1877 IH !!!!

Finally, I find a key date coin!

Rewind two days ago and I am returning home from detecting a public park nearby when I bump into a nice gentleman with his wife and three kids out for a stroll.  It just so happened that we bumped into each other in front of a churchyard that I had my intention of detecting for some time now. Anyway, this gentleman turns out to be the pastor of the church and grants me permission to detect it all I want. I detected part of the front yard of the church and found a couple wheats and some clad. Interestingly enough I have yet to find a nail, pull tab or anything else that is not a coin. After about an hour I returned home.

After work today, I decided to risk the sweltering heat, geared up some water bottles and headed out.  I began detecting the shaded regions of the churchyard around some of the older trees and plants and immediately started finding wheats. I have still yet to find any silver however the existence of wheats increases my chances I think.

The second the last target of the day was reading as a penny/dime at four inches.  For those with the ACE 250, I have noticed that a memorial penny will "ding ding" at me while a wheat normally will bounce back with a single bell tone. I have found very few IH pennies so I was not sure whether they responded as if they were memorials. This IH sounded like a wheat so I dug!

Much to my amazement, out pops this beauty. HOLY COW!

I'm still in shock and im search of a stiff drink.

HH


-Hunter

thats crazy...how you clean it?

Absolutley beautiful 1877... $400 dollar plus penny what a find.  

The coin had a little bit of impacted dirt on the observe especially.  In order to remove the dirt, I first washed my hands thoroughly when I got back home. I then prepared a plastic bowl with soap water. I like to use some dish soap personally. I then have a second plastic bowl with distilled or boiled water. This way if your tap water has minerals in it, you decrease the risk of having small deposits on your coin. After washing my hands again in distilled water, I proceeded to take the coin and gently rub the front and back simultaneously to push the dirt of the edge and off the coin.  I also have an old electric toothbrush head with ultrasoft brush bristles that I put on the lowest possible setting to lift off some other corrosives on most coins. I did not however use that on this IH. I will admit that it helped that this coin appears to have been dropped before it could have been circulated much and I think partially that it was somewhat sheltered under a large root of a nearby tree, not sure of that shielded it from the elements per se, but man what a beauty.

Hope this helps!

I'll vote banner on it!  What a beauty!

Now THAT'S a coin!!. . . awesome recovery and a beauty to boot

You got my vote!

I have never dug a small cent that did not have some type of discoloration  . 

Nice one.

Holy Crap!!  That Looks Nice!!!
BANNER!!!!!!

[Numismatic Archaeologist]

Wow, I 2nd, 3rd or 4th that..banner!

Neil,

I'm with you on this. The fact that I found it at around 3.5 to 4 inches while digging wheats and memorials at lower depths coupled with the fact that I found it by a low limbed old tree that is perfect for climbing makes me think that someone went rooting through dad's collection and then dropped it while using the tree as a jungle gym.  Like I said it had some impacted dirt on the back that you see with most coins that have been in the ground a period of time but otherwise it had very few imperfections. I liken it to the stories of that now exotic car that the farmer kept in the barn for awhile that becomes valuable and then is discovered. I was sure it was just another memorial when it come out without the dirt on it that most others head. I did more than one double take after seeing the headdress.

 
   Wow , You might attend that church next sunday , and put a generous offering in the plate . My
   2009 Redbook lists the 1877 IH - at $2000. bucks in VF -  Very nice indeed !   Argentium.

Argentium,

You read my mind! I spoke to the pastor the first time we met about that very prospect. I will be front and center come Sunday.

This is one of the cleanest and best detailed that I've seen in a long time!
Loved the story about the find as well, made me feel like I was there with you.
Congratulations Hunter!
My vote for Banner is in!

Absolutley beautiful 1877... $400 dollar plus penny what a find.  

Don't know how old your price guide is but that is a 900.00 coin in G-4 an this looks to be atleast XF-40 booking at 2500.00 in the 2010 redbook

Note: I came in an added my prices are from the 2010 Redbook

that indian is amazing, looks like it was never in the ground. I have dug 42 indians this year alone and every single one came out of the ground green. Last season i dug 57 indians, and every last one was green. Are my eyes failing me? That coin looks brown like it was not in the ground at all?

simply amazing for a coin being buried 100+ yrs.

Incredible IH   they do come out of the ground looking like that once in a blue moon ,it must of been a blue moon Good find
its not the Golden Princess coin but no less its a beauty  Dd60

I have never dug a small cent that did not have some type of discoloration  .  

Nice one.

Me neither.      

Great find, Wherever it came from

that indian is amazing, looks like it was never in the ground. I have dug 42 indians this year alone and every single one came out of the ground green. Last season i dug 57 indians, and every last one was green. Are my eyes failing me? That coin looks brown like it was not in the ground at all?

simply amazing for a coin being buried 100+ yrs.

It must be ground conditions  out here i have only dug 7 IH so far this year and everyone has come out lite brown to dark brown still got no greens 1878 to 1903 and 1 flying 1 cent `1857 same thing brown but largies come out green go figure Dd60

Quote from: Neil in West Jersey on Today at 04:55:20 PM
I have never dug a small cent that did not have some type of discoloration  . 

Nice one.

Me neither.

Great find

---------------------------

I've dug scores, and me neither - though I have found a couple with that much detail.  What a thrill that must have been to pull out of the ground!!!   Banner vote for me, and congrats!

The only cleaning agent was dish soap?  BANNER

I think I just peed my leg...lol    super!

Must be the Fruit Loops I ate.

Beautiful coin!!! I've never had an IH come out that color. I love the nice greens but that would be an amazing color to find as well  kudos!

   Finding something that scarce in fantastic condition is a VERY hard to do!  It's hitting the daily double for sure! 

You got my banner vote.  That is remarkable.  A beauty of a find.   

Way to go and ATA-BOY on an awesome find for sure! I've dug many indians at all different depths and i'll vouch that they come out black, green, brown.....all different colors depending on the soil types and moisture! I've had some come out 4in deep and looked like they were just dropped an hour before! Looks like the cards were falling in your favor that day. Congrats!!            Johnny

THAT'S NICE!!!!!

Nice digs!! I've dug some nice brown IHs here in Virginia... we must be lucky!! Then again.. all mine seem to be 1900 ;-)

Banner

MB

i dont know?? i hate to be a skeptic!! GOD KNOWS THOUGH!! if this is true blue welcome to the 1877 indian penny club! i wanna put banner but i really have my doubts. willy

 :icon_thumright:thats a banner coin for sure great find

awesome!!! congrats

I am probably one of the biggest skeptics on here. At first I thought NO WAY! Then under closer examination, you can see pitting around the back side around the rim and wreath. Also pitting on "OF AMER" in the obverse. Although it appears shiny, you can see it was rubbed with paper towel or regular cloth after the wash. (Fibers). I believe it is a legit find......and I vote Banner!     Congrats!    Hogge

I am probably one of the biggest skeptics on here. At first I thought NO WAY! Then under closer examination, you can see pitting around the back side around the rim and wreath. Also pitting on "OF AMER" in the obverse. Although it appears shiny, you can see it was rubbed with paper towel or regular cloth after the wash. (Fibers). I believe it is a legit find......and I vote Banner!     Congrats!    Hogge

Thats what i thought also fibers from paper towels never use them a soft 100% cotton cloth and with that dap it do not wipe, i saw the corrosion also ill vote Banner !!

Great Coin. Thanks for sharing!  I voted for BANNER!!!

That's a Banner find.  I definitely would have someone take a look at it to make sure its legit though.  This is one of the highest number counterfit coins that exist out there.  An experts opinion is definitely warranted.  Congrats!

Great looking IH. Fantastic find! Congrats!!

Great Find!!!  I found my 1877 in Petersburg, VA ________ Lawn Park when stationed at Ft. Lee, VA, in the 1980s.
Welcome to the club!!!!   It is an awesome feeling, looking down at one of the rarest of the rare.   
No reference to my 1877, but I have found that when I find a coin that has been lost very close after being minted, that there
seems to be some extra protection for some of them.   Found that to be true in the U.S., Virginia, Alabama, Oregon, and here
in S. Korea.   Not true for all high graded coins, but for enough that it has me thinking that there is some protective coating
that helps.   
Anyway, you have found a very nice find.   Also, I would think about getting it professionally cleaned and slabbed.   Will increase
the value of it considerably.    And, once in the plastic, and cleaned, will not further deteriorate.

Anyway, you have found a very nice find.   Also, I would think about getting it professionally cleaned and slabbed.   Will increase
the value of it considerably.    And, once in the plastic, and cleaned, will not further deteriorate.

  Are you looking at the same coin as I am?  Cleaned?  What would you be cleaning?

Wow. I don't know if I have ever seen an IH in that condition dug up before. I found an 1874 IH a few weeks ago. It was about 10" deep and only good condition. It had no LIBERTY showing and was discolored. You my friend have found something we all dream about. Congrats and BANNER find.

Awsome Find hbeaton.




Jeff

Well if you look at any numismatic guide that has pictures of certified 1877 IH's , all of the second 7's seem to have a bit of a droop to them.


 

              http://www.coinfacts.com/small_cent...s/1877_indian_head_cent__copper.htm

Super find, congrats

You need to look at the N in ONE it should be shallow,Thes can an have been alter into 1877 from other dates... The pros look for the shollow N when determining if real or fake... here is a pic of a real 1877 IH

Yep, banner vote here too.  Awesome coin!

The coin has 

1. Lower last 7
2. Shallow N's
3. Correct hub
4. last feather pointing between C&I
7. Tapering to fat lower 7's

It's the real deal! 

And if it's counterfeit, it's one of the finest examples of any coin. And probably worth more than the real thing!

Banner!

Jeff,

Definitely will be submitting this coin for grading. I'd be a fool not to.

Certainly will welcome any questions/concerns/inquiries/rants/doubts/lingering whathaveyou regarding finding the coin, etc.

Integrity is a huge deal on this site because if we can't trust the validity of each others' finds, what good are they/we?

HH!

-Hunter

Way to go Beaton, banner vote for you!

Any idea on how old the church is? Hopefully you find many more goodies around.

Great timing to run into the pastor on your travels... it was meant to be!
 

Gio,

The pastor was actually quite knowledgeable about the church's history and of the surrounding area. He informed me that the current church was constructed on the old church foundation and that the old foundation was laid just after the end of the Civil War. He then pointed me in the direction of the surrounding houses on the street the church is located and I noticed a similar brick coloration and design as the church. Apparently to pay for the church, the individual that owned the church property and the surrounding land, sold that land that was subsequently subdivided into lots to pay for church construction. I furthermore have permission to detect the pastor's house which he said was built a short time after the church was completed as well as one of the vacant houses up the street that he knows the out of town owners quite well.

Wow man awesome. You find that alot over the years and millenia.... Churches built upon other churched... Churches built on what used to be sacred sites.

Churches are a good place to hunt!

Note to self: No more trespassing. More talks with pastors!

I have to say this... I undersstand some sceptisizm as to the color of this coin... but too much attention is being paid to that...... it is an awesome coin!  Why would this fella lie?  What is to gain by it?  I mean the brown color makes some think immediately that he didnt dig it.... so why subjuect yourself to the banter unless you really did dig it?  I have dug a few IH 's that were that color... all were under big tree roots and he said this one was.... I popped out a worn 1870 that was that color all over and several wheats that werent green... it all depends on the soil conditions..... or maybe someone lost it a few years ago while working out there or maybe it was lost in 1877.... no way to tell.... point is.... he dug it... end of story

Congrats,

That is the best condition you could ask for for a dug indian. I find alot of them. But don't have the 77 yet. It is a really hard one to find. That is a few thousand dollar coin easy.

HH Jer

I have to say this... I undersstand some sceptisizm as to the color of this coin... but too much attention is being paid to that...... it is an awesome coin!  Why would this fella lie?  What is to gain by it?  I mean the brown color makes some think immediately that he didnt dig it.... so why subjuect yourself to the banter unless you really did dig it?  I have dug a few IH 's that were that color... all were under big tree roots and he said this one was.... I popped out a worn 1870 that was that color all over and several wheats that werent green... it all depends on the soil conditions..... or maybe someone lost it a few years ago while working out there or maybe it was lost in 1877.... no way to tell.... point is.... he dug it... end of story

Not for nothing, there was a rash of fake finds posted here a while ago.  The intent was to get people here all jazzed up about some "amazing' finds the poster was claiming they "found".  Who knows what is in a person's head and the hope is anyone posting their find here is legit rather than a grand story-teller.
I was skeptical about the find myself because the patina didn't quite match what I would have expected from a ground dug coin, and I've seen enough across the spectrum to make some general judgment.  It does appear legit if you count the tells like the corrosion.  It should probably be slabbed to put a nail in the conversation.  Nice coin either way.  Wouldn't throw that one out just because it didn't pass the dig test.

Awesome coin.  Congrats.   

I once found a 1950s wheat penny imbedded  in a root that looked almost brand new when I removed it from the root.

I had one or two people post stating that there was NO way it was a dug coin.  There have been people who have posted stuff that later proved not to be dug items, but they claimed they were.

Your coin is awesome, I'm just mad at you now because when I dig my 77 IH it won't make the banner!!!!!!!

Thanks to all that voted for Banner and for Jeff for making it so.

To be honest, I figured there would be a bit of skepticism about digging this coin as many coins never look so good coming out of the ground and furthermore even if they are cleaned. That in mind, as noted previously, I'm having this coin graded and slabbed to help alleviate possible concern about it's validity. As far as it being dug is concerned, people have already discerned my response. I don't have reason to lie, if it were fake i'm only kidding myself in the end and frankly this is not the place to gain attention if that was my purpose. I dug this coin in the manner described and wished to share an extraordinary piece of numismatic and cultural history with all of you, that's all.  

I do appreciate legitimate concerns over pieces as I myself have had them in the past seeing certain finds, however, I am of the persuasion of taking people at their word. Funny to say that coming from a future lawyer    

I am returning to the site today, hopefully there will be more waiting, possibly some silver that has alluded me so far.

HH!

-Hunter

Super Coin!
Well worth the Banner!!!!

A well deserved banner. Congrats. As for the skeptisism a previous poster said it all. For whatever reason, some people feel as though they want to be recognized for illegitiment finds. 99.9% of the time, you can tell these finds weren't dug. As a future lawyer, and going with signs of the times we live in, don't believe everything you see or hear, until all the facts are in.

For the record Hunter . . . I never questioned the validity of your story.
It's too bad that there's always a couple of cynics in the crowd, but you know
the real truth and that's all that matters!

Congrats again on getting Banner!

love to see the other coins to compare. never found a copper without some discolor stains on it.

Well now.....didnt you just shoot yourself in the foot!!!
I was with you 110% about it being a legit find and all right up to the point you mentioned being a future Liar/(Lawyer).LOL....Hmmm..I'm gonna have to go back and take another look at all this for sure for sure!      Meanwhile, if you keep using them big ol' words around some of us...well...were just gonna get all cornfused and such!
 Keep up the good digs and lets see some dirty pics in the future.
                                                                      Johnny
p.s. I'm refering to pictures of the coin while its still dirty!

This coin looks dug to me. There is just enough pitting (especially between the wreath and rim), the hue is pinkish even more on the reverse and the coin has obviously been wiped off with a cloth as evidenced by the fibers. I've found coins this nice before. Few and far between. I once dug a flying eagle penny that was this nice and clean.

That is outstanding. I have also dug Wheaties that looked almost that good.
You seem like a fine young man. I am happy for you.

Congrats on one enviable find!   WTG on the banner, too.

HH

Congrats on an awesome find!    Breezie

Great find!  Beautiful coin. Congrats on the banner.

Maine_Jim

That is one sweet looking coin. I have dug them as green as can be and have dug some old and brown. Nice recovery. Happy for your find and do not forget the good pastor. 

All of the IH Pennies I found in Idaho (desert soil) were brown like this.

Outstanding find!!!!

Jim

Well now.....didnt you just shoot yourself in the foot!!!
I was with you 110% about it being a legit find and all right up to the point you mentioned being a future Liar/(Lawyer).LOL....Hmmm..I'm gonna have to go back and take another look at all this for sure for sure!      Meanwhile, if you keep using them big ol' words around some of us...well...were just gonna get all cornfused and such!
 Keep up the good digs and lets see some dirty pics in the future.
                                                                      Johnny
p.s. I'm refering to pictures of the coin while its still dirty!

future liar! thats funny johnny!! that explains every thing. willy

[Oldest Coin - 1841 Seated Half DimeOldest Relic - Silver plated 1700's Colonial Buckle]

I have to admit when I first viewed the find I though to myself "no way that was dug" but when i closely viewed the back of the coin I can see light corrosion and there's still dirt in the shield.  I have no doubt now that it was in fact dug, congrats on the awesome banner find 

Congrats on getting a key IH that is in as good as shape as one could hope for coming from the ground, might want to consider that find your upgrade detector find

Don

An amazing find and truly banner worthy! As for the validity of being dug or not.....There is no doubt in my mind that the coin was brought from the ground. I use to live in Michigan where I have dug maybe hundreds of Indians and they would quite commonly come out looking very similar to your rare beauty. Its very common for certain soil types not to effect certan coins as seen by posts here from all parts of the country and the world. Enjoy your moment in the sun as its well deserved and I wish you continued success!


Slipperyjack47

Wow what a beautiful coin!

Can you post a few more pics with different lighting?

Congrat on the banner find!

I can second what slipperyjack is saying.  Our Michigan soil produces primo indians like the one posted.  Mainly from old home sites not parks.   Just ask Don from Jersey.  He finds some real nice ones in sandy soil in his area as well.   Great find!!

My vote is in....WTG!

My vote is in....WTG!

but a bit late  
Been up there since yesterday  

Excellent find.
They do come out of the ground like that from time to time.
One of my hunting buddies found one in Illinois in a private yard.
Search WaSaBi on this forum - it's his avatar.

Makton

Congrats on the great find. I will leave it at that. After looking at the picture I just cannot comment. Other than to say great find.

Ed D.

absolutely gorgeous coin  !!!

Yes, that is certainly a winner coin.  Good job!   

Very nice find.

It deserves to be on the Banner.

Ray S ECenFL

   That is an amazing coin......But the one thing that I would like to know is ,What kind of soil that coin came out of?  That has to be the best dug coin in the history of metal detecting..........

Very nice find. 
Please do not let the people who think you did not find it upset you.
Remember, people sometimes think because they have never done it
that it can not be done.
I have been doing this for over 35 years,and have found a few coins
that have come out of the ground this nice.
Not the 1877 though lol
So, just relax-breath-and enjoy the find
HH
GL
Dan

Thanks again to all who have posted congratulatory remarks! Means alot coming from you guys and gals

To those interested in additional information about the find or better yet relation to the find, i.e. other coins dug in the same area, soil conditions, etc. I will be happy to post some good clear pictures of the location I found the coin, I could probably redig the old plug even as I have a GPS system to construct a virtual replication of the churchyard grounds (triangulational surveying is great for metal detecting) so I have a good makeup of where i found the most coins, where i haven't searched yet, etc.

I borrowed a good camera to take the photos of my coin so I will again borrow it for the digging conditions pictures. Be on the lookout for that.

In other news, mailed "Bertha" the IH to the NGC and will anxiously await the results and will post as soon as I can.

HH!

-Hunter

210 year old coin, found by my sister,(The Vermonster), in Vermont, a couple weeks ago. Almost NO pitting at all.

Nice Indian!!!!   I have found a fair amount of Indians that appeared to be uncirculated and do look to be the same condition as yours.  I also have a 1909 that looks to have some original luster...  I guess what I am getting at is that the type of ground you are on may be a good way to perserve a coin.    Todd Hollerich

  Beautiful coin there Hunter,congrats and wtg 

Beautiful coin!  And welcome to the banner.    (you're right after my first)

Wish my Indians came out that nice but they're always green.  Although, visually, I do like the green patina.

Way to go--look forward to what else you're finding from those sites.

  _Rich_

P.S.:  A lawyer dies and arrives at the Pearly Gates. "There must be some mistake" complains the lawyer, "I'm much too young to have died!" St. Peter says "Let me see," opens the register in front of him, looks it over, and says "According to our records, you are 131 years old." The lawyer replied, "That's ridiculous! I'm only 48. How did you come up with 131?" "Well", says St. Peter," we added up your billable hours." 

Haha!!! Excellent joke BlackX...

I have proposed the following regulation for submission into all fifty states, District of Columbia and U.S. owned territories to govern Lawyer Hunting!

 
A BILL TO REGULATE THE HUNTING AND HARVESTING OF ATTORNEYS

    * 372.01 Any person with a valid state rodent or armadillo hunting license may also hunt and harvest attorneys for recreational and sporting (non-commercial) purposes.
    * 372.02 Taking of attorneys with traps or deadfalls is permitted.The use of United States currency as bait is, however, prohibited.
    * 372.03 The willful killing of attorneys with a motor vehicle is prohibited, unless such vehicle is an ambulance being driven in reverse. If an attorney is accidentally struck by a motor vehicle, the dead attorney should be removed to the roadside and the vehicle should proceed to the nearest car wash.
    * 372.04 It is unlawful to chase, herd, or harvest attorneys from a power boat, helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft.
    * 372.05 It is unlawful to shout 'Whiplash', 'Ambulance', or 'Free Scotch' for the purpose of trapping attorneys.
    * 372.06 It is unlawful to hunt attorneys within one hundred (100) yards of BMW, Porsche, or Mercedes dealerships, except on Wednesday afternoons.
    * 372.07 It is unlawful to hunt attorneys within two hundred (200) yards of courtrooms, law libraries, health clubs, country clubs or hospitals.
    * 372.08 If an attorney gains elective office, it is not necessary to have a license to hunt, trap or possess same.
    * 372.09 It is unlawful for a hunter to wear a disguise as a reporter, drug dealer, pimp, female legal clerk, sheep, accident victim, bookie, physician, chiropractor or tax accountant for the purpose of hunting attorneys.
    * 372.10 Stuffed or mounted attorneys must have a state health department inspection for AIDS, rabies, and vermin.
    * 372.11 Bag Limits Per Day
         1. Yellow Bellied Sidewinder - 2
         2. Two-faced Tort Feasor - 1
         3. Back-stabbing Divorce Litigator - 4
         4. Small-endowed Ball Buster (Female only) - 3
         5. Big-mouthed Pub Gut - 2
         6. Honest Attorney - EXTINCT
         7. Cut-throat - 2
         8. Back-stabbing Whiner - 2
         9. Brown-nosed Judge Kisser - 2
        10. Silver-tongued Drug Defender - $100 BOUNTY
        11. Hairy-arsed Civil Libertarian - 7

What do you think??

HH!

-Hunter

...and being true to form, the above was found online and in no way is agreed to or advocated by myself nor is it meant to speak for others within TNET. Any who take offense to the aforementioned post may direct their complaint to me directly via PM and I will most certainly get that complaint into my File 13.

Cheers!

At first I also said no way.Then I saw the dirt embedded in the shield and the corrosion around the wreath and the fibers from the cloth.It all pointed to a dug coin. The bad news is, it will probably come back with a denotation of cleaned.The good news is, even so, its still a four figure coin and it was free to you and you made the banner so congrats!!! HH, Bootstrap