Oldest Metal Item Found in the U.S.?

[ScouseRicey1]

Hi Everyone,

I'm quite lucky living in England, with lots of history. Does anyone know the oldest 'man-made' metal item found in the U.S.? Also, what are people's oldest finds?

Kind Regards,

Colin

 

[John 'n' W.Va]

The oldest metal items where not made here. They were brought here by the settlers. The Spanish and French had colonies here about 1535. I would say it is possible to have coins from the 1400's. There is someone who found Roman coins in Canada, but who knows how they got here. The Indians made some things from gold, but that would be hard to date. My oldest metal find is a Chinese coin, 1735-1795.

 

[Rick(ND)]

I have a guy that I hunt with that got what is called a prehistoric copper spear point in Minnesota that is estimated from 3500-6000 year old from a professor at our local college. I have found 2 of the smaller ones over the years that are estimated at over 1000 years old.Now coin wise the oldest in this parts are around 1850 with a couple older ones found.

 

[ScouseRicey1]

Many thanks for your replies.

Kind Regards,

Colin

 

[John(H)]

I also subscribe to Ancient American Magazine. There are many reports about lost Viking, Roman, Greek and even Phoenican colonies being found here! So finding any of these types of coins here is a possibility! Also on the West Coast sometimes they find Chinese and Japanese Artifacts that predate Columbus by 500 to 1000 years! If one can get a copy of this magazine, it is a real good monthly read!..........................HH......................Joe

 

[ScouseRicey1]

Thanks for that information, Joe.

Kind Regards,

Colin

 

[Neil in West Jersey]

My oldest (identifiable) coin is mid 1700's but most likely was imported. I have, however found metal items such as pewter spoons and buttons that are from early Dutch settlers, probably 1670's or 1680's. Once again, these items were most likely imported. I am sure that smiths were forging from the time the first Spaniards settled in the St. Augustine, Florida area in 1565. The first successful iron forge was the Saugus Iron Works, founded in 1646.