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July 12, 2025I’ve been collecting coins since I was a kid, and nothing gets me going like hunting for silver. Sal’s Super Silver Sunday sparked my imagination so much that I had to create my own version. I combined my favorite things—metal detecting and sharing special finds from my collection—and here’s how it went down.
My Metal Detecting Expedition at Historic Schools
My morning began at a 1930s-era schoolhouse, the kind I actually attended back in the seventies. It’s still teaching kids today, which got me wondering about all the coins that must’ve slipped through pockets over the decades. With my trusty detector, I scanned near the original playground and walkways—prime spots for silver dimes and quarters. Taking it slow and steady proved key, especially where generations of students had trampled. A couple hours in, I unearthed a few worn Mercury dimes. That moment when you hold history in your palm? Still gives me goosebumps.
Showcasing Silver Treasures: From Coins to Rounds
Back at my desk, I pulled out some showstoppers. First came my KM#112 commemorative—a stunner in .925 silver measuring 30mm wide. Modern pieces like this really bridge the gap between collectible charm and solid silver value. Then I revisited my Liberty Seated dollar, which reignited my passion for this classic series. Hunting for date and mint mark varieties in seated coins feels like detective work, and the payoff is huge when you find a good one. Finally, I displayed my Mason Mint Odin round with its antique finish. Though not official currency, its coin-style alignment and mythological art make it a conversation starter. Pieces like this prove you don’t need government stamps to appreciate great silver craftsmanship.
Practical Advice for Silver Collectors
After decades in this hobby, I’ve learned a few tricks worth passing along. When detecting, target locations that’ve seen generations—old schools, parks, and farmsteads often cough up mid-century silver. Always double-check permissions though; trespassing kills the fun. For evaluating finds, remember these basics:
- Condition rules: Even common Roosevelt dimes spike in value when mint-state sharp
- Purity matters: .900 or .925 stamps mean more melt value when markets swing
- Rounds rock: Modern art pieces let new collectors play without emptying wallets
I’ve noticed silver with cool stories or designs holds value best over time. And never underestimate the fun of swapping finds with other collectors—that camaraderie keeps this hobby fresh after all these years.
As I packed up after my Super Silver Sunday, I kept thinking how each coin carries whispers of its past—from the dirt-caked dime fresh from the ground to the polished commemorative in my case. That’s the real magic of silver: whether you’re holding your first Mercury dime or your hundredth ounce, every piece feels like a tiny time machine.