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.