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Hidden Treasure

jagermeister

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Started on my remodeling project tonight... Gutting the old lathe/plaster in the upstairs of a 1930’s farm house. Of course when you’re doing something like this, you always think of stories you’ve heard about people finding cool stuff in the walls. Well I was going to town, yanking down all the old trim and making a heck of a mess. I moved into one of the closets and started in there. I pry off a piece of wood trim at eye-level that was holding up a shelf. Much to my surprise, behind it and stuck to the wall was a large coin. Up further inspection and some brief googling, turns out it’s a 1942 “Walking Liberty” half-dollar. I’ve never seen one before. I’m excited about it nevertheless, because it’s such a cool find... But does anyone here know anything about this coin? What might it be worth?

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MoonLab

Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.
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USA coin Book Estimated Value of 1942 Walking Liberty Half Dollar is Worth $17 in Average Condition and can be Worth $44 to $68 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition. Proof Coins can be Worth $660 or more.
 

Wildlife

Denny
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Cool find!

Seen many of them years ago when I was a kid. My mother used to collect them. Definitely worth more than 1/2 dollar.

I'd use it as a lucky charm myself. I currently keep two silver quarters in my pocket all the time that I found, one 1940 & 1964. Can't really say how much luck they've brought me over the years. I've had them for at least 10yrs. and I haven't had anything really bad happen to me since I've kept them in my pocket.

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jagermeister

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@giles That’s a really cool idea, especially with the pictures and story! I’m gonna have to think of somewhere to hide it.

@Gern186 so you’re saying I shouldn’t touch it? Not even clean the old paint off of it? Or, I’m guessing all that pertaining to its “story” is what helps the value of it?
 
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giles

Cull buck specialist
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@giles That’s a really cool idea, especially with the pictures and story! I’m gonna have to think of somewhere to hide it.

@Gern186 so you’re saying I shouldn’t touch it? Not even clean the old paint off of it? Or, I’m guessing all that pertaining to its “story” is what helps the value of it?
Monetary value is just part of this treasure. You and your family has had a year of pure gold. Don't let it end. Pay that message forward!
 

Jackalope

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@giles That’s a really cool idea, especially with the pictures and story! I’m gonna have to think of somewhere to hide it.

@Gern186 so you’re saying I shouldn’t touch it? Not even clean the old paint off of it? Or, I’m guessing all that pertaining to its “story” is what helps the value of it?

A good rule of thumb is the only cleaning that should be done is what can be completed by rubbing the point of a dry toothpick on it and don't use water.
 

Sgt Fury

Sgt. Spellchecker
Buddy said he estimates its worth 16 bucks. If it was in mint condition could be work a shit load more. He said not to clean it up. Would be worth more as it currently looks. Says it was made in the Philadelphia mint.
I found a Mercury head dime that was encrusted with coral....only 3/4 of the coin was visible on the heads side and 1/4 of the obverse. Found out the hard way from a metal detecting friend that I made a mistake cleaning the coral from the coin...said it was worth more to collectors with the coral on it.
Nice find Jim.👍
 

Hoytmania

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Very cool find Jim. Its crazy what all you'll find hidden inside those old walls also. Our house was built in 25/26. And over the years through the remodels, I've found a handful of really cool items.
 
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jagermeister

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Ohio
It used to be a good luck tradition to put coins inside the trim on doorways. I’ve heard lots of stories about people doing renovations and finding old coins when taking down doorway trim. Something to think about if you have access to an old abandoned farmhouse.
Funny you say that. I also found a 1974 penny behind one of the door trim boards last night. Evidently the folks that lived here must’ve been superstitious. Lol
 
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