Years ago, I was told by an old fellow that coins sink at the rate of about 1/16th of an inch per year, so in 16 years, one inch of depth. Now, I realize that this rate would be an average. It is based upon deciduous leaf decay, rain spatter of soil, etc., but I think it is fairly accurate. In the North Texas DFW area where I live, we have soil which contracts and expands creating gaps in the summer that you can just about drive a truck into (well a hot wheels anyway). That could be a mitigating factor in coin settle rate if the coin were to be positioned within a cracked area.
So, here is a discussion point for your consideration and input. Has anyone here ever seen or heard of a study which would quantify that rate? .0625 inch per year (1/16th of one inch)....at that rate, in 160 years, a coin would be at 10 inches, basically at the bottom of the depth range of most coils and users abilities. How about your personal experiences? What is it like in your area?
Certainly I have found old coins sitting on top of the ground. For instance, I recently found a 1910 wheat penny sitting on top of the ground at an old park, and my partner found a 1917 half dollar there at 6 inches depth, which would be about right for the settling rate. But the overall reality is that I think the number cited as a settle rate is fairly accurate for my area. Rocks, nails, other metals, occasional organic interference, these things might influence rate, but again, I think the rate is consistent enough to suggest coil sizes for use.
So, how about some discussion on this topic. What are your experiences, opinions, and based upon what?
HH,
Dennis
So, here is a discussion point for your consideration and input. Has anyone here ever seen or heard of a study which would quantify that rate? .0625 inch per year (1/16th of one inch)....at that rate, in 160 years, a coin would be at 10 inches, basically at the bottom of the depth range of most coils and users abilities. How about your personal experiences? What is it like in your area?
Certainly I have found old coins sitting on top of the ground. For instance, I recently found a 1910 wheat penny sitting on top of the ground at an old park, and my partner found a 1917 half dollar there at 6 inches depth, which would be about right for the settling rate. But the overall reality is that I think the number cited as a settle rate is fairly accurate for my area. Rocks, nails, other metals, occasional organic interference, these things might influence rate, but again, I think the rate is consistent enough to suggest coil sizes for use.
So, how about some discussion on this topic. What are your experiences, opinions, and based upon what?
HH,
Dennis