WThesing
Elite Member
My wife (bless her soul) did not want me to work today (B'Day), but to go enjoy myself. I compromised and took off around noon to head to one of my still untouched historical sites. It turned out to be a much larger than anticipated 1750's - 1810 farm. I was only expecting a farmhouse and a couple acres. It is 103 acres, 2 houses, a few large barns, and numerous foundations, and roads put in around 1760. There have been requests to detect the property, I am told that I am the only one to gain this priveledge, and it is VIRGIN. If I find anything of historical value, I give it to the historical society. Coins and such, I can keep.
I was given a tour by the nice folks that live there, and hunted for about 2 hours starting around the main house. The area is carpeted with thousands of nails from wood fences that were torn down in early 1900's, and replaced with stone walls. I had my work cut out for me but managed two wheatys, a clad nickel, my 1st indian head- 1874 and my 1st large cent - 1846. Most were 8-12 inches deep.
The soil is very rich and non acidic. The large cent is dirty, but after only a water rinse, I can read "Liberty" in the crown. It is in superb condition except for the caked dirt. Does anyone have any good SAFE cleaning methods for large cents? I know about the hydrogen peroxide method, but am holding off, as I have no idea as to the value of this coin.
This farm will take years to hunt if done systematically. I know there has to be some silver there too. The original owners were the Strawbridges - old aristocracy important in Philadelphia history. The Keith House is also on this same tract. Keith was the 1st Governor of Pennsylvania.
I will post photos ASAP, as I did not have my camera this trip.
I was given a tour by the nice folks that live there, and hunted for about 2 hours starting around the main house. The area is carpeted with thousands of nails from wood fences that were torn down in early 1900's, and replaced with stone walls. I had my work cut out for me but managed two wheatys, a clad nickel, my 1st indian head- 1874 and my 1st large cent - 1846. Most were 8-12 inches deep.
The soil is very rich and non acidic. The large cent is dirty, but after only a water rinse, I can read "Liberty" in the crown. It is in superb condition except for the caked dirt. Does anyone have any good SAFE cleaning methods for large cents? I know about the hydrogen peroxide method, but am holding off, as I have no idea as to the value of this coin.
This farm will take years to hunt if done systematically. I know there has to be some silver there too. The original owners were the Strawbridges - old aristocracy important in Philadelphia history. The Keith House is also on this same tract. Keith was the 1st Governor of Pennsylvania.
I will post photos ASAP, as I did not have my camera this trip.
if it takes years so be it. Keep us abreat and thanks for sharing!
Man that does look promising. Good luck on hunting it buddy. Hope to see some pics real soon.
