IN THE NEWS: MDs to Find UXO in Capitol

I read a great story today about a pair of geophysicists who are using metal detectors to help snoop out unexploded WWI ordinance in the Spring Valley area of Washington DC. Apparently during the first World War, there was a chemical weapon test firing range at and around the American University.

On the streets neighboring the school (like the above scene just off of Rockwood Pkwy), apparently you can still find buried, or perhaps partially buried Livens Projectors in the brush. These very basic tubes where designed by William Howard Livens, and made for launching a 8" projectile that could carry things like napalm or in many cases, a chemical agent like nerve gas or tear gas. In the following image is a vial of mustard gas agent that was found in the area in August.

Since the early 1990's, military officials have been searching for and cleaning up all of the UXO in the area ranging from the University, all the way to the Dalecarlia Reservoir as concerns about the chemicals leaking into the public water supply have been raised.

In the image above I made a color chart showing the range of common projectiles fired from this area. In the green area were just your common short range ammunition, the yellow was about where you could expect to find 4" Mortars... and in the orange is the range of the Livens projectiles.

To check out the article from the Washington Post, click HERE.
For a related story from the Post from 2 years back, click HERE.
For more info on Bill Livens, click HERE.
For more info on the Livens Projectile, click HERE.

Weekly World Coin Post: EUROPEAN UNION

This week I'm tackling a whole host of countries. At the beginning of 1999 the Euro was rolled out in 11 of the then 15 member states. Ever since, it has been one of the dominant world currencies. At the current rate, 1 EUR is worth almost $1.50 USD, a sweet conversion rate for all the Europeans who travel and work in the US and purchase things much cheaper.

I've traveled to only four of the EU member states, England, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain... however England does not use the Euro, as they were awarded an opt-out. Their British Pound is stronger anyway.

I think it's really cool how you can travel nearly over all of Europe and only use one currency. But don't let that fool you into thinking countries who retired their native currency had to settle and lose their identity on the new Euro. Those the side with the value on all Euros, EU wide is the same, member states has individualized engravings on the other side to distinguish their national identity. For example on an Irish Euro you might see an image of a Lire, but on the same coin from Malta, there would be a Maltese Cross. It makes them extremely fun to see and collect. In the US as we would call it obverse and reverse, for the Euros, these would be Common and National... should be obvious why.

One last neat fact about the Euro... though each coin size is different, the edges are also different. Some are reeded, some are smooth, some are a mix of both. These were put there to aid sight impaired individuals distinguish each value from the other. Also the same reason the paper money is different sizes.

For more info on the EU Euro, click HERE.

TOP PIC, LEFT TO RIGHT:

These coins are all the "Common Side", so no matter which country the Euro is from, this side they all look the same. Each has 12 stars signifying the original 12 members states and then a geographic map showing the region.

2 Euro
1 Euro
20 Cents
10 Cents
5 Cents

BOTTOM PIC, TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

GREECE
2002 2 Euros Cupronickel Center w/ Nickel Ring 25.75mm
2004 2 Euros Cupronickel Center w/ Nickel Ring 25.75mm | Athens Olympics Commemorative
2002 20 Cents Nordic Gold 22.5mm | Ioannis Kapodistrias
2002 10 Cents Nordic Gold 19.75mm | Rigas Feraios

BOTTOM PIC, 2ND ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

IRELAND
2002 5 Cents Copper Plated Steel 21.25mm
2002 2 Cents Copper Plated Steel 18.75mm

BOTTOM PIC, 3rd ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

FRANCE
2001 2 Euros Cupronickel Center w/ Nickel Ring 25.75mm | Liberte Egalite Fraternite
2000 5 Cents Copper Plated Steel 21.25mm | Marianne

BOTTOM PIC, 4TH ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

SPAIN
2001 1 Euro Nickel-Brass Ring w/ Nickel Center 23.25mm | Juan Carlos I
1999 20 Cents Nordic Gold 22.25mm | Miguel de Cervantes
1999 10 Cents Nordic Gold 19.75mm
1999 5 Cents Copper Plated Steel 21.25mm | Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

BOTTOM PIC, 5TH ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

ITALY
2002 1 Euro Nickel-Brass Ring w/ Nickel Center 23.25mm | Vitruvian Man
2002 20 Cents Cents Nordic Gold 22.25mm | Unique Forms of Continuity in Space
2002 10 Cents Nordic Gold 19.75mm | Birth of Venus

BOTTOM PIC, 6TH ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

CYPRUS
2008 1 Euro Nickel-Brass Ring w/ Nickel Center 23.25mm | The Idol of Pomos

BOTTOM PIC, 7th ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

BELGIUM
1999 5 Cents Copper Plated Steel 21.25mm | Albert II

IN THE NEWS: Chauncey Wolcott Treasure

In the image above lies the now vacant lot at 1028 N. 5th St. in Springfield, IL where efforts are underway to unearth an alleged buried chest holding at least 24 gold US coins.

According to reports that are gaining attention all over the net, a postal worker in St. Louis, MO came across a hidden letter when taking a part an antique chair she wanted to refinish. In the letter, labeled "Finders Keepers", was a key, and directions that the key would open a chest located at the above lot, 12 feet in the ground.

Those involved in the undertaking are well aware it may be a hoax, and many of our metal detector/treasure hunting peers are right on board with the theory. To them, too many things just don't add up.

All I know, is that with the gold coins that are said to be buried here (8 x Double eagles, 6 x Eagles, 5 x Half Eagles, 3 x Quarter Eagles, and 2 x Gold Dollars), the melt value alone, which at current rates is roughly $12,355 (426.4 g @ 90% = 383.76g = 12.338 Troy Oz.), is more than worth the effort. At auction those coins would pull many times more.

You be the judge, read the story HERE.

Above photo credits to Shannon Kirshner/The State Journal-Register.

Cajun Coonass Microwave

This may be completely new to any of my readers either not from Louisiana, or who don't know themselves know a Coonass personally. A few days ago my buddy Scott here on the boat was chatting with out Chief Gunner about a "coonass" microwave. Needless to say the Chief figured my buddy was full of it. So Scott brings up all these web pages about the item, plans to make your own, etc.

By the end of the day the Chief had his two guys, who are extremely handy with wood and metal working, to fab up one so we can cook with it. What you see in the images below is what they came up with. And let me tell you, the two chickens we cooked as our first offering, tasted amazing!

If you're interested in one of these for your own backyard get together, do a Google search for "Cajun Microwave" and/or "Coonass Microwave". Both will net results. The basic idea is just a metal lined wooden box with a removable top that has a recess for hot coals. Pretty basic really. If you make one after reading this, please send me a note with your results!!!

Authentic Cajun Microwaves
Cajun Microwave Oven

Weekly World Coin Post: CANADA

"Ohhhhhh, CANADA!"

You would think it's "aboot" time I got around to a post on my northern neighbors, but hey, if I was THAT predictable it wouldn't be any fun. So yeah, the currency of Little US, haha. The Canadian dollar has always been overshadowed by the US, but recently, it's really not that far off. In the image you'll see $2.38 CAD, which is equivalent to @2.18 USD, so we're pretty close these days.

I've been to Canada twice, once in Vancouver, BC... and the other in Gagetown, New Brunswick. I enjoyed the Western side much better. Anyhow, in my travels I never did manage to score any of the "Loonies" or "Twoonies", their $1 and $2 coins. I've dug a a few pieces of Canuck coinage, as you can see some of the ones in the pics have digger marks across their face.

For more info on the Canadian Dollar, click HERE.

BOTH IMAGES, TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

1940 1 Cent Brozne 19.10mm | George VI
1977 1 Cent Brozne 19.10mm | Elizabeth II
1978 1 Cent Brozne 19.10mm
1968 10 Cents Nickel 18.03mm
1968 10 Cents Nickel 18.03mm
1968 10 Cents Nickel 18.03mm
1969 10 Cents Nickel 18.03mm
1971 10 Cents Nickel 18.03mm
1972 10 Cents Nickel 18.03mm

BOTH IMAGES, MIDDLE ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT"

1991 10 Cents Nickel 18.03mm
1940 5 Cents Nickel 21.2mm
1951 5 Cents Nickel 21.2mm | Nickel Bicentennial**
1960 5 Cents Nickel 21.2mm
1960 5 Cents Nickel 21.2mm
1966 5 Cents Nickel 21.2mm
1968 5 Cents Nickel 21.2mm
1969 5 Cents Nickel 21.2mm

BOTH IMAGES, BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

1969 5 Cents Nickel 21.2mm
1969 25 Cents Nickel 23.8mm
1971 25 Cents Nickel 23.8mm
1972 25 Cents Nickel 23.8mm
1972 25 Cents Nickel 23.8mm
1972 25 Cents Nickel 23.8mm

** In 1951, a special commemorative five-cent piece was struck to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the metal's initial discovery. Due to the onset of the Korean War, production of this commemorative was halted to preserve nickel for the war effort, resulting in a second non-commemorative 1951 "nickel" made of plated steel.

Guess I spoke too soon about not having my World Coin reference material. Just so happens that Google Books had the pages from the Krauss Catalog of World Coins that I needed to do this post, woohoo!

Coin Descriptions 101

Even to this day I still do not consider myself a coin collector. Sure I have coins from 70+ countries, and also domestic coinage back to the early 1800s, but I don't go out of my way to make purchases or hunt down specimens I don't own. What I have I have, if I get others well that's okay too. Granted, a few people who know me might differ with my opinion :)

But even as a novice to any hobby that might involve found currency, it would be nice to know what you're looking at. And even if you don't, to at least be able to describe what you are seeing so others can help. With that in mind I decided to make my own little "Guide to Correctly Describing Your Coin." Things like this have been done in print and on the web, but I know I get enough readers that if at least one person appreciates my effort, it's worth it. So let's get started.

Obverse & Reverse

When you flip a coin, what is the first thing you ask? "Heads or tails?" Ever ask yourself why you say that? According to Wikipedia, "in 1870, Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable describes heads in a similar way and details tails as being the opposite and obvious reverse to heads. The expression 'can't make head nor tail of it' expresses this concept of opposites." Technically though, the two sides of a coin (along with a host of other things like flags, printed fabric, art, drawings, medals) are known as the obverse (heads) and reverse (tails). Simple as that.

The Image: Portrait, Relief, Field

Generally the first thing on any coin you notice is the large image that is usually in the center of both the obverse and reverse. On the obverse side of the coin, which in the US usually (but have not always) depict a deceased President, the large image is known as the "Portrait." For obvious reasons. On the reverse side, the image is known as the "relief." Now, technically, the relief is any portion of the coin raised above the "field." The field is any and all parts of the coin that are blank, flat, and smooth... which in turn means they were not raised to become part of the relief.

In the image, the purple areas are the field, while on the obverse, the red tinted area is the portrait, and on the reverse, it is the relief.

Rims & Edges

Rims and edges are easy. The "rim" is the area on the both sides of the coin, closest to the edge, that is raised. It's supposed to help slow the wear of the actual coin surfaces, and make the coins easier to stack. The "edge" of the coins is what you see when you turn the coin on it's side. On pennies and nickels, the edge is smooth... on dimes and quarters, it's reeded. On our new dollar coins, the edge actually has printed words on it, which is kind of neat.

In the image of the dime, the rim is highlighted in green, whereas the edges are plainly visible on the graphic from the Presidential dollar series.

The Words: Legend, Motto, Mint Mark, Date, Designer Initials

At some point in your life, I'm sure you've take a moment to look at and read the rest of the coin. But what do all the words, symbols, and numbers really mean? The first thing we'll discuss is the "legend." The legend is part of the coin that tells you where the coin is from and how much it's worth. On most US coinage, the legend is on the obverse. The parts around the rim that say "United States of America" and "X Cents"... those would be considered the legend. Similarly, on both sides of the coin, you will see words and/or sayings like, "Liberty", or "E Pluribus Unum." These are what is known as "Mottos." Mottos are there to instill inspiration by using words that have some higher meaning to the masses. "In God We Trust" is also a common motto on US currency.

In the image, the legend is in orange, the mottos are in green.

Two items that go together are the "date" and "mint mark." Both of these are used as tracking devices, for lack of a better term. The date is obvious, it lets you know which year the coin was minted. The mint mark however, can confuse some. Currently, you might see any one of three mint marks on US coinage: D, P or S. These marks are quality control measures so one could track the coin back to the facility it was minted at. So for D marks, these are from the Denver Mint, P (or no mint mark) means the coin came from Philadelphia, and the S is for San Francisco, where proofs are minted. Mint marks can be hard to find on some coins unless you know where to look. On my examples you can see that all the mint marks are on the coins obverse. Older coins may have them in much more obscure places.

In the image the date is quite obvious, the mint mark is in red.

If you thought the mint mark was hard to find, then finding the "Designer's Initials" is going to be tough. These are usually a very small grouping of letters on the coin that identify who designed it. Two very common ones that come to mind are the VDB (Victor David Brenner) that is on the Lincoln Portrait pennies, and then on the Mercury dimes obverse, is an "AW" (for Adolph Weinman) monogram that many newbies to the hobby often confuse with a mint mark and wonder where the coin came from that starts with a "W". It's best to do an online search to find out where they are on the coin you are looking at. But like, on the pennies, the VDB is on the left boundary of Lincolns bust, on the dimes, it is between the date and the tip of the bust, on the newer Jefferson nickels, on the front there are two, one for the designer and one for the engraver... one if in the lower right of the portrait, the other the lower left, higher up the neck... however on the Monticello side, the marks is on the far right side of the relief.

Almost 3 Weeks, Hey Everyone!

Hi readers! As I'm sure you've noticed, no updates in nearly three weeks... quite a lull I know. On the obvious note, it does mean I've been back to work out in the Gulf of Mexico that entire time. Can't wait to get back on land and get some digging in before it gets too cold and the ground gets too hard. But I also take a little blame in that I did bring some coins out with intention to at least do two World Coin Posts... but sadly, I left my reference CD's at home, and wouldn't be able to tell you much about them.

But yeah, back out here in the Gulf, doing my seismic thing. The above picture is of the El Paso Energy Prince TLP which currently sits at the north end of our survey prospect. Lots of boring, slow sailing going on... but great sunsets!

I'll be back to normal posting after the 13th of Oct... see you then!

Weekly World Coin Post: ASIA

I'm long overdue for a World Coin Post so I thought I'd made up for it by making one post with all the coins I have from the Asian continent. So here they are. We'll go down the list top to bottom.

Japan

I only have 3 different coins from Japan, as sadly, I've never been. I almost had a chance to swing through Tokyo for work, but I ended up getting routed elsewhere. Anyhow, the Yen is the third most traded currency in the world, which is quite impressive. Currently, 1 JPY is equivalent to 1 US cent, making it very easy to do conversions... so 100 Yen is $1.00 USD.

For more info on the Japanese Yen, please click HERE.

TOP ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

1959-1989 10 Yen Bronze, 23.5mm | Hirohito (Emperor Shōwa), Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in
1959-1989 5 Yen Brass 22mm
1989 5 Yen Brass 22mm | Akihito (Prince Komatsu Akihito)
1955-1989 1 Yen Aluminum 20mm

China

China has one of the oldest traditions of currency in the known world, as between 200 and 300 BC they introduced copper coined currency. China was also invented paper currency. The main unit is known as the Yuan, which is broken up into 10 Jiao, which are in turn divided into 10 Fen. So 1 Yuan equals 100 Fen. Currently, 1 Yuan is the equivalent to just under $0.15 US.

For more info on the Chinese Yuan, click HERE.

SECOND ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

1981-2000 10 Yuan Copper-Nickel 26mm | Chiang Kai-shek
1981-2000 1 Yuan Bronze 19.92mm
1982 1 Fen Aluminum 18mm | National Emblem
1977 1 Fen Aluminum 18mm
1982 1 Fen Aluminum 18mm

Thailand

สวัสดีและยินดีต้อนรับ!

Again, another country I have no visited but would love to, as I'd be rich there. I know a few people from work who live there and absolutely love it. So the currency there is called the Baht (pronounced like bot), which is broken into 100 Satang. A curious note, Thailand is not the only country that uses the Baht, the small nation of Laos also uses it. 1 Baht is right around $0.03 US, which puts 1 USD right around 34 Baht or so.

For more info on the Thai Baht, click HERE.

THIRD ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

1957(?) 25 Satang Aluminum-Bronze 20.5mm | Bhumipol Adulyadej (Rama XI), Royal Coat of Arms of Siam
1986-2000 1 Baht Copper-Nickel 20mm
1986-2000 1 Baht Copper-Nickel 20mm
1986-2000 1 Baht Copper-Nickel 20mm
1957(?) 10 Satang Aluminum-Bronze 17.4mm

Phillipines

On to one of my favorite Asian countries. I've had countless friends from this island nation, both growing up, and also at my current job. I would love to visit one day. I only have a few coins, all very low denomination.

Having once been a Spanish colony, the currency here is known as the peso, or more currently, the piso. The Piso is broken up into 100 Sentimos. One Piso is worth about $0.02 US.

For more info on the Philippine Peso, click HERE.

FOURTH ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

1995 10 Sentimos Bronze Plated Steel 16.9mm
2002 5 Sentimos Copper Plated Steel 15.43mm
2002 5 Sentimos Copper Plated Steel 15.43mm
2001 5 Sentimos Copper Plated Steel 15.43mm
(NOT PICTURED) 1997 1 Piso Copper-Nickel 24mm | Jose Rizal

Singapore

I visited Singapore for a bit before I joined the crew of the Geco Eagle back in 2008 for 6 weeks. From the airport to the hotel, the place was beautiful, I would love to go back and spend more than a day there. The two coins I have I got back in change after paying in USD, which is readily accepted throughout. Like the US, they also use the dollar, and it is divided into 100 cents.

For more information on the Singapore Dollar, click HERE.

FIFTH ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

1990 50 Cents Copper-Nickel 24.5mm | Allamanda Plant
1991 20 Cents Copper-Nickel 23.6mm | Powder-Puff Plant

Malaysia

I don't know much about Malaysia or its currency, the Ringgit (divided into 100 sens), so I'll just let Wikipedia do the talking... HERE

BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:

2000 1 Sen Bronze Clad Steel 13.2mm
2005 10 Sen Copper-Nickel 19.3mm

Beach, Music, + Fireworks

I sent Hollis a message earlier in the day seeing if he wanted to hit up the beach this evening, or rather hit up some open residential lots in Virginia Beach on Sunday. He messaged me on his way out saying he was off to the beach. So about 10 minutes to 8p tonight I met him up there... and he had already snagged a Coach charm thingie and a bunch of clad.

I walked from 35th down to 30th in the wet sand and didn't find much other than some clad. On the way back in the dry, not much more than bottle tops and other trash. I did have one really good signal tonight in the wet stuff I was hoping to be something good. After quite a few scoops and about 10" down (and the waves filling my hole back up), I finally pulled it up... a freakin' coke can!!! So anticlimactic. On my way headed back to 35th and out, I didn't see Hollis again, so either he left or was hitting up the other way. Hope he scored some goodies.

All this weekend the beach is having the 16th Annual American Music Festival, which is the largest yearly outdoor music event on the East coast. This year big acts like Heart (they played tonight), Boyz II Men and The Black Crowes were performing. So needless to say, the two and a quarter hours I was at the beach tonight, there was plenty of activity. I'm sure the early morning looters will have a good time.

So here's the nut, $1.06 over 13 coins, blegh.

Virginia Zoological Park - 2009

A little late in the year, but always a good time to hit up your local zoo. We finally got around to our yearly trip here, and got to see a few new faces. All in all, it's still the same 'ol Norfolk Zoo, and it unless you have a kid under 3, you can see the entire place, takes pictures, eat lunch, all in less than an hour.

Anyway, here are the pics, enjoy. Some of the new animals I had not seen before were the Red Panda, Ground Hornbill (red/black bird), the new African Lion cubs, and the Kangaroos. Other things you'll see are Masai Giraffes, South African Bush Elephants, Bongos, Mandrills, etc.