Unearthing Treasures: My 1919 Mercury Dime and Silver Trinket Metal Detecting Adventure

What started as a rainy morning at Fort Greene Park turned into one of those magical detecting sessions where every beep held promise. Sure, I forgot my gloves and ended up with mud-caked hands after two hours in the drizzle, but the treasures waiting beneath that Brooklyn soil made every messy moment worthwhile. Let me share what surfaced that day and a few hard-earned truths I’ve gathered swinging a coil over the years.

My Fort Greene Park Hunt

Five hours of “dirt fishing” in this historic park taught me more than any guidebook could. The light rain made the ground slippery and my hands filthy – lesson learned: always check your gear bag twice. That forgotten pair of gloves turned minor digs into a real chore. Next time? Spares go straight into my pack. Funny how the simplest oversights can reshape your day.

The Exciting Finds

My pulse quickened when I spotted that 1919 Mercury Dime emerging from the mud. Even after decades underground, Lady Liberty’s winged cap showed crisp details – a real beauty for my collection. These little silver gems (90% pure, remember) always feel like holding history. The delicate silver pendant broke my heart a bit – you can’t help but wonder about the person who lost it generations ago. And those 11 Wheat Cents? Each one whispers stories from the early 1900s.

That damaged cent pictured? I keep finds like these specifically to show newcomers the difference between genuine mint errors and plain damage. A quick tip: always inspect coins in natural light first. While they’re not valuable, these “teaching pieces” save beginners from costly mistakes when building their collections.

Lessons Learned and Preparations for Hunter Island

With this success fresh in mind, I’m planning a July 4th solo hunt at Hunter Island – local legends swear it’s silver coin heaven. After my park adventure, I’m packing smarter. Here’s what’s going in my kit:

• Hydration and Snacks: Frozen Gatorade – summer heat demands it
• Protection Gear: Heavy-duty DEET spray – ticks don’t play nice in these woods
• Sun Safety: SPF 50 everywhere except under my headphones
• Clothing: Full coverage everything – Lyme disease isn’t worth risking

I’ll snap plenty of photos during the trip – maybe even film some clips. If you’re heading to Hunter Island too, check maps for the peninsula north of parking areas. Follow deer trails; they often lead to promising spots!

Collecting Insights and Market Observations

Something interesting: I almost never find nickels. Maybe soil chemistry eats them faster? Makes me tweak my detector settings constantly. Pieces like that silver pendant? They’re more than just pretty – they diversify a collection beautifully and hold decent melt value if you ever sell. Remember: gentle cleaning only! Water and a soft toothbrush preserve details; harsh methods murder value. Keep damaged coins like my bent cent though – perfect for showing new collectors what to avoid.

Nothing beats blending adventure with our coin passion. Here’s hoping Hunter Island delivers more silver surprises. May your next hunt leave you grinning ear-to-ear and your finds pouch heavy!