the provided images. And see what is present that is not in my examples). I am including some specific dates that have potential to carry higher values than others. In some cases a lot more value. While this list is mainly aimed at new metal detectorists who have just gotten into the hobby and don't know what is what. The list also applies to everyone wanting to learn the basics of what circulated American coins were made of silver in the 1900's. If you do not have a reference guide to coins on hand. Refer to this basic quick guide, or any other reference you can find such as a current blue book or a constantly updated coin price magazine or website. If your coin matches any of the specific dates listed in a coins category. Bring it to a coin dealer or a serious coin collector to have it checked out. Remember. Never clean any coin if you do not know what you have!! Especially an old coin of any kind with a nice sharp clear image that is better than the provided examples. Unless its to rinse away dirt due to metal detecting under running water or by use of a sonic cleaner. Store it safely. And have a reputable coin dealer or specialist look at your coins. There are many other factors in coins that come into play. Besides just the brilliance of a coins strike. Such as mintage, errors, key dates. And especially with coins like the Silver Morgan Dollar and some Peace Dollars. A V.A.M.can slightly or greatly add extra value to these coins if applicable. Understanding the whole realm of numismatics on coins is a lot to understand. And the best way to ensure you maintain your coins value is to simply NOT CLEAN YOUR COIN. IE, rubbing it with baking soda, buffing or using coin cleaning solutions like tarnex ext. Store them safely until they are checked out. I can't stress it enough!! I have seen many times. Someone cleaning a coin worth hundreds to thousands of dollars because they want to make it shiny and pretty. Or by doing something idiotic like this example of a nice 1853 Seated Dime coin that was totally ruined to make a charm. So if you do come across a coin of potential value. That is the most important lesson you will learn. Now to the basic guide of American Silver coins of the 1900's. The coins you will most commonly come across if coin hunting depend on where you are hunting. These are all possible finds. So, its good to know what is what.

SILVER JEFFERSON NICKEL
Commonly Called The War Nickel
Dates of issue: 1942-1945
Silver Content: 35% or 1.75 grams pure silver.

Like the steel penny. Silver "War" nickels were produced starting in mid 1942 through 1945. The coins new composition was 56% copper, 35% silver and 9% manganese. As the nickel was saved and used for war time industry.
Silver nickels are distinguishable by a slightly different color than ordinary nickels and by the addition of a large mint mark above Jefferson's Monticello on the reverse of the coin. In addition. War nickels were the first coin to show the "P" mint mark. Which again disappeared after war nickel production. And finally appeared on all coinage in 1979.

War Nickels to watch for: Are the Hub doubles. 1943P - P over P and the 1943 "P" with a 3 stamped over the 2 in the date. Who knows what else is out there. There was a 1942 War Nickel with a small "S" mint mark. See here. that is the only one known to exist. Also, be aware of the Henning fakes. They are worth some $$$ as well.

THE SILVER ROOSEVELT DIME
(also referred to as a Rosie Dime)
Dates of issue: (Silver)1946-1964
Silver Content 90% Silver or .900

The Roosevelt Dime is the dime we all know. The design still currently floating around in circulation. A dime that is fun to look for in our spare change. Because the Silver variety (1946-1964) still pops up from time to time in our pocket. These are fun dimes to collect and hunt for and find for their silver content. Though, there are no common or Proof Silver Rosie dimes that break the hundred dollar mark. Silver Rosie dimes are still worth more than their face value. Silver dimes contain 2.25 grams of pure silver. And with silver prices going higher and higher. Their value in just silver content alone continues to rise. However. Like all coins. The better shape a coin is in. The more value it can have. These are a great coin to start a collection with. I myself am still working on the entire set of Silver Rosie dimes in MS-65 while they are still cheap. Because someday. They will be worth much much more. And something great to pass on to our grandchildren someday.

Silver Roosevelt Dimes to watch out for based on a MS-65 grade

1949, 1950S, 1952, 1952S, 1950(Proof), 1951 (Proof), 1952 (Proof), 1953 (Proof), 1954 (Proof), 1954S, 1955. Fun Fact: 1965 silver dimes do exist However they were created on by mistake due to silver blanks from 1964 remaining trapped in the mint's equipment. They are called an "off metal error".
NOTE: Silver Rosie Dimes are still available in special Silver Proof mint sets of 90% silver after silver in common coinage was discontinued in 1964. The practice of special collector silver proof coins has continued up until the present. But they are not found in common circulation. Unless they get there by mistake. They are part of special mint sets only. Along with the Washington Quarters and Kennedy Halfs.

THE WINGED LIBERTY HEAD DIME
(most commonly called the Mercury dime)
Dates of issue: 1916 -1921 -1923-1945
Silver Content 90% Silver or .900

Mercury Dimes can we worth a good bit of money in high grade. Especially those from 1916-1935. And a few, even in bad shape can still be worth some good money. The Mint mark on these dimes are located bottom left of the faces and or sticks on the reverse. See picture example provided by clicking for close up. The following list is a list of dates to really watch for. Mercs such as the 1916 D and the 1942 - 2 over 1 dates are the real gems of the series. Fetching some high numismatic prices even in low grade. The list below are other dates to watch for. The 1921 plain or D mint especially. The list is based on coins that can be worth more than others based on grade.

Specific Mercury dimes to watch for.

1916D, 1917D, 1917S, 1918, 1918D, 1918S, 1919D, 1919S, 1920D, 1920S, 1921, 1921D, 1923S, 1924D, 1924S, 1925, 1925D, 1925S, 1926D, 1926S, 1927D, 1927S, 1928D, 1928S ( *Large* "S" and Small "S" ), 1929S (Doubled Die Front), 1931 (Doubled Die Front & Back), 1931S, 1931S(Doubled Die Front), 1934D, 1935D, 1936(Doubled Die Front), 1936D, 1937(Double Die Front), 1937D, 1937S, 1938S, 1939(Doubled Die Front), 1939S, 1941(Doubled Die Front), 1941s (Small "s"), 1941S (*Large* "S"), 1941S (Doubled Die Back), 1942 (*2 Stamped over 1 on date*), 1942D (*2 Stamped over 1 on date*) 1945S (Micro "s")

THE LIBERTY HEAD DIME
Most commonly called The Barber Dime.
Dates of issue 1892-1916
Silver Content 90% or .900
Designed by Charles Barber who also did the 25 and 50 cent of the same period.

The Barber dime extends further back than 1900. Which was my cut off date for this article on coins. However, for the barbers. I will list all specific dates to watch for. Based on coins that carry a higher numismatic price in the low grade range, to at least 100 $ in the AU 50 range. Keep in mind however, a coin such as the1895 O are worth over a hundred dollars in just a G4 Grade. And many of these coins in just a F12-AU50 Range command much much more than just face value, or silver content. Like all silver coins. Any found, or dug in good shape showing excellent detail. Need to be treated as though you they are potentially worth hundreds. So again. As a reminder. Never clean, or rub or do anything other than wash away dirt to any silver coin you find in good shape until you know the value. When detecting. It is not uncommon to find silver coins that are a hundred years old in excellent shape. Reason being is they may not have seen much circulation when they were lost. A list of dates and mints of specific coins are listed below. If star is added. It means key date, rare, error or over 100$ in G4 grade.

1892S, 1893* (3 over 2* Mintage of this date restrike unknown), 1893O, 1894O, 18940, 1894S* (*24 known to exist. Unlikely to find. But you never know!) 1895, 1895O*, 1895S, 1896O, 1896S, 1897O, 1897S, 1898O, 1899O, 1900 O, 1901S, 1903S, 1904S, 1909D, 1909S, 1913S,

THE WASHINGTON QUARTER
(most commonly called the Silver Washington)
Dates of issue: (Silver) 1932-1964
Silver Content 90% Silver or .900

The Washington quarter is a quarter we all know. As it is still in use today. However, the coins up until 1964 were made of silver. Excluding the silver proof coins 1964 to date. As mentioned before. Certain coins are still struck in 90% silver by the mint as part of special collectors sets. The Washington quarter was the second American coin to show the face of a former president. To commemorate their birth years. However. The Washington Quarter was originally intended to be just a commemorative coin in 1932 to mark the 200th anniversary of Washington's birth. Instead, they continued to mint them to present date. The Silver early variety of these coins are quite common. And there are only a few dates that demand a high price. The rest dont bring in much more than its silver content unless they are in extremely high grade.
So, with the exception of 1932 D and S mint. There are really only a couple to really watch for. So this list is small. And a * indicates the most valuable of the series in silver. The rest I list on a EF 40 grade base. That have slightly higher values than the others in the series. Even still. In my opinion. These coins, especially the early dates are all worth holding onto if found.

1932D*, 1932S*, 1934D, 1935D, 1936D, 1937S, 1940D, 1950D* ( *D Mint mark over S mint mark), 1950S* (S over D mint mark) The Mint Mark on Washington Quarters made in Silver 1932-1964 are located on the reverse under the wreath near the bottom.

STANDING LIBERTY QUARTER
Nicknamed early on as (The Naughty Quarter)
Dates of issue: 1916 - 1930
Silver Content 90% Silver or .900

The Standing Liberty Quarter was first issued in 1916. The first issue was dubbed the Naughty Quarter due to the right breast being exposed on the design. And was short lived. The 1916 type one Standing Liberty Quarter can fetch a sexy sum of $$$ even in low grade. There was only 52,000 1916 Type one Naughty Quarters minted. And a total of only 12,305,200 of the type one version of this coin minted from 1916-1917.
1917 Type Two Variety: The same year of 1917 the design was slightly modified. Covering the exposed right breast on the front along with some minor changes. While on the reverse moving three of the 13 stars underneath the newly centered eagle. As well as slightly tightening the lettering. In 1925 the coins date was "recessed" to give it better protection from wear due to circulation. Look closely at both examples of the coin to familiarize yourself with the changes. Pictured as the type two variety I used the recessed date variety. The type one and two coins are easily distinguished however by the minor changes in the overall design. Especially that of the placement of the stars, eagle, date and lettering. Below is a list of dates to watch for. A * symbol represents coins in a low grade still worth a handsome sum. And I am using a Grade average of EF 40 for coins near or over a hundred dollars in value.

1916*, 1917 plain, S and D Variety 1, 1918S* (*8 over 7 date), 1919D, 1919S, 1921, 1923S, 1924D, 1927S, 1928S (Large and Small S mint)

THE LIBERTY HEAD 25CENT
Commonly Called THE BARBER
QUARTER
Dates of issue: 1892-1916
Silver Content: 90% or .900

Just like the other silver coins of this type, The Dime and 50 Cent coins 1892-1915/16 The Quarter Dollar was designed by Charles Barber. And the coins all have the same design as each other only with different size, and denominations. As I mentioned before with the Barber dime. This is the only coin in this column I will be covering back into the 1800's. As this list will be a two part series. 1800's and 1900's. The Barbers will be simply knocked out here. As they are the only series of coin 10c, 25c and 50c, with the same design to extend into the 1900's. Below is a basic list of dates to watch out for. A * representing the most valuable of them. With a grading of the EF40 range near or above 100$ in value. Remember. Never clean any coin with a nice sharp clear image. Unless its to rinse of dirt due to metal detecting in running water. Store it safely. And have a coin dealer or professional look at your find.. There are many other factors in coins that come into play. These dates are just a basic example listing.

1892, 1892S Type Two Reverse, 1892S,1892S Type Two Rev, 1892O, 1892O Type Two Rev, 1893S, 1894S, 1894S1895S, 1896O, 1896S*, 1897O, 1897S 1898O, 1901O, 1901S*(*3,000$ in a low G4 grade), 1902S, 1904O, 1905O, 1908S, 1909O, 1911D, 1913, 1913S*, 1914S, 1916D (D mint over D)

THE KENNEDY HALF DOLLAR
Date of Issue in Silver: 1964-1970
Silver Content: 1964 - 90% Silver .900
Silver Contect: 1965-1970 - 40% Silver .900

The Kennedy Half Dollar was the last half dollar to contain Silver. As well as the only coin after 1964 to still contain silver content. Though it was reduced from 11.25 grams pure silver content in the 1964 mintage. To a lesser 4.6 gram silver content in the remaining years 1965-1970. Making it a silver clad coin. Until it was changed a final time in 1971 containing no silver. The 1964 Silver Half dollar was issued within 3 months of Kennedy's death. Nine years before the half-dollar would have otherwise been eligible for change. Leaving the Franklin half dollar to be cut short. As well as causing somewhat of the mainstream death of the half dollar as a circulating coin in general. A number of factors played into this. One being the new design of the half dollar. Another because of the sentiment of JFK's death. And lastly. Silver was removed from coinage the following year. And the remaining silver coinage was quickly hoarded away. These factors where due to people and collectors hoarding these coins away. Oddly. There is really no Kennedy half dollars of high numismatic value. A mint flawless 1964 Accented Hair reaching 40-50$ maybe.

THE FRANKLIN HALF DOLLAR
(Sometimes Called Franklin Bust Half Dollar)
Dates Of Issue: 1948-1963
Silver Content: 90% Silver .900

The Franklin half dollar was short lived due to the death of JFK. And if it had not been for the death of JFK and the quick change of the American Half Dollars design. The Franklin half would have been around until 1973. And possibly longer. Making it all the way into the clad variety of coinage. When the design was eligible for change. So. They remain in the silver catagory. And every Franklin half is 90% silver. And there are some numismatic and strange error coins in the Franklin Half mintage. Like the bugs bunny. Where Franklin has what appear to be large rabbit teeth protruding out. Franklin halfs have always seemed scarce to me and as if lurking quietly in the dark. I think of them as the forgotten Half dollar. Or the Half everyone knows about. But never thinks of coming across. As a metal detectorist. I can tell you. It has never once crossed my mind I could stumble upon a Franklin half. I dunno why that is. But. It seems people just dont think much of them. Below is a list of some of the higher priced halfs. None of which cross the 100$ value line unless in an MS grade. So, this list is brief. Using a EF/XF state. Most coins only reaching about 10-20$ in the grade. As most Franklins are only worth money in a 65FBL state. Or the 1950 65 cam reaching around 2000$.

Here are a few of the dates to watch for.
1949D, 1949S, 1951D, 1952S, 1953, 1953S, 1953D, 1955, 1955 (Bugs Bunny), 1958 & 1959 (Type 2 Reverse)

THE WALKING LIBERTY HALF DOLLAR.
Dates of Issue: 1916-1947
Silver Content: 90% .900

The Walking Liberty is regarded as one of Americas most beautiful coins to ever be minted. First place being the Saint-Gaudens 20$ gold piece. Which is why the US mint's Silver bullion troy oz coins are designed after the Walking Liberty. And the American gold Bullion troy oz coin is the 20$ Gold Double Eagle. They are both excellent coins designs. Yet, I personally favor the Walking Liberty Half Dollar design wise. Its a perfect gem of a coin. And a coin that reaches over the 130,000$ dollar range for a 1919D and 1921S is MS65 State. The Walking liberty half dollars mint mark was located on the front, or heads side of the coin just under in god we trust. And in some of the 1917 issues as well. But was moved to the reverse, or tails side of the coin that same year. Where it remained almost hidden in the 8 o clock position on the reverse of the coin. The coins listed below, will be dates with high value starting at VF20. However. If you find a coin of this variety. That shows excellent detail in every aspect of strike in a coin listed below. To REMAIN CALM!

Dates to keep an eye out for. :
1916, 1916D, 1916S, 1917D, 1917S (Obverse MintMark) 1919, 1919D, 1919S, 1920 D, 1921, 1921D, 1921S, 1923S 1928S (Large S Mint Mark), 1938D

LIBERTY HEAD
HALF DOLLAR
More often referred to as a BARBER HALF
Dates of issue : 1892 -1915
Silver Content: 90% .900
The Barber Half dollar. The biggest variety of this design series. Is identical on the heads side as it is in the Dime, and Quarter dollars. With the reverse, or tails side the same except for the monetary amount. The mink mark on these coins are found just under the eagles tail feathers. And above the D in the word dollar. The picture I provided. Is of a low grade version of this coin. As I have in most cases. Reason being, you are wanting your coin to have much sharper detail than the provided images. What you want to see on the heads side of all the Barber Series. is the words Liberty on Liberty's Head evenly sharp and crisp along with distinct ribbons That is what you want to see. Especially to reach a EF/VF grade. The blow list is a list of VF grade coins. However, as a reminder. Remember. If you do not know your coin. Handle with great care. Never clean them of tarnish or "age" other than to rinse away dirt.

ALMOST EVERYONE OF THESE COINS STARTING AT A VF20 GRADE AND UP ARE WORTH OVER 100$ DATED 1892-1915. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE 1892o*(*Micro "O" Mint Mark*) WHICH CAN FETCH A VERY HIGH AMOUNT. STARTING AROUND 1,800$ IN A G4 GRADE TO 7,000 IN VF20. SOME OF THE LATER DATES CAN BE FOUND UNDER THE 100$ MARK. HOWEVER, NOT BY MUCH. ANY COIN IN A FINE OR EXTREMLY FINE GRADE. IS A NICE FIND!

PEACE DOLLAR
Dates Of Issue: 1921- 1928 1934 -1935
Silver Content 90% .900
Weight: 26.73 Grams
Originally early proposals for this design called for a commemorative half dollar issue to coincide with the end of WWI. However in 1921 the same day the minting of the Morgan Silver Dollars resumed, legislation called for a new design. And the "Peace" half dollar design was instead issued as a Silver Dollar. It was the last silver dollar to be minted in the United Sates for circulation made of Silver. Following the Morgan Silver Dollar. The Peace Dollar featured a new variation of the Liberty Head theme. Designer Anthony De Francisci. Used his wife as his portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse. And the reverse with an eagle perched on a rock facing to the right. The word "Peace" found just below the eagle is what gave this coin its name. How clever! The minting of the Peace dollar stopped in 1935. But the coin was actually minted again 30 years later in silver in 1965 and dated as 1964. However no examples of these coins exist. And where never released from the mint. And where all melted down. Due to the increasing population of werewolves living under the name Charley somewhere in Asia. After the "Charley" affair. Silver was never resumed for use in common circulating coinage in the united states again. Peace dollars like the Morgan Dollar. Were poorly handled leaving the mint. So. Most uncirculated coins have scratches and knicks because of the way these coins where loosely packed and handed in the mint bags. Coins that are Choice, sharply struck with full brilliance and without knicks or blemishes are typically not listed in most coin price magazines. And are typically worth more than their highest listed values in them. A VAM also applies to Peace Dollars in some cases. And can add to the coins value. Like Morgans. Grading, and finding a value of a perfect coin. Is a series undertaking. And can get ones arse in a knot. But having a perfect choice coin is worth the cost and grading services provided by reputable coin grading companies. However. Like the Morgan and Peace dollar. These make great coins as silver bullion. And can be found at any coin store or online. Here is basic list of higher priced coins using the VF2-XF40 grade range to watch for if you come across one otherwise. Via metal detecting, hand me down, estate sale ext.

1921, 1924S, 1926S, 1934S (Keep in mind. That like all coins. Coins in higher grades than listed means they are worth more. And typically applies to all dates. Always treat your coin finds like they are potentially worth trillions. And store your coin finds safely. )

THE MORGAN SILVER DOLLAR.
Dates of issue: 1878-1904
Date of last issue: 1921
Silver Content. 90% Silver .900
Weight, 26.73 grams
The Morgan silver dollar is the most collectible Silver Dollar. And it really falls into a category of its own. There are so many different little things that make rather large differences in these coins value. And make this a coin fun to collect due to its many littler errors and variety's of. However. To the common person who just sees a coin. Keep in mind. There is always potential value that may be hidden in something as small as its luster or a missing tail feather that can go unnoticed to an untrained eye. In the next part of the American Silver Coin guide. I will go deeper into the Morgan Dollar. Since its a rather large topic to cover. Most of the dates of serious value being in the 1800's. I, like many of you. Am no numismatic expert by any means. So I treat all my coin finds like they are potentially valuable. Once I have gotten a basic idea of the coins potential. I can then decide what to do with it. Point being. Always better safe than sorry. Even if you are not a coin collector. I am sure you like cash in your pocket. So bare that in mind.
The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T Morgan who used a school teacher as the model for this portrait of Lady Liberty. Who, was later fired from her job as a teacher because of it. The coins reverse featured the eagle Morgans have lots of stories to tell. And we will be getting into that more in the next article. As the first 20 years into new decade saw quite a large loss of demand for silver dollar coins. Many sat in bank valts going uncirculated. And the production of Morgan dollars haulted. Starting in 1918 as many as 300+ million Morgan dollars were returned to be melted down due to the Pitman act. And a strong belief in werewolves. Though there was no record kept of what was destroyed. We know many various dates and coin types were destroyed. And much of the recycled silver was reused in other coinage. The Morgan dollar was again reintroduced in 1921. Around 100 Million new 1921 Morgan dollars were minted then quickly followed by a new design, the PEACE dollar that same year. Below dates are based on a XF40+ grade.

Morgan Dollars of the 1900's to watch for.
1900 O/CC (Mint Mark, over Mint Mark), 1901*(Double Die Reverse Side), 1902S, 1903O, 1903S, 1903s (Micro S Mint Mark), 1904S

BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEBSITE TO GET UPDATES. AND TO SEE THE SECOND CHAPTER OF AMERICAN SILVER COINS NEXT MONTH COVERING THE 1800'S.

Special thanks to Jon Bon Jovi for signing my big sandwich at the International Were's Prevention Convention. It can be see at the Hard Rock Cafe Eugene Oregon in a display case just near the back exit.

INCASE you didn't know, or havn't heard. Ron found his first Morgan dollar, over there ---->

Do you suffer from Were's? Sick of hounding around? Try silver today. And put that dirty dog down!!!

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10/16/10 14k White Gold and Ice, Silver ring. 5 Rings in 24 Hours!!!!

2010-10-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

So Matt N. came down from Portland today and we decided to hit it hard. I was on a hot streak, with the three rings from last night. The day started off with Sapphires, Diamonds, and 14K White gold. with a ring found about 1/2" down at a private location. We then headed to a local high school and proceeded to dig up treasure, including another silver ring. I feel like putting my headlamp on and digging some more. 5 gold/silver rings in less than 24 hours!!

10/16/10 Silver ring found 8+ inches deep - Noah

10/16/10 14K White Gold, Diamonds and Sapphires - Noah

-Noah

10/15/10 Noah's 3 silver rings!

2010-10-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

Noah found 3 silver rings tonight. A small .925 ring missing the stone, a .925 with a purple stone, and an Italian 925 ring with a pink and sparkle paint job.

"This was the hunt that was going to teach me the Etrac. I decided after work that I was going to hit a park that I had been thinking about for a couple weeks. I found an old baseball backstop that had some 1950's pennies nearby, and I was digging all targets. behind the backstop I starting hitting silver!"

Here are the following finds!

10/15/10 Italian 925 Ring - Noah

10/15/10 925 ring missing stone - Noah

10/15/10 .925 ring with purple stone - Noah

-Noah

How to rebuild the battery pack for a Minelab Etrac or Explorer

2010-10-15T20:38:00.001-07:00

So I had a Minelab rechargeable battery pack for my Explorer 2. It was old and would only hold a charge for a couple of hours. I had only a few options, buy a new battery pack for $129.00, just use AA alkaline batteries, or figure out how to rebuild the battery pack.The first step is to open the pack, you can use a box knife for this. Run the blade along the crack and separate the two halves.(Don't worry if its not a clean cut, the two halves will fit back together) Its just glued together. If you look at the normal Minelab AA slim pack you can see how its put together, as the rechargeable pack is the slim pack with a circuit board and a connector installed and glued shut,

Now once you have the pack separated you will see that the batteries that make up the pack are just rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride AA batteries.

Now you would think that these batteries are just soldered together using little conductive strips, but in fact they are spot welded together. Soldering would heat the cells up and they would be damaged. I chose to have someone else do the spot welding for me, as all of my welders are a little big for the job. I took the pack to Batteries Plus and for $34.99 they rebuilt it for me with NIMH batteries that have twice the capacity. So don't throw out your old Minelab rechargeable battery packs! Rebuild them!

-Noah

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10/11/10 - Finds. New Videos. And Silver Nickel guide.

2010-10-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

10/11/10 - Short hunt. Plus update on SILVER I missed....And flash back to Hollys silver, and gold ring back to back finds.

Yesterday was a fun short hunt. Just a pick up and go kind of hunt. Noah discovered a neat thunder egg medallion with a Tourmaline Crystal in the center. And encased in a thin silver cabashion design. The best find of the hour long hunt. The rest was clad change including a dollar coin, a pocket knife. And other odds n ends. While we were hunting. Noah got a call from Matt in Portland, saying he just dug a big gold mens ring. Which is included below. When I got home. I put the video together. And added the update on a nice sized silver I missed!
How I missed this. I will never know. Probably because I was so focused that night on finding a silver coin. Which I did. But, this Medallion I distinctly remember ringing in really high, and way up in the silver zone. Like a silver quarter would hit. When I dug it out. It was dirty, and brownish black in color. I figured it was a old junk copper medallion. And moved on quickly. I did notice however, it had some remaining yellow gold plate on it around the edges, on the popes face. hat and in random spots front and back. So. I decided to not clean it when I got home. And leave it alone to not remove any of the gold plating. Well. Yesterday I changed my mind. I took it down stairs to clean it. So I could get it re-plated in 24kt gold like it was originally in 1967. Once I gave it a rinse. I noticed a shiny white appear quickly. It was SILVER under that dirt and crappy worn gold plate and tarnish! So I gave it a test. And sure enough I was right. Silver! 7.7 grams! Whoo hooo!

Gold Plated Silver Medallion. Discovered AFTER detecting!

The tiny holes in the medallion. Is quite common in coins and metals I find in places lawn fertilizers were used over n over.
I also included in the video a flash back to June 19th, an unposted video of when Holly dug a Silver "Bear Foot" ring. Followed directly by a 5 diamond 14k gold ring. I wanted to post that clip long ago. But had no editing program. So, i just stuck with the gold ring video clip and not including the other part. Speaking of videos. I made this yesterday as well. A video of Historic Photos Of Eugene, Oregon.

These photos displayed in the video always inspire me. And also makes me feel more connected to the pieces I find out detecting.

Three Rings found by Matt N. this week in PDX! Including a nice 6 gram 14k gold Man's ring. Way to go Matt!

10/11/10 - 6 Gram 14k Gold Men's Ring.

Handmade Silver ring found in Portland by Matt this last week as well.

.925 Silver Ring, unknown stone. Found by Matt in Portland this last week.

Neil McElroy also had a good hunt, on 10/11/10. He was hunting a different area across town from Holly, Noah and I. And dug a silver earring, silver ring, and a 1957-D Silver Roosevelt dime. You can see the post on the Urban Facebook page. Lots of good finds for everyone yesterday. Even though one had already been found. And rediscovered to be a Silver Treasure. This is the fourth time that has happened to me. Twice to me with silver war nickels. And once with a really ugly silver ring.
Even Holly discovered a silver War Nickel in our clad change after a hunt once.
I always wonder how many have slipped threw, and been spent...

So here is a little info on War Nickels for you newer coin shooters. Or treasure hunters that might not be aware that War Nickels contain a good amount of silver. I wasn't even aware of them until I started hunting. So. Here is some pictures of what makes a War Nickel a dead giveaway. And some info on them.

SILVER WAR NICKELS CARRY A LARGE MINT MARK LETTER ON THEIR REVERSE ABOVE THOMAS JEFFERSON'S MONITCELLO.
These large mint marks where the first coins to show the letter "P" for the Philadelphia Mint. And also to show their change in alloy.

The Silver War Nickel was produced in mid 1942. So, not all 1942 Nickels contain silver.
On your left is a regular 1942 Nickel that I dug. And on your Right, a 1942 Silver War Nickel that I also dug. Big difference.

The 1942 plain Nickel does not carry a Large Mint Mark on its reverse like the Silver 42-45 war nickels do.

So, remember. Keep an eye out for those large mint marks on the back of any 1942-1945 nickel. That is what gives them away. They do not always come out looking like a nice bright silver dime. But they do contain a good amount of silver. Almost as much as a silver dime. They contain, 1.75 grams of silver! Which is more than people realize. A lot of coin shooters dont even consider then a silver coin find. They are nuts! Below, is a 1 gram .999 Pure American Silver eagle proof type coin (not an official american silver eagle coin) next to a 90% 2.50 gram Silver Mercury Dime.

Now take away 10% of the silver dime that is its copper content. You are left with roughly 2.25 grams of silver in a silver dime. Just 50% more than a war nickel. SO, keep an eye out for em. And yes, they do count as a silver coin find!

Remember. A War Nickel is close to 2 grams of silver. Just about two of the 1 gram silver coins. You would dig those, and count them as a silver find!! Always check your nickels for the above silver war nickel.
I will do an article on American coins at some point. And try to cover at least the last 100 years of silver, rare, and different types of American coinage. Basically a guide of what to look for when hunting.

I use a Silver Acid Testing kit that I can get for 15 dollars. Ask me if you are interested. I get them shipped from overseas. So, it takes 2-3 weeks for the test kit. But its as cheap as you can get it. And does not require a stone.
Best of luck on your next outing!
Post by Ryan and Noah.

10/6/10 - $600 gold ring, 18 Diamonds & silver Ring.

2010-10-08T03:19:00.000-07:00

Noah called Holly and I and had an hour or two to kill after work. So, we decided to get out and hunt. We decided to go and scout out a spot that oddly, we had all been thinking of working. However. The sun set to fast for us to really get a good sweeping of the area. So, we decided to burn off the rest of the hour at a nearby park.
As soon as we walked up to the parks west end side. We switched on the Minelabs. And started sweeping around the trees. My first target, was a sound I typically ignore when silver shooting. But we were in a park. So, I pay attention to the lower tones on my Explorer II. I got a reading of 11-4 on my machine. And it was pretty solid. And when I switched to the digital screen, which I do for reference in comparison to my smart screen. I noticed the number readings where staying pretty solid. 11-4 bouncing to 11-5. I also noticed the digital display, which I never use unless referencing a target. Was showing a strong, solid and very consistent ring icon. So that was interesting. I marked my target by laying a flash light on the ground. And walked over to Noah to help him reference a target he had since we are both using Minelab Explorer II's. I told him, that it sounded to me close to a zinc cent. But more like a bottle cap.
I then returned to my target to dig it up. As soon as the plug was open and I was down 5 inches. I poked in my probe. Got a nice solid signal. So, I used my hand to loosen the soil to aerate it and moved it aside to see what appeared that took gravity and fell to the bottom. What fell out of the aerated soil was a bright gleaming ring. And as soon as I said "I got a ring". Holly said it at exactly the same time 10-15 feet from me.
So, we all huddled together to examine the rings. Hers was a very nice, bright sterling silver band style ring. Our favorite. And mine was a bright white gold ring. Loaded with appeared to be diamonds. What was funny was that not only did we both find a ring at the same time. But, it was a total reversal of what we typically find. Holly always finds gold rings. And I always find silver rings. Not only was it an exciting moment for all of us. Her being excited to find a nice sized 4.4 gram .925 silver ring. But Noah and I excited to be there to see it. We then focused on my ring. And we were all excited. It was gold! And my first 14k White Gold Ring with Diamonds in it. And lots of them! I had found a gold ring before. And I had found a silver ring with small diamonds in it. Which all fell out when I cleaned the ring. So, this was an exciting find for me. I was very excited about it. First finds are always fun! And this last week and a half of hunting especially for Noah has been remarkable for firsts! His first silver dime, a 1920 Merc Dime. And his second being a 1936 Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollar! Its been really exciting hunting together. And having a group that gets out and hunts together so we can all experience the excitement of each others finds. I Can't wait to see what pops up this weekend!

14k White Gold Ring, with multiple diamonds made by "Endless Diamond co"

After I got home and cleaned the ring. I got online and did research on this ring, by using its stamped PATENT number,“Pat.6591633” and its Hallmark 14K H© Followed by a 7(size?) with which lead me to a company called
"Endless Diamond"
"Each Endless Diamond ring is authenticated by the brands trademark 14K H© U.S. Patent number -Pat.6591633” Took a look at some of these rings and on Ebay. And they are spendy!! Just looked at one very much like mine but with only a few diamonds, and the opening bid price was 200$ with days left. They are Engagement rings! The ring I found, I discovered is a 600+ Ring at Retail.
These rings range from 1,200 Dollars, down to 725.00 Dollars for rings like mine. The one I found, is no longer in production. These rings are made, and sold for a period of time. Then new designs are introduced. Each ring bears a patent number, and hallmark. Because their diamonds are held together in a fashion unlike any other company. Therefor they are patented. If you look close at my ring. You will see the center diamond is held in by the surrounding diamonds. The ring has 18 Diamonds total. 6 in the face, and 6 on each side of the band. All of high quality. And good clarity. This is the the biggest monetary value find since I started detecting this year. So cool!!
Wonder if some girl got mad her boyfriend during a break up, or fight and threw it out...along with the silver ring.....it happens. I hate to think someone lost it years ago. And was extremely sad about it. So, right now. I want to think it was thrown out on purpose.
This is a first for me. Finding a gold ring with diamonds in it. So cool! My second ring with diamonds. My first being an old sterling silver ring with 6 small diamonds in it. Some of which fell out during cleaning. I had them looked at. And they were indeed diamonds. Just not nice ones
And this is my second gold ring since I started. My first being a 18k gold band that was broken, and probably hit by a lawn mower at some point because of the scratches. I sold that one. And got a nice sum for it.
Anyway. Here below is the ring Holly dug at the same time as I dug the gold ring.

Holly's 4.4 Gram .925 Sterling Silver Ring.

Holly's Biggest Silver Ring So Far. 4.4 grams. Sweet!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE PAGE IF YOU LIKE TO YOUR RIGHT IN THE MAIN MENU COLUMN.

Also, if you read this far. Then you probably read most of my posts. So, if you have.
Here is a gift for you. I am not adding to the "Contests, Drawings and Giveaways" Section
This is for a chance to win a 2,900+ Dollar ring from "Endless Diamond" Company.
All you have to do is enter your first and last name, and email. And Optional Wedding date.

WIN A 2,900+ DOLLAR RING FROM ENDLESS DIAMOND COMPANY!
Best of luck!

10/2/10 BIG SILVER FIND BY NOAH!!

2010-10-03T05:11:00.000-07:00

NOAH KILLS IT TONIGHT!!! BIG SILVER!!!

1936 "S" Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollar
Found and shared by Noah F. Yesterday night. This, if you can believe it. Is only his second silver coin!!! Since he started detecting two months ago. And less than one week apart from his first!! So awesome I(Ryan) said Fuck in the video. If that offended you. Sorry. Young kids need not hear that. but I was in the moment. And well, it was a free country. So, I take advantage of whats left of the liberties I have.

Be sure to keep an out out for the next column. Where I will go into great detail on how we have discovered a legal and excellent way to discover old coins, treasures and more! Its gonna be a large one!
Oh, and please join the forum. And share and add your posts if you want to have them featured on the main page. and be sure to subscribe to your right!
Thanks
Noah and Ryan
I DIG HISTORY GROUP

GOLD HUNTERS. MAKE SURE TO READ THE PREVIOUS POST BY DENNIS O'CONNOR. Great info!!!

9/29/10 - Short hunt and shallow silvers

2010-09-30T03:01:00.000-07:00

Went on a short hunt with Holly and Noah last night after filling out tickets, one by one. Adding a name and contact info on over a hundred tickets takes some time. So, we got out later than I would have liked. However, it was worth it.
We met up, and drove over to scope out a new area to hunt. Its much like testing a river for placer gold. You see whats there. And if enough stuff turns up. We go back. Simple as that.
Once we agreed on an area we have never touched before. We started detecting an area 20-30 feet from the car. Within the first ten minutes of hunting. I (Ryan) nabbed what appears to be a old poorly degraded token of some kind (Its sitting in the sonic cleaner now). It is so badly beaten and degraded its hard to tell what it is.
I then I moved down from its location just a few feet. And dug a sweet high pitch tone. A Catholic medallion with Paul VI (1963-78) on the obverse. And Fátima written on the back side with the virgin Mary. At first, I thought it was copper. I found out later. I should have looked harder... And then, a couple feet away. I got a really sweet signal. But it was shallow. So, I didnt even have to dig a plug. I just cut a slice into the dry grass. And lifted it a little. Guess what popped out. A 1948 "S" Silver Rosie dime! First time I ever dug a silver that shallow! Dug plenty of Wheat's that shallow. But never a silver. How could anyone have missed it? I will explain that in my next Column. Anyway. Here are my finds from the short hunt. Followed by Holly's and Noah's. As well as an awesome update about Neil's gold class ring!

Here are the pictures of the finds minus the clad change from our short scout hunt.

This 1967 50 year Once Gold Plated Silver Commemorative Catholic Pendant/medallion from Portugal shows - Pope Paul VI (1963-78) and The Virgin Mary/Our Lady Fátima This pendant was gold plated originally. But its pretty worn down. Only some of the plating remains. Which, is what fooled me at first thinking it was copper. The silver percent in this medallion is not very high as it has pitting. Much like the Un Sol 50% Silver Peru coin I have. See picture for example of the Sol, and Medallion pitting. In this picture, you can see I cleaned it the easy way. Soap and water. And the gold plating tone just kinda, flaked away I guess. I did not want to clean it at first in order to keep what was left of the gold plate. But decided to anyway. Below you can see my crappy job at replating it with CHEAP gold plate. Which I later removed. Restoring it to its silver tone. Which. I prefer. Its a heavy piece too! The back reads "Cinquentenario Das Aparicoes - Fátima. Which translates in English as "Fátima appeared 50 years prior to the medal". So it is a commemorative medallion.
Our lady Fátima / The Virgin Mary reportedly appeared to three shepherd children at Fátima in Portugal on the 13th day of six consecutive months in 1917, starting on May 13. Since the back reads "50 years prior to this medal". As well as Pope Paul VI. Made it very easy to date. Making it 1967. Makes sense. As most of the clad change I dug in the area was early 1960's.

Silver Pope John VI - 7.7 Gram Silver - Silver % Still unknown. Though it did test Positive as silver in my acid test. I would guess it's about 50%-70% at the highest.

1948 "S" Silver Rosie Dime
Before, and after cleaned.
(Shallowest silver ever dug. Just about two inches. Trees and dry ground = AWESOME!)

-Ryan

1976 - 10 NEW PENCE - UK

-Holly

5 Wheat cents, various dates dug in one small patch! Quite a nice score!!

-Noah

UPDATE!!!
Less than 48 hours after I dug up that class ring at the park by Fern Ridge Lake I've located the owner! She called me today and SHE told me where I found it! She knew she lost it there in 1974 ~ and her mom was so mad at her for losing it. Too bad her mom has since passed away. But now after being lost for 36 years she's getting it back!
-Neil

LOOK FOR MY NEXT COLUMN ON EASEMENT HUNTING

Been asked by loads of people about it. So, I have decided to share some hunting tips. And how to go about it. It will be my next article. So keep an eye out for it. I will teach you everything I have learned about it. And how you can be succesful at finding old coins even if you are new to detecting! -Ryan

Like this six troy ounce .999 pure silver proof American Eagle coin? Awesome isnt it? Wanna shot at winning it?
Enter the the drawing! This is only the Third place prize!!
Click here to find out more about the CDCLC Drawing. And see the prizes, and get tickets for your shot at winning!

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Chat Room

2010-09-28T04:38:00.000-07:00

TONIGHTS STARTER TOPIC:
Lets talk Metal Detecting & Coin Shooting!

Live Chat Software

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9/27/10 - Congratulations & Graduation.

2010-09-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

SEPTEMBER 27 2010 -Ryan.

Is there really something to the lucky silver ring i made?? I wonder.....
Today I opened my mail box to discover THIS! A 1902 Graded MS62 "O" Mint Morgan Dollar!! Im beginning to think there is something to the ring I made! Its been bringing in silver like crazy since I made it!

A couple weeks ago. I entered a contest via youtube on a channel i am subbed to. It was right around the time I made my lucky silver ring. I sent some Emails. And posted some bulletins about it on the facebook pages. And I didnt give it much thought after. I thought. I would never win.

Well. As LUCK would have it. I won! And it just so happens to be a treasure I covet. A awesome historical coin made of silver. A slabbed silver Morgan dollar at that! Below is my official thank you video to TheCoinSpot on youtube. Great channel. He works hard to share good information on coins, and where to buy coins at spot, or below spot. And he shares it freely. Contest or not. Its a good channel to be subbed to.
Anyway, here is my WHOOOO HOOOO!!
-Ryan

Thank you video to The Coin Spot!

www.youtube/com/user/thecoinspot

9/26/10 - CLASS RING 10K 5 GRAM GOLD!
-Neil McElroy

I went out for a few hours today with my wife at a park/lake west of town. I haven't detected this place for years, but I figured I better give it a try and see what I find. Good thing I did ~ because I found a 10k gold class ring from 1973! This is the first gold ring that I've found this year! I've dug 126 silver coins, but only one gold ring now! The other cool thing about this ring is that its from the same high school at I graduated from ~ North Eugene High School. But I graduated in 1991. GO HIGHLANDERS!!! The ring weighs 5.0 grams.

Also, I dug part of an old spoon. It's silver plated copper ~ and in the 'bowl' it reads, COMPLIMENTS OF THE MEIER & FRANK CO.. Anyone know how old this spoon is??

Thanks for looking!
Neil

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9/25/10 - Storming The Streets

2010-09-26T14:58:00.001-07:00

Holly and I have been looking for others to hunt with here in town. Like minded people with similar morals about detecting as we do. And none of the Bullshit business we to often encounter with gloating, greedy detectorists. This hobby is about having fun. And we want it to remain that way. That is why we formed a group. Rather than a club. Its about Comradery. Hunting mates. And no one detectorist is better than the other. And we can all learn from each other.
So we met up with Noah. And I instantly knew he was someone we could trust after our first hunt. Noah shared that he wanted to find a silver coin. Since he had started detecting. The only silver coin he found was a Canadian coin, that was smashed to make a pendant. Probably on a train track. And I wanted to take him out again. And make sure he got his first real intact silver. So, Holly and I took him to an area we have done some research on. And an area we know is productive with silver coins (see above video) to have a fun hunt and find some silver. And fun we had and silver we found. But before I get into the pictures. I wanna share this coin Noah scored in some change. This is perhaps, the most amazing change score ever found. At least one of them. And a one in a million change find.
Noah was handed this 1858 Seated Liberty Quarter at a Burrito Boy in his change! Talk about LUCK! I have only found two Silver Rosie dimes in my chance in the last year. As more and more silver bugs come out of the cracks. Silver finds in change in getting harder and harder to find. So, finding a seated quarter. That is just amazing!!

1858 Seated Liberty Quarter Dollar "Change Find" -Noah

9-25-10 Night Hunting

Holly, Noah and I went out for a hunt the night before. And all got to know each other. I felt we hit it off pretty good. And so we met up again last night for a Night Hunting Session. And we took him to the area Holly and I have been hunting, and doing quite well in. I wanted Noah to find his first silver coin. And that he did. So, lets start with that.
As we were hunting. About an hour or so in. We got invited onto a private property by a history major to hunt his yard. He was extremely interested in what lay under the ground. Stunned that little pieces of history could literally just be dug up. We instantly starting finding wheat cents. And within 5 minutes. Noah found his first Merc Dime. a 1920 "S" mint!! It was the most exciting find of the night. Its always so cool to be there when someone finds there first. So it was an exciting moment. And I am glad I was there to see it.

1920 "S" mint. Mercury Dime. #1 Found by Noah 9/25/10.

Silver and Wheat cent finds. -Ryan

1920 "D" Mint Merc dime. Front/Back cleaned. -Ryan

1960 "D" Mint Silver Rosie - Front/Back cleaned -Ryan

1989 Australian 2 Cent Coin. _Ryan

9/24/10 -Night Hunting With Noah.

First time out. We started downtown. Dug plenty of clad. Some odd stuff (a cell phone blue tooth ear piece for example) and a couple wheat cents each. We later moved to another I wanted to give a try. And Dug a couple more wheats. And had a couple silver finds.

9/24/10 Small Silver Ring.

Found by Ryan and Noah. We were comparing machines. In a noisy area. The EX2 and The V3I. The V3 was getting loads of interference in this one area near a phone poll. And Noah wanted to see if I could hear all the interference with my machine. So, we compared machines. The Minelab heard nothing. Instead, I said, here is a sweet sounding target. It rang up like a silver dime. And I let Noah dig it. And it turns out there was a silver ring there! Small. But so cool!

9/24/10 -This is actually two Silver rings, wrapped together with silver wire. Nice score! Found by Noah

Haley's Comment Token _ Find by Noah.

9/22/10 1964 "D" Silver Rosie Dime

9/22/10 New York City Transit Authority Token.
Brass round, 16.5 mm
Token of the New York subway of the years 1953-70

9/22/10 WILLARD FILMORE - PRESIDENTIAL DOLLAR COIN.

I love finding these. I have loads of them! After it bleeped in, I looked down and it was freshly dropped. And just starting to make its way into the dirt. I cleaned it up with water. And put it in with the rest of my Presidential coins. And I realized. This one, was silver in color. Not the bronze color. And very shiny. Is it a proof? A silver alloy? I dunno. Just thought it was interesting.

Thanks for looking.
-Ryan
-Holly
-Noah

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Contests, Drawings and Giveways page!

2010-09-21T01:13:00.000-07:00

I am a treasure hunter. Like most of you who come to this page. In my off time, at home. I check out contests, drawings and giveaways online and have some myself once and a while. When I find some that are legit. I post em here. And I always find some. Just browse threw. Check out the links. Watch the videos. Ext. If your club, website ext is looking to have a drawing that is free. Write me. I will look at it. And post it here. When they end. I will remove them. So. Keep an eye on this page! For your chance to win gold, silver ext.

Lost Treasure Magazine has been having a raffle for a Metal Detector. Last one was the Garret Ace 350. This issue for February is for the NEW Fisher Gold Bug Pro. All you have to do is answer the question they ask. Provide your answer. Email. And hit enter. I read about it just last night after picking up the new issue of the magazine on Ghost Towns. Luckily, the answer is provided on the site also. The following link will take you to this issues Detector Giveaway. Lost Treasure Magazine-Win A Fisher Gold Bug Pro

PROOF IS IN THE AIR WAVES! WOW! HOLLY AND I BACK TO BACK?? NO WAY!!
Holly and I win on...

THE COLLECTORS COACH SHOW! FIGHTING FOR SILVER RAFFLE!
Well. Jack and his brother are back at it. Creating yet more buzz! This time. They are having a massive silver and gold coin raffle. Its easy. Just fill out this form. And you are entered to win! I am a fan of Jack D's show. So I was shocked when I heard not just my name. But my name followed by Holly's name right after on the radio saying we had both won a Walking Liberty Half Dollar! Not only that. But my mother even won! An American Silver Eagle. But it gets even cooler! Five others I personally know. Have gotten a coin since I started spreading the word. So. In support of Jack, yet again. And in hope you jump on this one asap. You might be just as lucky. No spam. No Gimmics. No cost. Here is the link! Fighting For Silver! Your shot at winning a Canadian Timber Wolf .9999 1 Ounce Round, Silver Half Dollar, Silver American Eagle .999 1 ounce, or a 1/10 Ounce Gold Coin!
Listen to Jack's show right here (below). Or as always. On the right hand side of the menu bar on this site. Good Luck! And give Jack a listen. Great guy regardless of free silver or not.

Listen to internet radio with Jack DeAngelis on Blog Talk Radio

THE WALKING LIBERTY COIN I WON ON AIR!! COOL!

Collectors Coach YouTube

I called. Why not. Here is what I won!
Here is the Actual FREE silver coin from the show!

Collectors Coach YouTube

WIN A GOLD OR SILVER COIN!!

goldeducator.com is giving away a this gold coin, and a Silver American Eagle coin by simply joining the website, or liking the facebook page. Two lucky randomly drawn winners will have the a shot at winning these coins! First place is the 1945 Gold Mexican "Dos Y Medio Peso" once the facebook page reaches 100 people. Thats a 1 in 100 shot at GOLD! Free! No cost, or sign up fees. Simply sign up at the site, or click "Like" on the facebook page! Signing up at the site gives you more entries. The Facebook page is currently at 85 likes! So, hurry up facebook users! Go and click "like" on the above facebook page! Then enter for extra entries if you want via the website itself.
UPDATE: I am not sure if he gave up or not. But this should have created more buzz for his website. A SHOT AT WINNING A GOLD OR SILVER COIN?!?!!

DO YOU PEOPLE READ THIS STUFF????
If you win from ANY of the provided links I post here. Leave a comment UNDER this post. So I know if I should bother to keep this page up and running.

WINNING NUMBERS FOR THE CDCLC DRAWING:
FIRST PLACE PRIZE NUMBER: 1370

SECOND PLACE PRIZE NUMBER: 1022

THIRD PLACE PRIZE NUMBER: 1529

FORTH PLACE PRIZE NUMBERS: 1442, 1841, 1933 & 1366

For more info visit www.cdclc.org

My Lucky Silver Ring & the Silver it Brings.

2010-09-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

My Lucky Silver Coin Ring Made From A 1942 Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollar.
The other day, I went to a pawn shop to get a torch to melt down a large amount of copper scrap I have collected. The intention I have is to make copper ingots. And hammered coins. Of copper mainly. But also of silver scrap I find and collect and maybe even some gold here and there. I thought it would be a fun project.
However, while I was there. I remembered to ask about getting some stuff to make jewelry. I had been wanting to also make myself a special "lucky" ring out of an old American silver coin. As well as some others out of Canadian Large Cents. And some others coins I like. But those would be for other reasons. So, no need to go into it now.
So my main goal was to make myself a special handmade ring. One that had been held and exchanged threw millions of American hands. Something that had been in the hands of history itself. The people. And I wanted it to be made of silver. My favorite precious metal. So, I chose my favorite silver coin ever minted. I picked a 90% Silver 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar. I figured. If I put two and two together. That being history and silver into a ring. And I wore it. I would always have silver and history in my hand as long as I wore it. Basically, the idea is. If its on my finger. I will think about it. And the more I think about it on and in my hand. Then I will be subconsciously putting it into my head. And in theory I would draw those things to me. Putting them literally into my hand. Or, at very least. Giving me some extra luck.
The two important aspects of why I go out detecting in the first place is my love for history. And my love of silver. Historical silver coins really is the most beautiful thing you can pull out of the ground. They always come out looking bright and clear. On top of that. I think it is a far more rare metal than gold. Though, maybe not in the detecting world. However the fact remains there is far less silver above ground than gold! There are very few mines that actually mine for silver. Most of it comes as a by product of other mining. And most of it is used up for industrial use. And is not recycled like gold is. If you do your homework on gold and silver historically. You will note that silver is currently way under priced. The silver to gold ratio is so far apart right now. Its absurd. Market manipulation perhaps? Fine with me. Keep the price low. I can buy more of it. But really for me. I just love it. Its so many things other than just "REAL" money. I just love the way it looks, shines and feels. And you gotta love that distinct clinking sound it makes when you drop it on a table or hard surface.

The above videos audio is out of sync for some reason. Sorry for that.
9/11/10
1964 D Silver Roosevelt Dime.
Uncleaned. First 5 minutes of hunting. First good target!

9/11/10
64 Silver D Rosie, Silver S 43 War Nickel & 1923 Silver Mercury.
The 1923 Mercury Dime is my oldest Merc Dime Find yet!

Holly and I filmed this whole late evening hunt. I had to edit it together using a piece of crap computer. So I hope the video turns out ok.

9-11-10

Couple Wheat Cents I dug also near the Rosie 1937 & 1940

9-11-10
1929 S and 1939 S Wheat Cents Holly dug.
1977 Copper Cent stamped with a cross.

9-11-10
Yet again. Another bullet. This one is an old style 9mm dug by Holly.

Thanks for looking.-Ryan

Neil continues to kill it out there!

I took a little road trip with my wife today to do some detecting out-of-town. She sat at the park, relaxing and reading a book while I pounded the dirt for several hours looking for goodies! Here's what I dug today:

1929 Merc dime
1945 Merc dime
18 wheat cents (1916 to 1958)
9 clad quarters
23 clad dimes
5 nickels
73 copper memorial cents

I took pic's of the Merc dimes before and after I clean them up. These are my silver coin finds #125 & #126 for the year!

Thanks for looking!
Neil

UPDATE:
0/14/10
Another short hunt with the ring brings in one more silver. And some wheat cents.

Rather than have to make a new post, that is so short. Here is an update. Holly and I went back to the general area we have been hunting. Found a total of 6 wheat cents. Loads of clad. Some of this and that. And one Silver 1948 Dime.

Here are my 5 wheat cents and silver uncleaned in a group. Below is the silver uncleaned and then cleaned using my Sonic Cleaner.

Thanks for looking
-Ryan

9/6/10-Labor Day/Night Hunt

2010-09-07T13:07:00.001-07:00

Holly and I decided to get out and do a little hunting for labor day. As I mentioned in the last post. Her Minelab 305 has not been working correctly. And needs to be sent in for service. We have no idea why its acting the way it is. But something is wrong with it. So, I am teaching her to use the Minelab Explorer II.

THE BLOCK....

Anyway, I mentioned the other day to a Dig History group member about an old concrete block I had discovered that was held together using old horse shoes, square nails and various other metal parts next to an old 1800's grange hall. I did my research on this little area. And learned it was once the center of the town of Thurston. Which has since become a district of Springfield Oregon. Next to the grange, there used to also be an old market and post office. Where a newer market now stands. And where I buy my cigarettes. The owner, is a nice Korean man. Who has a picture inside the store of the building that once stood there. Which he kindly let me make a copy of. And now can't seem to locate. So, with some extra research online. I found this picture of it with a horse and carriage. This little area was a major stopping point for people traveling through town as well as local farmers. Across from the old grange. Where a house now stands. There was once a small one room school house. The Davis School built in 1850. From what I understand. Is, after the Davis school was torn down after only 15-16 years. They built Thurston Elementary in the 1860's and then tore it down. And moved the location else where. However I wonder if the people living in this more modern house pictured realize what once stood there? And one can only wonder if there could still be any relics laying deep under the soil. It's hard to imagine anything could be left on the grounds of this property. But one never knows. And it makes me want to knock on the door as ask to swing my coil around the yard.
Sadly. There is nothing to hunt with a detector in this old landmark. Its all been paved over. And the old buildings torn down. However. If one looks carefully. You might spot something of historical relevance to these types of locations. For me, it was this odd block of concrete. Something hundreds of people drive, bike and walk past daily. Never noticing it. Yet there it is. Packed full of minor historical relics of this areas past. I was able to extract one loose square nail from it. As it has weathered slowly chipping and cracking away after the many years its been sitting there next to that old tree in the elements.

Next. Holly and I drove to Eugene. And did some detecting for a bit. I dug a 1950 S Rosie, 1912 Wheat, 1930 Wheat, 1942 Wheat. An old dirt caked silver baby spoon and an old button. Holly dug her first silver dime. A 1947 S Rosie dime, a 1952 Wheat and a 1940 something wheat. An unfired 9mm bullet. And we dug plenty of clad. Yet, hunger soon took over. And we took off. However, only detecting one stretch of easement. We have plans to go back soon. Just as soon as the rain stops.
Here are some pics of the finds.

1950 Rosie in its hole and uncleaned

Holly's First Silver Dime 1947 S Silver Rosie

1912 Wheat Cent. No "S" mint mark. But hey, I'll find one.

Silver baby's Spoon. I didn't rub this one clean with soap yet, I let it sit in the sonic cleaner for 5 minutes to remove the muck around it.

Unfired 9mm Bullet. Its odd how many bullets you find in urban areas. The casings, the lead projectiles. They are everywhere

Silver Rings and Liberty Winged

2010-09-05T05:32:00.000-07:00

9/3/10 - A good first target! 8.4 gram Silver ring!!
While Holly ran an errand. I decided I would take out the detector, and do some hunting while she ran to do her thing. My first target was a good sized silver ring. Awesome!

Holly's First Time Using The Minelab Explorer II finds Silver!

9/4/10- I took Holly out to learn how to use the Minelab Explorer II-my (Ryan's)machine. Her machine, the Minelab 305 has been acting really strange and not working. And needs to be sent into Minelab....ugh....
So, I am letting her use the EX2. Her first time out with it. She caught on fast! She found a silver ring. Some Wheats. An old Mexican 100 Peso. And we both dug plenty of clad change.
We even dug a Wizard trinket. An older toy car and an 8 gram man in the moon trinket. Pretty cool trinket for our personal slang for hanging out at night we call Moontanning! Had fun teaching Holly to use the machine. Can't wait to get out and hit some good spots. So she can dig some silver coins!!

Silver Ring find by Holly using the MineLab Explorer II for the first time! My first time using it, I found a silver ring too!

Old Style 100 Peso Coin Holly Dug.

If only all Pull Tabs were gold!!

8 Gram Nickel? Moon Tanning Charm. :)

Funny Looking Wizard thing I dug out front of an old house.

Older toy car

9/4/10 Liberty Winged.

Hi there!

I met up with Ron this morning and we took a drive up North to do some detecting ~ we had a great time! Here's what I dug today:

1925-S Mercury Dime
1943-S Mercury Dime
1957-D Roosevelt Dime
1916 Buffalo Nickel
1994 Italian 100 Lire
China 10 cash coin (broken!)
25c PLAY money
O.K. VENDOR token
15 wheat cents dating from 1912 to 1958 (including a 1912-D & 1923-S)
3 clad quarters
7 clad dimes
11 modern nickels
36 copper memorial cents

I dug all this in areas that we've detected on several occasions! SO COOL!!

THANKS for looking!
Neil

Bohemia Ghost Town Adventure.

2010-09-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

In the Mid 1800's. Settlers discovered gold in up in the steep slopes of the Row River Valley. By 1866 the area would become a town, Bohemia City, with Saloons, Hotel, Store and private housing. Cottage Grove provided food and goods to the miners. Shipping them up the steep grade of the valley. The miners of Bohemia generally mined gold Ore by the boom and bust cycles of extraction. And tons of ore slag and tailings still remain in the valley to this day. Along with a amazing ghost town. A town that once you set foot in. Will find it hard to believe a town could have ever been there. But it was. And the ghost town has been of much interest to myself and Holly for sometime. As it does to many others into history and treasure.
Prospectors still mine, and have placer claims all over the area and rivers. The history in the hills of Bohemia is breath taking once you walk the paths and roads that these minors once did. And see what remains of the town. The mines. The ore cart rails. The scattered leftovers of canned goods and old glass. And, especially the gold bearing ore. You can pick threw these rocks. And easily find small to large rocks with pieces of gold in them.

Holly and I FINALLY took a trip to the Bohemia Ghost Town on 9/2/10. Something we have wanted to do for a year now. The Ghost town of Bohemia was once a small booming mining town from the 1800's located high in the mountains in the Umpqua outside Cottage Grove. The area was and is rich in gold. And the rivers and streams always leave color in your pan. And people still mine there to this day for the gold ore. And its also known inside the Bohemia Mining Community that its not uncommon to find good size gold nuggets dredging the river beds. They also have a club which you can join. That allows you to prospect on their claims for only 25$. See link in side bar!

Finally made it to the top! Our car on top of the mountain!

To get to the ghost town. You have to drive up a steep rocky road about 8 miles. And it takes for ever. Tight narrow turns. And steep drop offs. Its scary. And summer is really the only time to get up to the top. Otherwise the high peeks are covered in snow. Which was what had prevented us from getting to the Ghost town in the past.

To get to the Ghost town once you reach the top. Turn your back to the old fire watch tower. Then drive down the road facing away from it.

You will come to a giant rock face. With caves. And blasted rock ruble all up and down the hill. There is an over night camping spot where you can park. Facing the rock face as pictured. Hang a left. And start walking. You will find trails made up of crushed ore tailings. Take note that in many of these rocks. You can find gold. Even in small amounts. So, check them out if you feel up to it. We did and we found gold!

Piece of gold ore containing small amounts of gold.
At the end of this post. I will include a DIY ore crusher made by I Dig History group member. Dennis O'Connor so you can learn to do this yourself.

The further you head down the step rocky slag trails. You will start to see remnants of the old miners town. Mines especially. And there are some very dangerous mines. That if one was wondering around mindlessly. One could easily fall into some of the deep pits that lay next to the paths. These are not covered, or caved in like the ones you will find along side the road up the hill. Though, there are some. Yet, if one wanted. He could easily crawl inside. They have warning signs that say
"keep out, dangerous" for a reason. So dont. As you we walked into the town. We came across a huge pile of tailings. And Slag. Tons and tons of rock that was broken down to small pieces. This area could be a great place to hunt for gold ore that has gold in it. As I learned from Dennis O'Connor. A I Dig History group member who is a prospector explained. That the old rail carts would rock, and spill out some of the good ore. And in the old days. If there was more rock than gold. Miners would tend to leave it behind.

Old Ore Cart Rail Leading Out Of A Mine On Top Of A Giant Tailing Slag Pile.

As I have come to understand it. These piles of tailings. And Slag ore. Is a good place to hunt for these good pieces of ore with good amounts of gold. Even if the gold is hardly visible. And you know what you are looking for. You can take these rocks. And smash them into powder to pan out the gold at home. I would imagine a good metal detector made for gold prospecting would be an excellent item to take along with you to a place such as this.
As we got into the town. We noticed loads of remains of old buildings all around. Rails, relics machine parts ext. Only a few buildings remain. They have been restabilized, and slightly rebuilt inside to preserve them. The old store you can walk into from the side. And there are relics people have found. And left inside. Including a lot of stupid junk items people have dragged in. Such as sandles. Show soles. Live 9mm bullet rounds ext. However, some of the old glass items found and left were interesting. I love old glass. Its thick. And its just cool.

As darkness quickly fell. Holly and I did a wee bit of detecting. And found mostly old canned food cans. And Scrap metals everywhere. I did find an old triangle dinner bell. At least, thats what I assume it was. As well as a bottle cap that I found interesting. Its made of some type of heavy metal. And the remaining glass that was inside was thick. Im guessing a lot of drinking went on in those hills. As well as hunting. I found loads of old bullet casings. However, since it was dark. We decided to head out. We walked back up to the top of the hill. And lyed back. You could see every single star in the sky. Its really was an awesome experience. And a great adventure. There is a real feeling of history there. And its worth the drive. And hike. And bring hole some gold ore is a plus as well.

A picture inside of a gold mine in the Bohemia Mountains.

Here is the ORE Crusher made and explained by Dennis O'Connor.

I made this out of an old hydraulic cylinder, I cut off the end that was threaded inside, I use the cut off section upside down inside the shaft (water pipe) so the ore is being crushed between two sections of stainless steel. Just turn the water pipe upside down when done crushing, empty into a bucket (metal not plastic in case you don't catch the cut off end ) then empty bucket into a pan or sluice and the gold is removed. Simple design but works...I use either a piece of rope through the top of the cylinder or just a piece of wood while sitting in a chair...just lift up and let drop...it is a 3 & 1/2" cylinder...weight is around 60 lbs...good exercise too.

-Dennis M. O'Connor.

New Mexico Treasure Hunters

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Morgan Silver Dollar Contest Winner

2010-09-02T13:20:00.001-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO AL WILLIAMS!!! YOU HAVE WON A SILVER MORGAN DOLLAR!!!!!
WHOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!

1921 D Morgan Silver Dollar

I originally wanted to make a video announcing the winner of the contest. But the camera (my broadcast Sony VX-2000) was not letting me upload video to the internet. I shot over 20 takes with it. Trying to make a direct upload to the page. Guess I need to get this camera sorted out. And learn how to do it. We picked the Winner last Friday. And are late in the formal announcement. However. Al, here is your coin. Its working its way threw the postal to you as I write this.
Again. Thank you so much for your help. And bringing so many wonderful people over to the I DIG HISTORY FACEBOOK GROUP. There have been some great posts by new group members. And its a real pleasure to meet others in the hobby.
It truly is inspiring to see posts by users. And I encourage everyone of you to post your finds. Share whatever you find that you think is neat, or special. Remember. This is not just about finding gold and silver. Or things of Monetary value. I do not want any new user to feel discouraged just because someone has found something rare or valuable.
Making any discovery is what makes this hobby exciting. And there is a story behind all finds you make. You have to remember. The things we pull up out of the dirt are little pieces of history. And may have been something of great sentimental value to someone who has long since passed.
For example. I dug a simple silver plated spoon from 1879. Which is one of my favorite finds. Not only was I able to trace its maker and date due to its design and hallmark. But because I can only imagine how it was lost. In my mind, I see a young kid 100+ years ago playing in the dirt, digging holes with it. And I Imagine what the world was like at the time. How he may have gotten in trouble for losing it. How that person grew up, what he became. How he fell in love. Married. Had children. Passed. And had a great life. And here, in my hands. I am holding something that has not been touched by another human being since it was lost.
Whatever the story this simple spoon holds. I do not truly know. But its amazing to me to think about it. And I can feel the connection to a tiny little bit of American history. And for myself. That is what I am after.
As some of you may already know. I am new to this hobby myself. And it has totally changed the way I see the world. I hated history in school. And now, I am in love with it. When I drive threw towns and cities. I notice all the old houses and buildings. And realize their significance. And see their history. There is little pieces of history for everyone of us to find. Little treasures of all sorts waiting for us to discover.
I would like to thank Al for his help in bringing in new group members. And I would like to thank each and every one of the new group members as well. And especially those who have shared. Keep the posts coming. Thank you all.
Please leave a comment to the right, in the shout box. So I know which of you have come by the main page. You never know when I will have another random drawing. Or contest. Its my way of saying thank you for being involved. And keeping it fun.
-Ryan

V.D.B./V8 - 8/26/10

2010-08-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

Holly and I went for a hunt early in the morning yesterday. We hit some easements in a neighborhood we have been wanting to try out. Figuring it was an area most likely overlooked. And thought it could yield a few good finds. Well, first we thought we had done great. Holly dug 5 wheat cents. I dug 3 and a 44 Merc Dime.
Today, as Holly was looking at her Wheat cents from yesterday morning for the dates. She noticed the date on one of them that struck her as odd. Thinking it was a 1999 Wheat cent. She asked for the loop. Still, unable to figure out the date. I took a look at it. And I felt that rush come over me. I knew instantly it was a great find. It was a 1909 Wheat cent. I said, "this could be a very rare coin, but even if it isnt. Its still a key date and excellent and rare find" So, finger crossed. We took the loop to look for those famous three letters.... And there they were.... V.D.B. We were totally excited. This is the first time either of us have seen or held this historical coin. S mint mark with or with out the initials or not. This is the first, the very first American coin ever minted to have the portrait of a President. Those were the originals. The first into circulation. When those rolls of coins hit the markets 101 years ago. I could only imagine what people thought as they were some of the first to see them shiny and new. This is an exciting day for us. And though its not worth anything numismatic wise. Especially in its condition. Its worth loads to us historically. And that is what we love about this hobby. Is the history.

1909 V.D.B Wheat Cent. -Found by Holly. This is an exciting find for us! Even though its not an S mint mark. Its still great to hold in your hands, the first Lincoln Cents ever minted.

The rest of the stuff.....

1944 Merc Dime

Several Wheat Pennies. And 1958 Nickel .

9mm Fired, and impacted bullet. Dug out of an easement in town.

Needless to say. After finding the V.D.B. and a Silver Merc Dime. We are drinking some tea. Gearing up. And going moon tanning. We can't wait to do the other side of that block!
Best of luck everyone.
Ryan and Holly.

Neil McElroy's Finds. 8/26/10

Got out for a couple hours yesterday. No silver, but I did get a 1933 FORD 'so-called' dollar, 1920-S & 1929-S wheat cents, and a little bit of clad.

This is the 2nd Ford 'so-called' dollar that I've found ~ the first one was found only one block away from where I dug this one at! How'd it not get found before?! -Neil

UPDATE: 8/27/10 -Ryan

So, we went back to that area. My third target, ten feet from the car I dug a really nice Silver Rosie Dime. It was caked in dirt. But it had a shine to it that looked brand spanking new. We dug plenty of wheat cents. my oldest was this 1929 as seen in the pic. And you will also notice, I dug my first SHIELD PENNY! COOL! Here are the pics before and after.

We went out to silver shoot yesterday. However, we ended up hitting a spot where I know Homeless people like to go and hang out.
I dug the most clad change in 20 minutes I have ever dug in one spot. And it was mostly quarters. However I did dig this awesome new 2010 D Shield Penny before it had a chance to rot.
So, some silver was found. But I made a new discovery for detecting clad. Find a spot where those bums go to drink a beer and take a rest that is safe. I just realized. Those guys sit out for hours bumming change, flying signs for change. But, I didnt realize they lost so much of it.

Guide To Foreign Silver Coins

2010-08-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

NOTE: THIS LIST WILL BE UPDATED AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. Last Updated December 20th 2010
A lot of us run into foreign coins here and there when we are out hunting. So. Here is a list of foreign silver coinage starting from 1900 and up as best as I could put together. With images I borrowed from the internet, and some from my personal collection and finds for reference. I chose to just do the last century. Mainly because its far more common to find coins from the last century. But also because it was the last century countries used silver in common coinage. So knowing whats what can he iffy. America for example used silver in coinage up until 1964. With the exception of the Kennedy Half Dollars. They contained a lesser silver content until 1970. Anyway. Silver has been used in coinage for centuries. A list far to big for me to cover in one post. However, if you come across a coin type that is listed in this list. But with a 1800's date. Chances are that it is silver. As silver was used commonly threw the centuries. So. You will find that like American coinage of the last century. Most foreign coins had coins with silver content as well before it dwindled out. Check back time to time on this list, as I will be updating it when I can. And if I have made or make a mistake here or there on any of this info. Please let me know. So I can correct it. You can do so to your right in the "Shout Box". This list is to help you identify a coin made of silver. Once you have established that it is in this list. I would then consult someone who can tell you more about it. Google is a good first step. -Ryan

WORLD COIN CALCULATOR - TRY IT.

Austria- Imperial (Cornona and or Krone) Hungary

1 Cornona/Krone 1901-1913 - 83% Silver
2 Cornona/Krone 1912,1913 - 83% Silver
5 Cornona/Krone 1900,1907-1909 - 90% Silver

Austrian Republic

2 Schillings 1928-1937 - 64% silver
5 Schillings 1934-1936 - 83% silver

Austria

5 Schillings 1960-1968 - 64% Silver
10 Schillings 1957-1973 - 64% Silver

Australia

3 Pence 1910-1944 92.5% Silver
3 Pence 1947-1964 50% Silver
6 Pence 1910-1945 92.5% Silver
6 Pence 1946-1963 50% Silver
Shilling 1910-1945 92.5% Silver
Shilling 1946-1963 50% Silver

Any 1945 and earlier Australian coins you may find are not just silver coins, they are sterling silver. If you find one. You have made an outstanding find!

Two Varieties of Australian 3 Pence 92.5 Sterling Silver coins.

Florin 1910-1945 92.5% Silver
Florin 1946-1963 50% Silver
50 Cents 1966 80% Silver
Crown 1937-1938 92.5% Silver

BELGIUM:

50 CENTIMES .835 Silver 1901,1907,1909 1910-1912,1914

1 FRANC .835 Silver 1904,1909, 1914-1918
2 FRANCS .835 Silver 1904,1909,1910-1912
50 FRANCS .835 Silver 1939,1940,1948-1954, 1958,1960

BRAZIL

500 REIS .900 Silver 1906-1908,1911,1913
1000 REIS .900 Silver 1906-1913
2000 REIS .900 Silver 1906-1908,1910-1913,1922,
2000 REIS .500 Silver 1924-1931,1935

CANADA

NOTE: Canadian Coinage is like that of the UK and its territories. The Faces of the current King or Queen of the period would appear on the obverse of the coin. From Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, George V and Elizabeth II (1953 to date) You will also find that older Canadian Silvers were of Sterling Silver. 92.5%. Even the Victorian 5 Cent Canadian coins were of .925 Silver Content. So, I included the Victorian era dates as well. Due to their pre 1919 STERLING silver content. These are fun to find. Detecting, or anywhere you can come across one. Even more interesting. Is the Newfoundland coins as you will see following the Canadian Silver Coins.

This is a 1961 50 Cent piece from my collection. Its not uncommon to find Canadian Silver coins in my state of Oregon. And I would assume most of the US as well. So, keep an eye out. Canada minted a lot of silver!

5 Cents - 1858-1919 - .925 Silver
5 Cents - 1920-1921 - 80% Silver
10 Cents - 1858-1919 - .925% Silver
10 Cents - 1920-1967 - 80% Silver
10 Cents - 1967-1968 - 50% Silver
20 Cents - .925 Silver
25 Cents - 1870- 1919 - .925 Silver

25 Cents - 1920-1967 - 80% Silver
25 Cents - 1967-1968 - 50% Silver
50 Cents - 1870-1919 - .925 Silver
50 Cents - 1920-1967 - 80% Silver

1 Dollar - 1935-1967 - 80% Silver

1935 Silver Candian Dollar.

NEWFOUNDLAND

Newfoundland coins are some of my favorite coins to find and collect. Like all English Territorial coins. They appear the same on the obverse featuring the King or Queen of the Era it was minted. The thing that makes Newfoundland coins so much fun to find and collect is. Newfoundland made the decision to introduce its own decimal coinage in 1863. The coins were originally struck in England up until 1913 at the Royal Mint and sometimes at the Heaton Mint bearing an H mint mark. Later minting was stopped from 1914-1916. When minting resumed at the Ottawa mint in Canada with a C mint mark. The main silver content in almost every silver variety of coin is of Sterling Silver(92.5%. With the exception of a couple later and short lived coins of 80%. My above image is of two varieties of the Newfoundland 50 cent coins from our collection. The smaller silvers are easily distinguished by size and denomination.

Coins in Sterling Silver 92.5%:
5 Cents 1865-1896 - 1903-1908- 1912-1929 - 1938-1943
10 Cents 1903-1904 1938-1943
20 Cents 1865-1900 - 1904,1912
25 Cents 1917-1919
50 Cents 1870-1900, 1904-1909, 1911-1919 (as shown)
Coins in 80% Silver:
5 cents 1944-1947
10 cents 1945-1947
1 Dollar 1949 (George VI on obverse, and ship on reverse. This coin was a commemorative)

There was also a Newfoundland 2$ coin. The coin was struck in gold and featured Queen Victoria on the obverse. And was minted from 1865-1888.

CHINA

I don't know much about China. Or its currency. But, I do know that there has been a lot of fakes, and restrikes with little or no silver content at all. Here is a list as best as I can put together as far as silver in Chinese coins.Pictured is my first Chinese Silver coin. It is a 1 Mace and 4.4 Candareens (20 Cent) - Kwangtung - China - Ancient 1909? 83% Silver coin. Really a beautiful coin.
IMPERIAL CHINA
10 CENTS .820 Silver 1907,1908
10 CENTS .650 Silver 1910
20 CENTS .820 Silver 1907,1908,1911
25 CENTS .800 Silver 1910
50 CENTS .860 Silver 1907,1910,1911,
1 DOLLAR .900 Silver 1907,1908,1910,1911,
CHINA REPUBLIC
10 CENTS .700 Silver 1914,1916
20 CENTS .700 Silver 1914,1916,1920
50 CENTS .700 Silver 1914
1 DOLLAR (YUAN) .900 Silver 1912,1914,1918
1 DOLLAR (YUAN) .890 Silver FEATURES YUAN SHIH-KAI FACING LEFT
1914,1919-1921
1 DOLLAR SILVER .890??
1923,1924,1927,
1 DOLLAR .880 Silver 1932,1933,1934

ENGLAND - GREAT BRITAIN-UNITED KINGDOM (Including Scotland and Northern Ireland)
G.B. silver coins were minted from Sterling Silver, or 92.5% silver until 1919. Which was reduced to 50% until 1946. The only exception was the Maundy Money coinage. Which I will not cover much of. For information of Maundy money. Wikipedia will explain Maundy Money, and the tradition far better than I can. However. For the
1 PENNY: STERLING 92.5% varieties. (Maundy) Victoria - Edward VII. 1900-1920 - GEORGE VI -ELIZABETH II 1949-2000 (These coins are very small silver coins. And proof like. With a crowned numeral "1" on the reverse. Surrounded with an oak wreath)
1 PENNY: 50% SILVER: 1921-1936 GEORGE V and GEORGE VI 1937-1946.
2 PENCE: STERLING SILVER, 92.5%: Victoria 1900-1901, Edward VII 1902-1920. GEORGE VI 1949-1953 (rare) ELIZABETH II 1954-2000.
2 PENCE: .500, 50% SILVER: GEORGE V 1928-1936, GEORGE VI 1937-1946
3 PENCE: STERLING SILVER, 92.5%: VICTORIA 1900-1901. EDWARD VII 1902-1910, GEORGE V 1911-1919, (Maundy) ELIZABETH II 1954-2000
3 PENCE: 50% Silver: GEORGE V 1920-1936, "Crowned 3" - "Maundy". Type 2 starting in 1928 with three oak leaves reverse.) GEORGE VI, 1937-45
4 PENCE: STERLING SILVER, 92.5%: Victoria 1900-1901, Edward VII 1902-1920. GEORGE VI 1949-1953 (rare) ELIZABETH II 1954-2000.
4 PENCE: 50% SILVER: GEORGE V 1928-1936, GEORGE VI 1937-1946
6 PENCE: STERLING SILVER, 92.5%: VICTORIA 1900-1901. EDWARD VII 1902-1910, GEORGE V 1911-1919, (Maundy) ELIZABETH II 1954-2000
6 PENCE: 50% SILVER: GEORGE V 1928-1936, GEORGE VI 1937-1946

SHILLING: STERLING SILVER, 92.5%: VICTORIA 1900-1901. EDWARD VII 1902-1910, GEORGE V 1911-1919
SHILLING: 50% SILVER: GEORGE V 1928-1936, GEORGE VI 1937-1946
FLORIN: 2 SHILLING: STERLING SILVER, 92.5%: VICTORIA 1900-1901. EDWARD VII 1902-1910, GEORGE V 1911-1919
FLORIN: 2 SHILLINGS: 50% SILVER: GEORGE V 1928-1936, GEORGE VI 1937-1946
HALF CROWN: STERLING SILVER, 92.5%: VICTORIA 1900-1901. EDWARD VII 1902-1910, GEORGE V 1911-1919
HALF CROWN: 50% SILVER: GEORGE V 1928-1936, GEORGE VI 1937-1946
CROWN: STERLING SILVER, 92.5%: EDWARD VII 1902
CROWN: 50% SILVER: GEORGE V, 1927-1935, GEORGE VI, 1937

PROOF COINS: STERLING SILVER: Elizabeth II: 10 Pence Y-2000, 20 Pence Y- 2000, 50 Pence Y-2000 1 Pound Y 2000, 2 Pounds Y-1989, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 - 5 POUNDS, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 1999, 2000 & Queens Mother 2000 Variety.

HONG KONG

5 CENTS .800 Silver 1901,1903-1905,1932,1933
10 CENTS .800 Silver 1901,1902-1905
50 CENTS .800 Silver 1902

COSTA RICA

10 CENTIMOS .900 Silver 1905,1910,1912,1914
50 CENTIMOS .900 Silver 1902,1903
10 CENTAMOS .500 Silver 1917
25 CENTIMOS .50 Silver 1924

COLUMBIA

10 CENTAVOS .900 Silver
1911,1913,1914,1920,1934,1937,1938,1940-1942
10 CENTAVOS .500 Silver 1945-1952
20 CENTAVOS .900 Silver
1911,1913,1914,1920,-1922,1933,1938,1941,1942
20 CENTAVOS .500 Silver 1945-1951
50 CENTAVOS .835 1902,1906-1908
50 CENTAVOS .900 Silver 1912-1919,1922,1923,1931-1934
50 CENTAVOS .500 Silver 1947,1948

CHILE

5 CENTAVOS .500 Silver 1899,1901,1904,1906,1907,1909
5 CENTAVOS .400 Silver 1908,1909-1911,1913,1919
10 CENTAVOS .500 Silver 1901,1904,1906,1907
10 CENTAVOS .400 Silver 1908,1909,1913,1919,1920
10 CENTAVOS .450 Silver 1915-1919
20 CENTAVOS .500 Silver 1906,1907
20 CENTAVOS .400 Silver 1907-1909,1913,1919,1920
20 CENTAVOS .450 Silver 1916
40 CENTAVOS .400 Silver 1907,1908
50 CENTAVOS .700 Silver 1902,1903,1905
1 PESO .700 Silver 1902,1903,1905
1 PESO .900 Silver 1910
1 PESO .720 Silver 1915,1917
1 PESO .500 Silver 1921,1922,1924,1925,1927
1 PESO .400 Silver 1932
2 PESOS .500 Silver 1927
5 PESOS .900Silver 1927

CUBA

This was the first silver Cuban Coin Holly and I came across. Since then I have come across two more 90% 20 Centavos coins. They are identical to the 10 Centavos coin pictured. Only difference is in size. And I believe that the 10 cent may be 70% silver. But I am not 100% sure on that. As the two other coins I have are 90% and of the exact same year. 1920.

CYPRUS(British, Sterling. Nice coins!)

4 1/2 PIASTRES .925 Silver 1901,1921,1938
9 PIASTRES .925 Silver 1901,1907,1913,1919,1921,1938,1940
18 PIASTRES .925 Silver 1901,1907,1913,1921,1938,1940
45 PIASTRES .925 Silver 1928

CRETE
50 LEPTA .835 Silver 1901
1 DRACHMA .835 Silver 1901
2 DRACHMAI .835 Silver 1901
5 DRACHMAI .900 Silver 1901

CZECHOSLOVAKIA

5 KORUN .500 Silver 1928-1932
10 KORUN .700 Silver 1928,1930-1933
20 KORUN .700 Silver 1933,1934,1937

DENMARK

10 ORE .400 Silver 1903-1905,1907,1910-1912,1914-1918
25 ORE .467 Silver 1904,1905, 1913-1919

1 KRONE .800 Silver 1915,1916,
2 KRONER .800 Silver 1903,1906,1912,1915-1916,1923, 1930,1937,1945,1953,1958 1960

(The listed years of the 2 Kroner above are the only years the coin was silver)
10 KRONER .800 Silver 1967,1968,1972,

LUXEMBOURG

100 FRANCS .835 Silver 1946,1963,1964,

EGYPT

I love Egyption coins. They have so many wonderful designs. Silver, Gold, copper and all others. I have a small collection myself. Translating them can be a bit tricky in the Arabic writing. But the numbers and dates are not as tricky as one would think. The monetary system of Egypt is decimal based. And is known as the Egyption pound. Here is a simple conversion of numbers I wrote down so you can quickly identify them. And here is the Wikipedia on a Egyptian coins and money to fill in the gaps.

2 PIASTRES .833 Silver 1916,1917
5 PIASTRES .833 Silver 1916,1917
10 PIASTRES .83 3Silver 1917
20 PIASTRES .833 Silver 1916,1917
2 PIASTRES .833 Silver 1920,1923,1929,1937,1939,1942,1944
5 PIASTRES .833 Silver 1920,1923,1929,19331937,1939
10 PIASTRES 833 Silver 1920,1923, 1929,1933,1937,1939
20 PIASTRES .833 Silver 1923,1929,1933,1937,1939
5 PIASTRES .720 Silver 1956,1957,1958,1964
10 PIASTRES .625 Silver 1955,1956,1957,1959,1960,1964
20 PIASTRES .720 Silver 1956,1960,
25 PIASTRES .720 Silver 1956,1957,1960,1964,1970

GERMANY

The establishment of the unified Germany in 1871, included, free cities, Grand Duchies and the like who struck their own coins in silver and gold. Here is a list. And yes... after Germany's inflation period and during WWII, The Third Reich did indeed. Mint a series of Nazi REICHSMARK coins (see below). Some of them were struck in silver. To me, these coins are quit bothersome. However. People do find them oddly enough every so often. And its a thankful reminder, that Hitlers nightmare of Germania. Never succeeded. Or else those coins could have been around a lot longer.

Usually found in 2 MARK, 3 MARK, sometimes 5 MARK, the silver content was .900. Depending on the different free cities. Some preferred to mint their 5 mark coins in .900 Gold.

IMPERIAL GERMANY
1 MARK .900 Silver 1901-1916
WIEMAR REPUBLIC
(After the hyper-inflation had settled down)
1 MARK .500 Silver 1924-1925
3 MARK .500 Silver 1924-1925

1 REICHSMARK .500 Silver 1925-1927
2 REICHSMARK .500 Silver 1925-1931
3 REICHSMARK .500 Silver 1925-1933
5 REICHSMARK .500 Silver 1925-1932
THIRD REICH GERMANY.
2 REICHSMARK .625 Silver 1933-1936(Pictured)
5 REICHSMARK .900 Silver 1933-1939

WEST GERMANY
5 MARK .625 Silver 1951-1974
10 MARK .625 Silver 1972 (Commemorative coins)

HUNGARY
See Also Austria Imperial (Above, top of list)
1 KORONA .835 Silver 1906,1912-1916
2 KORONA .835 Silver 1912-1914
5 KORONA .900 Silver 1900,1906-1909
1 PENGO .640 Silver 1926,1927,1937-1939
2 PENGO .640 Silver 1929,1931-1933,1935-1939
5 PENGO .640 Silver 1930,1938,1939
5 FLORINT .835 Silver 1946,1947
5 FLORINT .500 Silver 1948
10 FLORINT .500 Silver 1948
20 FLORINT .500 Silver 1948
10 FLORINT .800 Silver 1956
20 FLORINT .800 Silver 1956

IRELAND - REPUBLIC (For Northern Ireland see Great Britain/UK up top)

(1940 Irish Silver half crown pictured.)
In 1926 the government of the newly founded Irish Free State formed a coinage committee to plan for a new Irish coinage. After deliberation the coinage committee decided that the Irish harp would be used as the national symbol on the coinage as it had been since the 1530's and that the reverse designs would feature a series of animals important to Ireland's agricultural economy. The alternate suggestion was that the coinage should feature Christian saints. But was ruled out as it was felt that the coinage would be widely abused by being made into religious medals. The Irish coinage was short lived. Replaced by the Euro in 2002. The free Irish Republic state coins are some of my favorite to find and collect. Especially the pre decimal coins.
Understanding pre decimal Irish Coinage is a bit tricky if you do not understand the Irish language or system that was used. However, if you already know the English monetary system. Then knowing what is what will be easy. As Ireland used the same system. Here is a list of the few Irish Silver Coins.

The Shilling (twelve pence/1s - Featuring a Bull(Pictured from personal find) - 1's and Irish words "Scillig") 1928-1942 75% Silver

The Florin (two shillings/2s - Featuring a Salmon) 1928-1942 75% Silver (Pictured is a 1940 Silver Irish Floirin from my personal collection. Nice sized coin. 11+ grams)

The Halfcrown (two shillings and six pence/2s6d - Horse) 1928-1942 75% Silver

Ten Shilling 1966 - 83.3% Silver (Pearse's Bust. The design commemorates the Easter rising of 1916)
92.5 Sterling Silver PUNT/Pound: United Nations 50th Anniversary coin. A large one. This coin is 28.2800 grams. The obverse much the same as all Irish coins. The Eire on top. The harp. And below 1945-1995. Reverse showing a Dove with ribbon with same dates on as front. And words "Nations United For Peace" The Pound symbol for 1. And the UN logo with a 50 next to it. The coin is a proof coin. Mintage is unknown. But I do know its a valuable coin. Strike type. PROOF. Uncirulated.

The 1943 Halfcrown and Florins. The mintage numbers for the 1943 florins and halfcrowns were similar to those for the preceding years. However they were struck and not yet issued before the decision to remove the silver content from the coins was made. A large number of unissued silver florins and halfcrowns dated 1943 were returned to the Royal Mint to be melted down. Only a small number escaped and the 1943 florin is particularly rare.

ISLE OF MAN
Welcome to the Isle Of Man. If you live in the UK. You already know exactly where I speak of. The Isle of man is a dependency of the British crown located in the Irish sea. A small island only 227 Square Miles and or 588 Km. The coinage of the Isle of Man is a bit different. Most silver and gold coins are proof sets. And coins made as collector sets. None the less they are very beautiful. Featuring loads of themes. My favorite being the Water Mill. The coin posted below is a Manx Silver 92.5 proof Pound coin from 1978. The obverse side features Queen EII. However. Its best you know this symbol before all else.

(Note that there is a wide range of collectible Manx coins. To much to cover. Upon request. I will send you a list of Manx coinage. As its to much to cover here. Also note if you have a coin that is Manx. It could be very valuable especially in gold or silver proof style rounds.)

IRAQ
Working on this list of Iraq coins. This coin picture posted. Is to help answer a question left at bottom asking to help ID a coin. From the description. It sounds to me like a Iraq Fils coin. This example is not the exact date asked for. But the only picture I could find. It is a IRAQ 50% Silver 50 FIL's COIN.

ITALY
1 LIRA .835 Silver 1901,1902,1905-1907,1908-1910,1912,1913,1915-1917
2 LIRE .835 Silver 1901-1912,1914-1917,
5 LIRE .835 Silver 1936,1937,1938-1941 Rare. few issued
10 LIRE .835 Silver 1926-1934,1936
20 LIRE .800 Silver1927,1928
NOTE: There are A LOT of silver counterfeit coins during the 20's & 30's,
500 LIRE .835 Silver 1958-1970,1980-2001 Commemorative years.

JAPAN
Asian Coins can be very difficult to translate. In Japanese they will have a date that is dated with the name of the Emperor or local ruler of the era and then the number into the year of his rule. Some coins may have some English on them, along with the Positional Numeral system we are used to. Some coins have round holes. And many have an Orange Blossom. Here are a few pictures as well as important links you will need in order to identify your Japanese coin. I have also included a numeric conversion I made to get you started.

10 SEN .800 Silver 1901-1902,1904-1906
10 SEN .720 Silver 1907-1912,1913-1917
20 SEN .800 Silver 1901,1904-1911
50 SEN .800 Silver 1885,1901-1905,1906-1917
50 SEN .720 Silver 1922-1926,1928-1938
1 YEN .900 Silver 1901-1906,1908,1912,1914
100 YEN 60% 1957-1958
100 YEN 60% Silver 1959-1966 (See Below)

This a 100 Japanese Yen I dug recently. 1959. Mintage of 110.000 million. Emperor Hirohito .

If I did my translating right. Its a YR. 34. Meaning 1959.

100 YEN 1964 60% Silver TOKYO OLYMPIC GAMES COMMEMORATIVE
1000 YEN .925 Silver 1964 TOKYO OLYMPIC GAMES COMMEMORATIVE

TRANSLATING JAPANESE COINS
The Kanji Site Excellent site! I have Identified a lot of Japanese coins using this site for its resources. Its a pain. But combined with the rest of the links. You will get it sorted. However, if you know someone from Japan. Well, ask em.
Japanese Numbers
Convert Western Years to Japanese Years

NETHERLANDS

25 CENTS .640 Silver 1901-1906,1910-1925,1926-1941,1943-1945
1/2 GUILDEN .945 Silver 1904-1909,1910-1919
1/2 GUILDEN .720 Silver 1921,1922,1928,1929

1 GUILDEN .945 Silver 1901,1904-1909,1910-1917
1 GUILDEN .720 Silver 1922-1940,1944
2 GUILDEN .720 Silver 1944,1945,1954-1967
2 1/2 GUILDEN .720 Silver 1929-1933,1937-1940,1959-1966

NETHERLANDS - THE DUTCH EAST INDIES
1/10 GUILDEN .720 Silver
1900,1901,1903-1909,1910-1915,1918-1920,1928,1930,1937-1942,1945
1/4 GUILDEN .720 Silver
1900,1901,1903-1915,1917,1919-1921,1929,1930,1937-1942,1945
1 GUILDEN .720 Silver 1943
2 1/2 GUILDEN .720 Silver 1943

This is a Nertherlands / Dutch East Indies 1941 1/4 Guilden Silver Coin I dug This year at a friends property he was renting. It has a 72% (.720) Silver Content.

NETHERLANDS ANTILLES
(Territory of the Netherlands off the coast of south america)
1/10 GULDEN .640 Silver 1954,1956,1957,1959,1960,1962,1963,1966,1970
1/4 GULDEN .640 Silver 1954,1956,1957,1960,1962,1963,1965,1967,1970
1 GUILDEN .720 Silver 1952,1963,1964,1970
2 1/2 GULDEN .720 Silver 1964

PANAMA

I love the Silver coins from Panama. The Balboa is easily one of my favorites. Their design I love. And I love the fact that each coin has written on the reverse side. Their weight in Grams and silver Content. So there is really no need to list off what is what from Panama. If you have a 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 or 1 Balboa up until the 60's. 1964 or there about. Its silver. Just look at its reverse side. Here is a Quarter Balboa coin pictured front and back. Take note of the Silver Content and Weight on the reverse side to know what to look for when coming across one of these coins.

PHILIPPINES
These are some of my personal favorite coins. I have a small collection of them myself. As well as the weird Japanese bills from the Phillippines.
10 CENTAVOS .900 Silver 1903-1906
10 CENTAVOS .750 Silver 1907-1921,1929,1935
20 CENTAVOS .900 Silver 1903-1906
20 CENTAVOS .750 Silver 1907-1921,1928
50 CENTAVOS .900 Silver 1903-1906
50 CENTAVOS .750 Silver 1907-1909,1917-1921
1 PESO .900 Silver 1903-1906
1 PESO .800 Silver 1901-1912

10 CENTAVOS .750 Silver 1937,1938,1941,1944,1945
20 CENTAVOS .750 Silver 1937,1938,1941,1944,1945
50 CENTAVOS .750 Silver 1936 ,1944,1945
1 PESO .900 Silver 1936
1/2 PESO .900 Silver 1961
1PESO .900 Silver 1947,1961,1963,1964,1967
1PISO .900 Silver 1969

PERU

Out of all the foreign Countries. Peru Has produced some of my favorite coins. The from beautiful 1 Peseta (20 Cents - Pictured top). To the Seated half dimes 1/2 Dino(left), Dinero to the Sol coins. 900 silver coins for ½ and 1 dinero and 1⁄5 sol were introduced, followed by .900 silver ½ and 1 sol in 1864. Later the Un Sol (Pictured) was reduced to just 50% Silver (American Silver Dollar Size coin). Thing with Peru is I get a bit confused on their monetary system. As I work on this list. I will get it down. As I have a great interest in these coins. The coins reverse side is the same in all the silver coins I have. So, I put up a picture (below) of a 1/2 Sol Reverse as well.

SPAIN & KINGDOM

50 CENTIMOS .835 Silver 1904,1910,1926,
1 PESETA .835 Silver 1901,1902,1903-1905
2 PESETAS .835 Silver 1905
REPUBLIC
1 PESETA .835 Silver 1933
SPAIN UNDER FRANCO
100 PESETAS .800 Silver 1966
PORTUGAL
200 REIS .917 Silver 1901,1903
200 REIS .835 Silver 1909
500 REIS .917 Silver 1901,1908,1909,1910
1000 REIS .917 Silver 1910
20 CENTAVOS .835 Silver 1913,1916
50 CENTAVOS .835 Silver 1912-1914,1916
1 ESCUDO .835 Silver 1910,1915,1916
2 1/2 ESCUDOS .650 Silver 1932,1933,1937,1940,1942-1948,1951
5 ESCUDOS .650 Silver 1932-1934,1937,1940,1942-1948,1951
5 ESCUDOS .650 Silver 1960
10 ESCUDOS .835 Silver 1932-1934,1937,1940,1942,1948,1954,1955
10 ESCUDOS .680 Silver 1960
20 ESCUDOS .800 Silver 1953,1960
20 ESCUDOS .650 Silver 1966
50 ESCUDOS .650 Silver 1968,1969,1971,1972

MEXICO
Mexican silver varies in purity n the early part
of its history due to the Spaniard Standard of Silver coins.
The original 8 Reales or pillar dollar were of a purity of .9025
It seems some mints kept up the practice of .9025 silver while
others erred on the side of caution making the silver .903

M = MEXICO CITYMINTMARK
OTHER MINTMARKS
Q
V
H
M
Z

5 CENTAVOS .903 Silver 1901-1905
MINTMARKED Mo Q V H M Z
10 CENTAVOS .903 Silver 1901-1905
MINTMARKED Q V H
10 CENTAVOS .902 Silver 1901-1905
MINTMARKED Z M
20 centavos .903 Silver 1901-1905
MINTMARKED Q H M
20 CENTAVOS .9027 Silver 0601-1905
MINTMARKED Z M
1 PESO .903 Silver 1901-1905
ENGRAVERS INITIALS JQ MH RP
1 PESO .9027 Silver 1901-1909
MINTMARKED Mo ENGRAVERS INITIALS AM AND GV
1 PESO .903 Silver 1901-1905
Zs ENGRAVERS INITIALS FZ FM
10 CENTAVOS .800 Silver 1919
10 CENTAVOS .720 Silver 1925-1928,1930,1933-1935
20 CENTAVOS .800 Silver 1905-1908,1910-1914,1919
20 CENTAVOS .720 Silver
1920,1921,1925-1928,1930,1933-1935,1937,1939,1940-1943
25 CENTAVOS .300 Silver 1950-1953
50 CENTAVOS .800 Silver 1905-1908,1912-1914,1916-1918,1919
50 CENTAVOS .720 Silver (Coin is slightly lighter than the .800 silver 50 Centavos)
1919-1921,1925,1937-1939,1942-1945
50 CENTAVOS .420 Silver 1935
50 CENTAVOS .300 Silver 1950,1951
1 PESO .903 Silver 1910-1914
1 PESO .800 Silver 1918,1919
1 PESO .720 Silver 1920-1927,1932-1935,1938,1940,1943-1945
1 PESO .500 Silver 1947-1949
1 PESO .300 Silver 1950
1 PESO .100 Silver 1957-1967
(These are 90% Aluminum 10% silver, probably the lowest silver content of any coin minted in the 20th century)
2 PESOS .900 Silver 1921 (THE SILVER LIBERTAD)
5 PESOS .900 Silver 1947,1948
5 PESOS .720 Silver 1950,1951-1957,1959
10 PESOS .900 Silver 1955,1956,1957,1960
25 PESOS .720 Silver 1968,1972
100 PESOS .720 Silver 1977
20 NUEVOS PESOS .925 Silver 1993-1995

TURKEY
5 PARA .100 Silver 1901,1902,1904
1 KURUSH .830 Silver 1900-1908
2 KURUSH .830 Silver 1900-1908
5 KURUSH .830 Silver 1900-1908
10 KURUSH .830 Silver 1905-1907
20 KURUSH .830 Silver 1916-1918
100 KURUS .830 Silver 1934,1937-1941
1 LIRA .600 Silver 1947,1948
10 LIRA .830 Silver 1960

YUGOSLAVIA
10 DINARA .500 Silver 1931
20 DINARA .500 Silver 1931
20 DINARA .750 Silver 1938
50 DINARA .750 Silver 1932,1938

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FOR AMERICAN SILVER COINS CLICK HERE: American Silver Coin Guide -Part One