Another day, another racecourse

[Ken (Australia)]

My mate Geoff and I travelled to a country racecourse yesterday for a hunt. We both met about halfway which meant a 200 klm round trip for the both of us. Things didn't turn out as good as we hoped for, after a couple of hours it was apparent the place had been hit hard at some previous time. This is an old course which is still in use and has had large crowds over the years. I had seen some pictures of meetings in the 1930's so we knew where to look but the pre decimal coins were few and far between. Geoff ended up with about $50 and two threepences and a sixpence. I took home about $12, a couple of halfpennies and a penny, 2 x threepences, 1910 and 1922, a sixpence 1925 and my find of the day a nice Florin 1931. Those old threepences are paper thin and really hard to pinpoint, I suppose that's why they were still there. The florin was the same, only just a signal, it was over 12" down and I had to get the shovel out of the car to get to it. Ground was like concrete in places. But we had a day out and a few finds...Thanks for looking........Ken.

 

[Golden]

I see you've also picked up another religious pendant Ken! The coins look great, but I'm really partial to those pre-decimals of yours! Good going!
Golden

 

[Ken (Australia)]

I really like finding the pre decimals, specially the silver. I've been doing a fair bit of research lately, reading the local history books from the library and looking at old maps. Its amazing, just about every town and village had at least one racecourse, you just have to find where. I've recently located two just out of town, one from 1870's to 1900 and the second from 1850's to at least the 1930's, they're both now on private property. Both owners have denied me access but I'll have another try a bit later on. There's another from the 1890's a bit further out and I'll find out the owner tomorrow. I reckon these sites are the best, whatever you find is bound to be old and there's no aluminium trash. All the best..........Ken.

 

[beachguy777]

Hey, Ken. Maybe you could do a little "wheelin and dealin" with these guys. Offer them half the spoils if you find something good on their property, and maybe they'll change their tune. Just a thought, but I know, I'd be "panting" too to search an area like that. How about any "carnival" or "old circus tent" areas in your area. I think those might open up to some real possibilities. I need to do some research in that vain myself. Not sure if the historical society here in San Diego, CA., USA. has that infor or not. I may have to try and find some "old timers" to talk to about that. I know we have a lake here in town, that a mutual treasure hunter friend of mine, told me he found numerous good stuff in that area, because in the late 1800's they used to have horse races around the lake, and he figured that people probably sat around there looking at the races, and lost some stuff.