Whizzer in the Woods...

DoctorWhy · Jun 8, 2017

Today I visited a cellar hole at a home site that goes back to the late-1700's. Had a great hunt finding a 1912 "V" nickle, a copper spoon, a brass shoe buckle frame (with fancy design)...and this 'Whizzer'. For me, it was today's best find; a 28mm diameter, approx. 1mm thick copper coin with two holes pierced, probably using a square nail. The 'Whizzer' was found in the woods about 100' from the cellar hole. Finding a piece of history that was 'modified', presumably by a parent, as a toy for a child gives the artifact special meaning.

Not much detail on the coin. The only hint of what it might be is the horizontal line on the lower portion of one side of the coin. "Denticles" (small, tooth-like design elements all the way around the perimeter a coins) can be seen around the circumference of that side. On the opposite side of the coin, some "Denticles" are visible, and I think I make out a letter or two, possibly an "O" near the '3-O'clock' edge of the right image.

Anyone have any idea of what this 'toasted' coin might be? I'm guessing Colonial era British...

jwp1964 · Jun 8, 2017

Whizzer in the woods means something entirely different to me, lol.

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German_searcher · Jun 9, 2017

Might be a toy, where you put a thread through, wind it up and keep it spinning. I've also found some of them

Rammjäger · Jun 9, 2017

German_searcher said:
Might be a toy, where you put a thread through, wind it up and keep it spinning. I've also found some of them

+1
That was also my first thought when I saw it :aok:

GLASSHOPPER1955 · Jun 9, 2017

jwp1964 said:
Whizzer in the woods means something entirely different to me, lol.

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Actually I first thought he found one of those old motorized bikes.

matmit · Jun 9, 2017

German_searcher said:
Might be a toy, where you put a thread through, wind it up and keep it spinning. I've also found some of them

Rammjäger said:
+1
That was also my first thought when I saw it

That's what the term "whizzer" is referring to (the sound it makes) :laughing:

At 29mm it could also be a large cent :yes:

Ice Scratcher · Jun 9, 2017

GLASSHOPPER1955 said:
Actually I first thought he found one of those old motorized bikes.

My first thought as well..^

But I've also heard the above homemade toy most commonly called a whizzer..

<°)))>{

GroundSweeper · Jun 9, 2017

jwp1964 said:
Whizzer in the woods means something entirely different to me, lol.

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That and the motorized bikes came to mind.

The toy buzzer maybe?

BB_in_Maine · Jun 10, 2017

Almost certain its a KG. In your left photo, the right hole pierces the shield of seated Britannia, and I believe I see a '7' under the line so its either a KG II or III - hard to tell which way the bust is facing on the obverse.

Yes, most likely a whizzer but also remember that coppers were hammered to ships masts for good luck, as well as inside doors of home and barns... sometimes even hammered to barrelheads... For a two holer though, whizzer is probably a safe bet. Would spend more time in those woods!

ohiochris · Jun 10, 2017

As a matter of fact , when the need arises I do take a whizzer in the woods :lol:

DoctorWhy · Jun 10, 2017

BB_in_Maine said:
Almost certain its a KG. In your left photo, the right hole pierces the shield of seated Britannia, and I believe I see a '7' under the line so its either a KG II or III - hard to tell which way the bust is facing on the obverse.

BB,
Thanks for that assessment. It was what I was thinking. The horizontal line in the lower portion of the left image is about where I expected the dividing line between the date (below) and Britania(above). For me, the possibility that this artifact was once a kid's play-toy is its true cultural value.
Cheers,
--Bert

Whizzer in the Woods...

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