I braved the cold this afternoon to hunt an old school grounds that I recently received permission to hunt. The school existed from around the late 1940’s until just a few years ago. I was hoping that it would be a prime spot for some junk silver coinage.
I even dreamed about it last night … I think I dug over 100 silver coins in one day in that dream.
Anyhow … five minutes after I chose my starting spot and began to walk my very first line, I got a very strong “half-dollar/dollar” VDI on my MXT. I automatically assumed that it was a can or lid, but when I checked the depth it was reading in the 4-5 inch range. Intrigued, I kicked my relic shovel into the sod and turned over a plug. And shining forth from that plug was this piece of sweetness … it looked exactly like this. Not a blemish on it. All I did was rinse off the dirt!
Here’s a close-up of the decorative edge …
You can’t read it on the face, but I can see with a magnifying glass (and the watch held at an angle in bright light) the words “Santa Fe Special” and “Illinois.”
Turns out this is a size 14, open-face Santa Fe Special railroad watch made by the Illinois Watch Company in Springfield, IL. As best I can tell, this company was in operation under this name from 1869 until 1927.
I’m having trouble identifying the specific type and year of manufacture. And I can’t, for the life of me, figure out how to get the back off and check the serial number for a positive ID.
Any suggestions would be helpful …
From the look of the finish it appears to be 18k gold (most likely filled). Most likely not solid, but still a measurable amount of gold.
I’m stoked. This one find saved the day … all the rest was clad.
Thanks for looking! HH
I really enjoy watching your videos. Me and my son got a ace 350 this year we have not found any silver yet but i have faith.we have found a lot of coins a few wheaties and some modern coins.we have found some stuff we dont no what they are were going to clean them up and take them to a friend to see if he knows what they are. That watch is really cool i hope i can find some stuff like you have. I have been blessed with two healthy children my boy is 15 and my girl is26 and married just found out were going to be grandparents. ILL shut up. God bless HAPPY HUNTING.