My Metal Detecting Adventure: Unearthing a 1919 Mercury Dime and Silver Trinkets

I recently embarked on a metal detecting expedition at Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn, NYC, and it turned into a memorable day filled with surprises. Forgetting my gloves was a rookie mistake—during a two-hour morning drizzle, my hands ended up caked in mud, a lesson I’ll never repeat! Despite that, the hunt yielded some fantastic finds that I’m excited to share with fellow coin enthusiasts.

The Exciting Discoveries from Fort Greene Park

My highlight was uncovering a 1919 Mercury Dime, a classic piece with its iconic winged Liberty design. This dime is particularly appealing for collectors due to its silver content and historical context from the early 20th century. Alongside it, I found another intricate silver pendant—someone must have been heartbroken when it fell from its chain! I also pulled up 11 Wheat Cents, which are always a treat for their numismatic value. Here’s a quick rundown of the key items:

• 1919 Mercury Dime: A staple in silver coin collections, worth checking for wear to assess grade—look for sharp details on the wings and date.
• Silver pendant: Delicate and ornate, a reminder that everyday objects can become collectible treasures.
• 11 Wheat Cents: Common but fun to find; I recommend storing them properly to avoid damage.

One cent was badly damaged, and I make a point to keep such coins. Why? To prevent new collectors from misinterpreting them as rare mint errors—it’s all about ethical collecting and education.

Gearing Up for My Next Hunt at Hunter Island

With July 4th off work, I’m heading solo to Hunter Island, a peninsula north of Orchard Beach that’s rumored to be loaded with silver coins. Preparation is key, so I’m packing frozen Gatorade for hydration, heavy-duty insect repellant, tick repellant (essential in deer-heavy areas), and sunblock—I’m fair-skinned, so I apply it everywhere except my ears, covered by headphones. Over the years, I’ve perfected my gear: long sleeves, long pants, and DEET-based sprays to combat Lyme disease risks. It’s all about staying safe while maximizing the thrill of the hunt.

Metal Detecting Tips: Nickels, Signals, and Digging Deep

A puzzling observation from my hunts is why nickels are so scarce—I might find only one or two every five outings. On my NOKTA Legend, nickels often ring up around 28, close to pull tabs at 26-28. I used to ignore those signals, but I’ve learned to dig them all. Why? Silver war nickels hit 30-32, and huge gold rings can mimic those numbers, especially at beaches. By digging every target, even shallow ones, I’ve scored gems like a 1779 Half Reale found less than two inches deep! Here’s my advice:

• Set your detector to all-metal mode to avoid missing nickels or other low-signal coins.
• Always dig all targets—shallow signals can hide historical rarities, and you might find coins mixed with trash.
• Ignore depth bias; some of my best finds have been near the surface.

Final Insights for Collectors

Metal detecting blends history, adventure, and numismatics. For the Mercury Dime, handle it gently to preserve its grade—clean only with mild methods if needed. Market-wise, silver coins like these hold intrinsic value, making them great for precious metals enthusiasts. Remember to document your hunts; I’m considering filming my Hunter Island trip to capture the excitement. In summary, protect yourself with repellants and clothing, dig everything, and cherish each find. Happy hunting—may your next outing be as rewarding as mine!