July - Cascade Treasure Club

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Newsletter Title
July 2015
Finds of the Month
The History of the Three-Cent Nickel
1875 Three-Cent Nickel in circulated condition — from the collection
The Civil War affected almost every aspect of American life — including the availability of
American coins. All silver coins were hoarded during the Civil War, even the three-cent
silver, the tiniest silver coin the U.S. Mint had ever produced. Coin hoarding was creating a
problem for post-Civil War commerce because there were so few coins in circulation to
make change or buy a postage stamp (which at this time cost three cents).
To fill the void the Treasury Department introduced several different paper notes of small
denominations, from one cent to half a dollar. This “fractional currency” was very unpopular
because the paper it was printed on deteriorated very quickly. In fact, fractional currency
was given the nickname “shinplasters” because the little paper notes were so thin and
flimsy that they resembled the little pieces of paper that doctors used to make plaster
casts.
Front and back of three-cent fractional currency (“shinplasters”)
Finds of the month totals
1. 74 Gary Clark
2. 67 Ron Aldridge
3. 53 Mark Jenkins
4. 52 Rick Razor
5. 50 Mark Kulseth
6. 33 Phil Hoover
7. 27 Sue Kaas
8. 23 Joe Sacco
9. 19 Tom Evanson
10. 13 Jack Davis & Jon Gentry
In 1865 Congress introduced a bill to authorize a new three-cent coin. To prevent hoarding,
this coin would be made not of silver but of nickel and copper. The bill was remarkable
because of its sponsor — John Kasson, the Congressman who was most well-known for
his opposition to the use of nickel in coins! The reason for his change of attitude was that
he liked fractional currency even less than he liked nickel coins. The Treasury had just
announced its intention to issue even more fractional currency to try to meet the nation’s
economic needs, and Kasson felt that a “three-cent nickel” would be preferable to more
shinplasters.
The new coin was designed by James Barton Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the U.S.
Mint. It was composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel and was designed to have the look
of a silver coin, rather than the yellow cast most people associated with a nickel coin. To
address the criticism that the existing three-cent silver coin was too small, Longacre
designed the three-cent nickel to be larger. Unfortunately, he made it the same size as the
currently circulating dime, which brought about fresh criticism.
Welcome new
members:
None this month
Dates to
Remember
Club Hunt
Cancelled due to PSTHC
Lenny Phay hunt
Board Meeting
August 11, 7:00 PM
Dave’s Diner
Club Meeting
August 16, 5:00 PM
Highland Park
Improvement Club
Cookies by Mark Kulseth
Subject of the
Month
Foreign coins found with
your detector
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All three-cent nickels were produced at the Philadelphia Mint, and from 1865 to 1889 over
thirty-one million of them were struck — quite an amount for a coin that was introduced as
a “stopgap measure” to fill a temporary need. The three-cent silver coin coexisted with the
three-cent nickel from 1865 until the silver coin was discontinued by the Coinage Act of
1873.
The three-cent nickel was discontinued in 1889, partly because of the controversy of it
being the same size as the dime, but mostly because the cost of a postage stamp had
now fallen to two cents and a three cent coin was less in demand. After 1889, millions of
three cent nickels were gathered by the Treasury, melted down, and used to mint new
five-cent Liberty Head Nickels.
Reprinted from “A Coin Collection” web site
Regular club business
Membership dues: ($25 individual, $30 family) 2015 dues must be paid by July 31, 2015
to be eligible for August meeting contests.
Joys and Concerns: Long-term former club members Ola Mae Crawford and Alice
Perkins both passed away in recent months. Former member Doris Sipila fell recently and
broke her hip and had to have a hip replacement
Awards: The Jug of Hope, worth $25 went to Marsha Boyd. The Silver Dollar raffle was
won by Phil Hooper. The AOK and NoNo were not awarded.
Correspondence:
 PSTHC Lenny Phay Hunt, August 1, Reber Ranch, Kent
 Miner’s Ralley, August 21-23, Liberty
 OTHC Treasures in the Sand Hunt, September 11-12, Penticton BC
 Chelan County Fairgrounds Hunt, September 19, Cashmere
 MDAW Picnic and hunt, September 20, Mason Lake
 OPTH Silvery Moon Hunt, September 26, Bremerton Kitsap Fairgrounds
Vancouver Island Outing: Rick Razor is coordinating a no-host outing to Vancouver
Island August 27th through the 30th. Information is provided toward the end of the
newsletter. If you’re planning to make the trip, there will be a get-together on August 10 at
6:00PM at the Renton IHOP (6th and Rainier) to finalize plans.
The club plaque, pictured above, has been hidden again. The prize for finding the plaque
this time is $20 and a Republic of Panama silver round (donated by Joe Sacco). Clues so
far are:
Club meetings now held
from 5:00 to 7:30 PM on
the third Sunday of each
month.
Chairs and tables must
be clean and stored at
the end of each club
meeting.
1. Eat some lutefisk and ride the zipline
2. Nestled between two boats; look to the mountain from the throne
3. Celebrate a prickly Christmas on the hill
Gold, platinum and silver testing and value assessment: At each meeting, Matt
Mechler and Jon Gentry have a gram scale and diamond tester, and Ron Aldridge can test
gold and silver. Ron can also help with markings and hallmarks.
Scavenger Hunt Contest: The new hunt continues until the October meeting. The new
hunt list can be found at the back of this newsletter.
Web site:
Please
Kaas [email protected].
Page
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8 forward changes and updates to SueNewsletter
Title
Club hats and patches: Both are available at club meetings. Patches are $8 and hats are $15.
Selling table: The table is available for members to bring items they wish to sell or trade. No used appliances or cars
are allowed. Members who bring items must remove them at the end of the meeting.
Gold coin raffle: A new raffle started, and will continue until all tickets are sold.
Subject of the Month for July: None due to low attendance.
July Club Hunt: Cancelled due to conflicting events.
Detecting on public land: Always check with city, county, state or other websites for current metal detecting
regulations before you go. Washington State Parks Metal Detecting pamphlet and web site answers many questions
about which state parks are open and where to hunt. Check out their web site for more information: www.parks.wa.gov
Reminder: Most grassy areas are too dry for digging. Unless it’s a well-watered park, limit digging to woods or dirt
areas.
Activity fees for non-members: $15 for club activities, $12 for hunts only.
Nickel hunt game: Three silver quarters were awarded for coins found the prior month. Game rules are: Nickels must
be found with a metal detector. For every 5 nickels submitted by a club member, a silver quarter will be awarded.
Nickels are accepted on a first come, first served basis – when you find a needed nickel, email Sue Kaas at
[email protected] to record your find – then bring your nickels to the next club meeting.
Pop can tab collection: In support of Ronald McDonald House, the club will be collecting pop tabs at club hunts and
meetings. One raffle ticket will be given for every 10 tabs donated by club members. Tabs will be sent to a fellow
detectorist, who will provide coins in exchange. Once the coins are received, raffle tickets will be drawn to win the coins.
Club growth: The CTC is always looking for new members. Ideas for new activities, ways to help our community or to
promote our hobby are always welcomed.
Food Bank donations: Donations are needed all year long to support local food banks. It is suggested that each
member bring at least one can of food to each meeting. Please ensure the items are unopened and not past their pull
dates.
Activity List: Consider how you might support activities in 2015.
Subject of the Month for August: Bring foreign coins that you’ve found with your detector.
Cookies for July: Cookies for the July meeting will be provided by Mark Kulseth.
Upcoming Club Activities – Hope to see you there!
Club Picnic at Lake Wilderness: August 9th (Please bring a pot-luck item to share, a $5-$10 wrapped gift and $2 in
coins for the hunt. The club will provide hot dogs.)
No-host Hunt on Vancouver Island: August 27th through the 30th
Camping at Indian Flat: September 4th through the 7th
Surf and Sand at Alki Beach: September 12th
Camping at Pacific Beach: October 2nd through the 4th
Moonlight Hunt at Lincoln Park: October 24th
Thanks: A special thanks to the businesses the support and provide donations to our hobby and
events:
Jeffery Sarvis, Treasure Dude Detectors, 206-229-3932
Bryan Geraghty, Northgate Coins, 206-364-0090
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July Finds of the Month Summary
4 pts
4 pts
3 pts
2 pts
2 pts
1 pt
1 pt
1 pt
1865 Indian Head Cent
1912-S V Nickel - Key Date
1881 Indian Head Cent
1899 Indian Head Cent
1942-S Quarter
1943 Steel Cent
Jefferson Nickel
1946 Roosevelt Dime
Ron Aldridge
Mark Jenkins
Gary Clark
Rick Razor
Mark Kulseth
Tom Evanson
Joe Sacco
Phil Hoover
4 pts
3 pts
2 pts
1 pt
1 pt
1 pt
1 pt
1 pt
1 pt
Gold Ring with 3 Diamonds
.925 Silver Chain with Charms
Vintage Silver Ring
.925 Silver Ring
Big Brass Ring
Large Bronze Ring
Early 1900s Silver Ring
Gold Plated Ring
Nixon Watch
Tom Evanson
Rick Razor
Ron Aldridge
Jack Davis
Mark Kulseth
Joe Sacco
Gary Clark
Phil Hoover
Mark Jenkins
4 pts
3pts
2 pts
1 pt
1 pt
1 pt
1 pt
1 pt
1892 Queen Victoria Canadian Large Cent
1800's Chinese Cash Coin
1935 1¢ Milk Token - WA Emergency Relief
Colombian 500 Pesos
Washington State Tax Token
1964 50¢ Play Money
Costa Rican Coin
1960 Canadian Silver Dollar
Gary Clark
Ron Aldridge
Phil Hoover
Rick Razor
Mark Kulseth
Joe Sacco
Tom Evanson
Mark Jenkins
4 pts
3 pts
3 pts
2 pts
2 pts
1 pt
1 pt
Brothel Inspector Badge
1910-1920 Lea & Perrins Steak Sauce Bottle
45 Caliber Bullet with Crystal
Battery Plate - 1914 to 1917 Patents
Barclay Toy Soldier
Sterling St. Christopher
1956 Cat License
Mark Kulseth
Ron Aldridge
Rick Razor
Gary Clark
Tom Evanson
Joe Sacco
Phil Hoover
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Treasure Hunter’s Code of Ethics
I WILL always check federal, state, county and local laws
before searching. It is my responsibility to “know the
law“
I WILL respect private property and will not enter private
property without the owner’s permission. Where
possible, such permission will be in writing.
I WILL take care to refill all holes and try not to leave any
damage.
I WILL remove and dispose of any and all trash and litter
that I find.
I WILL appreciate and protect our inheritance of natural
resources, wildlife and private property.
I WILL as an ambassador for the hobby, use
thoughtfulness, consideration and courtesy at all
times.
I WILL work to help bring unity to our hobby by working with
any organization of any geographic area that may
have problems that will limit their ability to peacefully
pursue the hobby.
I WILL leave gates as found.
I WILL build fires in designated or safe places only.
I WILL report to the proper authorities any individuals who
enter and or remove artifacts from federal parks or
state preserves.
President:
Vice President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Board Members:
Sergeant at Arms
Membership:
Mail dues to:
Newsletter:
Email submissions to:
Meetings:
Mark Kulseth
Mark Jenkins
Marsha Boyd
Joe Sacco
Loraine Robbins
Garry Robbins
Jon Gentry
Sue Kaas
John Shape
Donna Shape
253-804-3513
7109 Hazel Pl. S.E.
Auburn, WA 98092
Sue Kaas
206-604-6508
[email protected]
Third Sunday of each month
5 PM at the Highland Park
Improvement club
1116 S.W. Holden St., Seattle
Located in West Seattle 1 mile
west of the 1st Ave. S. bridge.
Guests are always welcome!
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1938 D
1938 S
1939 D
1942 S
Newsletter Title
1943 D
1944 D
1945 D
1946 S
1948 S
1949 D
1950
1950 S
1951 D
1951 S
1952 D
1955
1956
2009 P
Game Rules: Nickels must be found with a metal detector. For every 5 nickels submitted by a club member, a
silver quarter will be awarded. Nickels are accepted on a first come, first served basis – when you find a needed
nickel, email Sue Kaas at [email protected] to record your find – then bring your nickel to the next club
meeting. An updated list of needed nickels will be available at club meetings and distributed in the monthly
newsletter.
No Host Outing - Vancouver Island
August 27th – 30th
A planning get-together for everyone planning to attend will be held on
August 10 at 6:00 PM at the Renton IHOP (6th and Rainier)
Everyone is welcome! Expected activities include:
Low tide hunting on a beach where silver has been found
Areas with lots of history
Great grass hunting
Large parks
School grounds
An old dump area for diggers
Cities included are:
Duncan
Nanaimo
Courtenay
Comox
Some areas are expected to be virgin ground
Don’t forget you will need a passport or an upgraded driver’s license
For more information, contact Rick Razor at 425-228-9189
CASCADE TREASURE CLUB
2015 NAME _________________________
SCAVENGER HUNT
–
MAY - OCTOBER
ALL ITEMS [1] POINT EXCEPT BONUS [3] POINT ITEMS
OPEN COINS
RED PULL TAB
SUSPENDER PIECE
ROSEBUSH TAG
DOOR KNOB PLATE
PLATED / JUNK RING
HOSE NOZZLE
RIFLE CASING / CARTRIDGE
AX HEAD
METAL BUTTON MILITARY
PORCELAIN / GLASS BUTTON
RAIL ROAD SPIKE
SQUARE NAIL
COPPER WIRE
BICYCLE NAME PLATE
TOY CAP GUN
POCKET KNIFE
DOG TAG DATED
SCOUT ITEM
TAX TOKEN WASH. STATE
GAME TOKEN
SEATTLE TRANSIT HALF MOON TOKEN
GOOD FOR TOKEN
BRASS SCREW/ NAIL
TOOTSIE TOY
LEAD TOY
JEWELRY
1940 - 58 WHEAT PENNY
1909 WHEAT PENNY
1860 – 1909 INDIAN HD PENNY
SILVER WAR NICKEL
V NICKEL
BUFFALO NICKEL
1890 – 1915 BARBER DIME
1916 - 40 MERCURY DIME
ROSIE DIME 1950 - 60
STAND LIB QUARTER W/ DATE
BICENTENNIAL QUARTER
PRE 1900 BARBER HALF
WALKER HALF
KENNEDY HALF
CHINESE CACHE COIN
CANADIAN SILVER COIN
CANADIAN LOONEY
CANADIAN LG CENT
MEXICIAN COIN
BRITISH COIN
SPANISH REALE
OTHER PRE 1960 FOREIGN COIN
WASHINGTON STATE QUARTER
SEATED US DIME OR QUARTER
1973 US DIME
ITEMS ENTERED ARE FOR PREVIOUS MONTHS DETECTING
.925 0R STERLING ITEM
10K JEWELRY ITEM
14K ITEM
18 K GOLD RING
BRACELET
GOLD CHAIN
COIN PURSE
WATCH
1st place winner is outright
2nd & 3rd place will be drawn
from all participant entries.
Use first two letters of meeting month you turn
items in as marker for found items. [Ma for MAY]
Use this sheet for all months
BONUS 3 POINT ITEMS
GOLD COIN
SILVER DOLLAR
AYPE 1909 ITEM
LARGE CENT U.S.
All items must
ENGRAVED GOLD RING
be found in WASHINGTON STATE & Shown as found