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 Replies: 16 / Views: 2,149 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1582 Posts |
A friend of mine brought this coin by the other day - said "found this old penny in the drilling samples, and thought you might like to have it. That penny turned out to be an 1800 Draped Bust Half Cent - pretty bad shape, but it's probably been in hibernation for alot of years. The scans I've posted aren't real good, but the best I can come up with. In hand, the date can be seen much more clearly than the scans. I'm kinda stoked about it because it's the oldest coin I own. Not looking for help in grading, or determining the variety - nothing like that - just sharing it with y'all ' cause I think it's pretty cool. Ralph Image:  1800DrapedBustHalfCent.jpg77.1 KB Image: Reverse.jpg78.11 KB |
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Valued Member
United States
101 Posts |
WOW that was in drilling sludge like drilling for oil? Or like a core sample? Either way that is pretty awesome to find something that old. Sure it isn't the greatest condition but it is a conversation piece for sure! Congrats! Steve
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1582 Posts |
Thanks Steve.
Yup, my bud works in the oil patch. When I told him what it was, he didn't seem all that excited about it - "h**l, a penny's a penny" was his response. He doesn't collect coins!! :)
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Moderator
 United States
6563 Posts |
Wow! That was an awesome find for them! I'd like to know how far down it was actually found or any other info about it's discovery
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1582 Posts |
graceoutcast - I have no idea, but I can ask the next time my friend is back in town (they're working on a rig down in Kentucky right now). I would assume it was probably in some of the initial samples though, or, at least, not too far down.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2443 Posts |
Wow, that amazing! I wonder how many years it's been there and who lost it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1582 Posts |
Amazon99 - judging from the corrosion on it, I'd say it's been there quite awhile. Fun to speculate as to who might have lost it, huh?
Illinois IS the Land of Lincoln.....:)
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Rest in Peace
United States
3730 Posts |
Pretty neat. Maybe you could clean it up a little?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1582 Posts |
Yeah Gary - I think I'll let it sit in some olive oil for awhile - see what that does - maybe some acetone later on. No matter what I do, the corrosion will still be there, but some of the crud might float off the coin.
Yes, it is neat. Like I said, it's the oldest coin I've ever owned, and I think it's a keeper, even in the condition it's in.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1151 Posts |
This is what I enjoy about the hobby. Speculating who once had possession of a coin, what they could buy with it, where it had traveled, and if anyone cared that they lost it. I am not a big history buff, but I am interested in what, how and why things occured.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2443 Posts |
quote:
Illinois IS the Land of Lincoln
When I dig in my backyard all I find is dirt.  Where was it found, in IL or Kentucky? |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1582 Posts |
Amazon99 - it was found in southern Illinois some time back. He's not a collector, so he didn't put alot of importance to it - just another "penny" to him. - just drop it off the next time he came by my shop. I'm glad he did.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
533 Posts |
Nice find! There is nothing I like more than an interesting coin with a unique story to go with it. It may no be in great shape but it is a great coin none the less!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
914 Posts |
Great find! Acetone that coin first, and rub some of that gunk off with a thorn or a bamboo skewer. I think there's more coin there than you think.
Then use olive oil later.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2540 Posts |
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Replies: 16 / Views: 2,149 |
1800DrapedBustHalfCent.jpg
Reverse.jpg
Posted 10/25/2007 4:11 pm
