Neil in West Jersey
New member
I can say without question, this summer's best find is also my best find overall to date.
[attachment 36893 garrett.JPG]
It is an 1836 "Matron Head" Large Cent. If it werent for the wear on the date, this would be in EF-40 to AU-50 condition.
It was found at a depth of about 4 1/2 inches using the Garrett Grand Master Hunter CXIII at an old cellar hole of what was a tavern that burned down around 1840, according to records. Found at the site along with the coin was a "plated" flat button from the same period, a much older "Gilted" flat button (which still had some cloth attached) and other various artifacts.
A few odd things happened there, in retrospect. I am not a supersticious person, and don't believe the tales of the "Jersey Devil", but this was the very woods the legend was born. Had I thought about them at the time, I might have fled. When I first stepped into the hole, I thought a snake had wrapped itself around my ankle. I nearly panicked. As I looked down I saw that somehow my sneaker lace had untied and wrapped itself(?) 3 times around my calf! Then, later, as I held the cent in my hand I heard a voice in my headphones...NO LIE! I have the treasure talk feature, but this was a distintly male voice. I couldnt understand it and before I knew it, it stopped. I was 5 miles from the nearest paved road, and 8 from the nearest human. There is no cellular service, so I know it wasn't an errant signal. I was so excited about the find, I didn't give it a second guess, but on the way home it started to creep me out.
[attachment 36893 garrett.JPG]
It is an 1836 "Matron Head" Large Cent. If it werent for the wear on the date, this would be in EF-40 to AU-50 condition.
It was found at a depth of about 4 1/2 inches using the Garrett Grand Master Hunter CXIII at an old cellar hole of what was a tavern that burned down around 1840, according to records. Found at the site along with the coin was a "plated" flat button from the same period, a much older "Gilted" flat button (which still had some cloth attached) and other various artifacts.
A few odd things happened there, in retrospect. I am not a supersticious person, and don't believe the tales of the "Jersey Devil", but this was the very woods the legend was born. Had I thought about them at the time, I might have fled. When I first stepped into the hole, I thought a snake had wrapped itself around my ankle. I nearly panicked. As I looked down I saw that somehow my sneaker lace had untied and wrapped itself(?) 3 times around my calf! Then, later, as I held the cent in my hand I heard a voice in my headphones...NO LIE! I have the treasure talk feature, but this was a distintly male voice. I couldnt understand it and before I knew it, it stopped. I was 5 miles from the nearest paved road, and 8 from the nearest human. There is no cellular service, so I know it wasn't an errant signal. I was so excited about the find, I didn't give it a second guess, but on the way home it started to creep me out.