Found this in my front yard while metal detecting last week under an old Maple tree. Thought it was in pretty good shape coming fresh out of the ground.
When I 1st started metal detecting no one took the time to tell me that silver coins usually come out of the ground as bright and shiny as when they went in. Imagine my surprise upon digging my 1st silver coin ( an AU 1939 Merc.) out of 4" of Texas black gumbo! One of those 'Never Forget' memories, indeed, Good going, PGND, J.T.
Thanks J.T. I found a bunch of coins around here as it was an old farm since about 1884. Most of the wheat pennies I found were in rough shape but some, like this '45 weren't too bad. Looks better up close as the pics don't do it justice. A few clad coins too. My dad snagged a 1911-P barber dime not too long ago. Pretty worn but still a cool find. I think there is lots more to be had around here. lol.
Forgot to mention that would be a nice pull. A '39 AU merc! Out of the ground no less. I did notice that silver fairs a lot better than copper when it comes to digging them up that's for sure.
My gramps told me right where the old clothesline was. Years later though they planted a garden on that spot. Where the clothesline was when my dad was young now has a garage over it. Did manage to find a standing liberty quarter, date worn off though right on top of the ground out back and also a '16-P merc dime in the driveway.
Don't ya just love it when you hear that tone or watch your detector needle, and you know it's likely a coin ? Makes me want to go dirt fishing, but it's raining here. All day.
Raining here too. I want to head over to the neighbor's again as that place is about as old as this one. I think there is lots to be had over there. lol.
Perhaps the soil in your area is different that what we have here in Houston although most copper coins don't fair well in our soil either. The buffalo nickels I dug were especially butt-ugly and really not fit for anyone's collection. Silver was always bright & shiny. I recall digging an AU 1925 S.L. Quarter and nicking it on the rim, just bad enough to make you sick. Happy Hunting, J.T.