Walking Liberty Half Dollar

The half dollar succeeded the unpopular and often ridiculed Barber half dollar.  The coin was designed by A. A. Weinman.  The Walking Liberty half dollar obverse is considered one of the best designed silver coins in American coinage.   On the 1916 coins and some of the 1917 coins the mint mark is located on the obverse below the motto. These were made between 1916-1947.   In the series there are some difficult rarities and some low-mintage (less than one million made) dates. The five key dates are 1916-P, 1916-S, 1921-P, 1921-D, and 1938-D.  The most valuable is a 1938 D.  Still looking for my first.

TIP-- DIG UNLIKELY TARGETS:

Be sure to dig targets that come up as "trash". I should do this more. This is especially important if the place you are hunting is one that you frequent. If you clear the area, next time you will be able to find the real targets. Also don't forget that some of those "trash targets" might be good finds like rings and tokens.  I know it's hard to do when all you find is pull tabs and bottle caps but it could be worth it in the long run. 

MORE SNOW

Another snow day but we did miss the big storm that NYC had. Looks like the rest of January is going to be a wash.  Hope there is a warm spell in February  .  I didn't hunt at all then so one day would be a blessing

TIP - WAIT FOR RAIN

The damp earth is more conductive than dry soil, allowing more objects to register on a detector. Even a popular area often visited by metal detecting enthusiasts can reveal new buried treasures and finds after a heavy rain, so wait for the drops to subside and head out early. Also, during spring thaw, the ground shifts from being frozen solid in the cold winter months. Objects that were once buried too deeply to make a beep on a detector may rise, allowing them to be discovered.  I have had good luck with the wet ground finding coins deeper and more of them.

BACK TO WINTER

Well the return of the snow and cold has come back to Central NY surprise surprise.  I had a good 3 days so far but now it's time to get back to some research and hope the January thaw comes soon. Until then keep warm and it's off to the books.

BEST DAY SO FAR - ANOTHER WHEAT

I know it's early but I had my best day of the year.  Found another wheat penny - 1945 and a buck 58 in clad.  Was at the park - closest coin to silver was a 1966 dime. 19 total coins.  My 3rd hunt already which is what I had total last January.  I hope I can get a few more in before the "snow" gets here.  My take was 4-q, 5-d, and 8 pennies. I am behind last year's count not having a good first day this year but ahead in the wheat department.

                                                  2011 COIN COUNT

                                                             Q - 7  = 1.75
                                                             D - 6  = .60
                                                             N - 1  = .05
                                                             1- 1943 -p
                                                             P - 19 = .19
                                                             2- wheat  - 1945,50
                                                             DOL -
                                                             HALF -
                                                             FOREIGN - 2
                                                             # OF COINS(clad) - 34
                                                             # OF COINS(total) - 37 
                                                             TOTAL $ - 2.59 cents
                                                             RINGS -
                                                             zinc pennies - 9

FIRSTS FOR THE NEW YEAR

I had some firsts for the year today - my first quarter, dime and nickel and an added bonus - my first war nickel  - a 1943 P.  Found a total of 14 coins  - 3-q, 1-d. 1-n and 8 pennies with 2 being canadian - one a 1956 coin.  My take was 98 cents. 

                                                   2011 COIN COUNT

                                                             Q - 3
                                                             D - 1
                                                             N - 1
                                                             1- 1943 -p
                                                             P - 11
                                                             1- wheat  - 1950
                                                             DOL -
                                                             HALF -
                                                             FOREIGN - 2
                                                             # OF COINS(clad) - 16
                                                             # OF COINS(total) - 18 
                                                             TOTAL $ - 1.01 cents
                                                             RINGS -
                                                             zinc pennies - 5