I found this metal detecting. I'm pretty sure it is gold. It's the size of a nickle. I've searched and can't find another like it other then some coins dating back to about 430 BC. Any ideas? Much appreciated!
Really? How? Doesn't look gold to me. What number did it show on your metal detector? Where did you detect it? Can you clarify what you mean by indian? That it could be from the country of India or you think it's native American?
Native American. I found it near Mad Anthony Wayne's Fort Defiance. I don't remember what number the metal detector showed but it was in the gold range. It weights 6.43 Grams.
If you look closely on the right breast of the bird you can see where I scratched it and it looks like gold to me. However, I am color blind so it makes it more difficult for me.
Couldn't possibly be lead, could it? It's hard to judge from the pictures but it almost looks like that kind of white patina. How consistent was the signal?
It was very consistent. Lead is heavy to. It seems really heavy for its size. I wonder if I take it to a jeweler if they could tell? It's definitely different yes? Much appreciated guys.
Gold does not rust or tarnish. That does not look like solid gold to me. The Natives did not have metal skills. they only worked with gold and copper for the most part. No evidence of Natives of the Americas having any kind of Iron or steel before the arrival of Europeans has ever been found. Could be some kind of trade coin.
If the good folks here cannot find an answer for you, I might suggest a site on Facebook called "ID Me". It is primarily and foremost a metal detectors page.
Both of these replies are very helpful. The investigation continues! I will look into the Facebook site. Thanks fellas.
Yes, does not look like solid gold but there are signs of gilt. This is definitely not currency of any kind but the holes and pattern on the reverse seem to indicate that it was fixed to something at some time. Style doesn't look Indian to me.
Do you have any idea about how to identify origin or approximate age? I placed it on Facebook ID Me. I'm more intrigued than anything. Much appreciated
One of my concentrations at university was midwestern archaeology. I can't recall having seen anything like it in the context of indigenous art. On the other hand, stylized owls were a popular motif in 19th and early 20th century jewelry. Perhaps the remains of a Victorian pendant, pin or brooch?
Interesting. I think it's going to remain a mystery for now. I don't know of anything like it to compare it to. Much appreciated tho!
Neat old relic, whatever it is. Definitely not gold. Not any kind of coin, either, as far as I know. Does look like gilt lead or pewter, maybe. It's old, but not super old, I don't think. I concur with @dltsrq's "Perhaps the remains of a Victorian pendant, pin or brooch?" comment.
