I guarantee nobody has ever found a US nickel older than this.

[cwilk]

I am only posting a photo of my best find of the day and second best coin find of the year. It is also my oldest ever US coin by about 30 years which is very nice. The coin is a Shied Nickel with Rays which makes it easy to date. Either 1866 or 1867. Under bright light at an extreme angle it is obviously an 1866 so this could be the very first nickel ever issued in the US. The shield side has a lot of verdigris and the details are light. I wish I didn't give it a field wash. I assumed it was a Buffalo at best. I found it on the side of an old house in a ditch so it hasn't fared all that well but at least I could date it and it will look great in my book! I think I found another Indian Head Cent but it is very worn. I'm working on it. Also a few wheats and the usual pocketful of clad from the park next to the house.


Chris

 

[Joel-Winnipeg]

Nice find on the old nickel.

 

[Terry in PA]

I've found two one with the sun burst and one without. They are very rusty looking like the one you have. I have a new camera now so maybe I can start showing my finds.
Great find!! Very few people can say they have found those nickels.

 

[cwilk]

I want a new camera with better closeup capabilities too. My current little Kodak 3.2 mega pixel has taken over 10,000 photos and I have gotten my monies worth out of it.

Anytime you compare one of my finds to one of yours I know I am becoming a better metal detector, detectorist, treasure hunter. Take your pick.

Chris

I still can't believe the spell check on a metal detecting forum does not accept the word detectorist.

 

[John 'n' W.Va]

You sound pretty sure of yourself. I found one, but you have me beat. Mine was a 1882.

 

[Mick in Dubbo]

Very nice Chris.
You must be feeling very pleased with yourself. I know I would with such a find.
Mick Evans.

 

[Yaridnac]

That is pretty cool. I've never seen a coin like that. It almost looks like a token. Pretty Awesome!!! Congrats!!!

 

[awhitster]

Great find.

 

[John-Edmonton]

Very Nice find! You sure have bragging rites for that one. Better send off another story to Garrett you hog

Keep those great finds coming cwik

http://www.garrett.com/hobby/submitastory.htm

 

[Uncle Willy]

It's not in the dictionary. The spell check is educated - not smart. There is a vast difference.

Bill

 

[kickback]

Great find Chris.

 

[cwilk]

It is the first year of issue for nickels so there were no nickels minted prior to 1866. I was being glib. There were silver half dimes but they were never called nickels nor should they be.

Chris

 

[cwilk]

Some dictionaries list detectorist as a word. Some call it slang, Some do not call it as either. I think on a site dedicated to detecting, it should at least be acceptable slang. I asked Gary to add it to the spell check if he has that ability. Gary is a great host and one of the reasons I plan on keeping this as my one and only detecting forum.

Chris

 

[cwilk]

I've already sent in two and I don't want to get greedy. The coin looked about 100 times better right out of the ground. Removing it has done nothing for it's eye appeal. I have it encapsulated so hopefully it doesn't get any worse. I got a shield nickel in change about 15 years ago that was real shiny but almost worn flat. Obviously no date.

Chris

 

[Da Yooper]

Awesome find pal, CONGRATS Take your time cleaning that coin. I have only found 3 in the past 30 yrs. That "66 would look great next to my "67.

 

[cwilk]

I am not an advocate of cleaning coins and I have a feeling that any process might destroy this coin. I love the look of coins as they come out of the ground. When I die and somebody else gets it they can do with it what they please. That said. How did you make yours look so nice?

BTW great short set of shield nickels. You also need an 1867 with RAYS.

Chris

Your 30 years of experience is an asset to this forum!

 

[Da Yooper]

I found the 69 when I was a kid so no care was taken when I cleaned it. I believe a stainless steal brush was used. 67 &68 I soaked and used a tooth brush many times and then used a rubbing compound to bring out the high points. I dont use those methods any more. I dont want to ruin any more coins.