Hi everyone. I have a few nice metal detecting finds that I'll post. I'd like opinions as to whether or not these are suitable for sending in for grading (NGC). Please keep in mind that these are all dug coins, and will probably come back with a details label. I'm ok w/ that, as long as it doesn't totally sink the value (I don't want to lose money on grading fees). First up is a nice 1902 Barber half Next is a 1908 indian head cent (rim nick) And finally, my only seated quarter, a nice 1861 Please keep in mind that all 3 of these are dug coins found with a metal detector. Again, I'm just interested in opinions. Worth sending in, or not?? Thanks.
That 1908-S is a nice find indeed, but still probably not worth slabbing. The Barber half is basically worth melt, and not worth slabbing. I don't know enough about the Seated quarter market to comment, but I'd guess it wouldn't be worthwhile either. All the same, I'd be out digging all day long if I thought I'd make finds like these.
The 1908-S would benefit from a month's immersion in Vaseline, regardless. I had a White's Coinmaster IV for years (in the 70s) and never found an Indianhead, much less a Seated Liberty anything... The price break between VF and XF on the quarter is only about $30, less than the cost of slabbing, so IMHO, they're all a no-go.
Thanks Doug. These are among the "crown jewels" of my md finds. I also have 2 Barber dimes I might submit (1894o and 1897o; they're the only coins I've ever dug with a mintage under 1 million). I don't have pics of those (they're in my safe deposit box) sorry. As for seateds, I've found 4 seated dimes too (the '61 quarter being the only seated quarter I've ever found), but 3 were scratched by me during retrieval, and the 4th has bad environmental damage/corrosion. I'll leave you (for now) with one more pic. This is the 1837 large cent I found a few years ago. It's holed/pierced (and very worn), but it's the only largie I've found so far (they are VERY rare in my area). Enjoy.
Great finds! I would not slab them. If you just like to look at them through plastic, put them in a Air-Tite, and save yourself a lot of dough. Alternatively, if you really want to see them graded, wait for the ANACS/ICG specials and go that route.
OP, get a little fiberglass digger instead of something metal -- no damage. Avoid the urge to dig with your fingers, a lot of THINGS live underground. No more will they call you the "Impaler," even in Romania.
Hi again. I've tried plastic diggers. Unfortunately, they don't work as well as my trusty Lesche. Sometimes it is due to another metal object (such as a nail) near the coin. My detector has a tendency to occasionally "lock onto" the junk object (instead of the coin) when trying to pinpoint. This is especially prominent with old, rusty iron (e.g. nails). As for not digging w/ my fingers, I wear gloves, though this didn't prevent the neck of a broken glass liquor bottle from becoming wedged under my fingernail once (yeah, it hurt). Year by year silver coin totals: 2009: 0 2010: 17 2011: 86 (new high end detector ) 2012: 80 2013: 77 2014 (so far) ***estimate*** 25 Plus a few gold jewelry pieces and lots of silver ones too Clad estimate has to be in the $500-$800 range (average $5-$10 per outing w/ some outings brining in over $20 ) Then there's the marbles and relics...
Two tips; carry a little plastic squeeze bottle of flour to conveniently and harmlessly mark where you've been (sometimes useful), and always carry some junk to show a skeptical cop that you're helping clean up the environment, too. In my dealings with cops, I always gave them a special business card and offered to come to crime scenes and help look for evidence, no charge. They always refused, but it made them feel good, and that's what counts. How to divide your findings with a land-owner, hopefully by prior agreement: divide the booty into two piles and give him first choice. If you need to add a $20 or a $50 or even a $100 to the pile you don't want, to help him "choose," go ahead.
Excellent advice, Doug. I have only been able to hunt private property on a few occasions. Believe it or not, all of the finds you see posted here were found on public property, where anyone can metal detect at any time. Only 2 weeks ago, I had a 12 silver day (5 Washingtons, 5 mercs, and 2 Roosies)!! None of 'em were key dates, so they're all headed for the bullion pile (they should fetch $25-30 @melt/spot ) . Best part? You guessed it...all 12 were found on public property. It's amazing how dramatically your good finds increase when you buy a high end detector and learn how to use it!!
In some cities, public property has restrictions that apply. For instance here, you can wave your detector freely over public property such as a city or county park, but if you detect something, digging it out, if soil is removed is a violation and fine. In the park I walk, often a parks manager or officer stands on high ground and scopes the park, for drugs, sex, and digging. You can keep what you find, but don't leave holes. I was told this started with people digging and stealing bronze sprinkler heads.
I'm in Chicago. Detecting in the county forest preserves here was VERY popular until it was banned in 2012. Too many jerks w/ shovels leaving huge holes and not taking their trash.
Taking my 1894o and 1897o Barber dimes to a lcs tomorrow for appraisal/submission worth. Also gonna take in my '14 no D wheatie. Fingers crossed that it is in fact a bona fide no D w/ strong reverse....stay tuned. Will post the results/lcs opinions when I get 'em.
