http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-articles/rare-coin-article/ en info@zoomcoin.com Copyright 2009 2009-02-06T23:28:47+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/walking-liberty-halves/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/walking-liberty-halves/#When:23:28:47Z Walking Liberty Halves The Walking Liberty Halves, which is more professionally known as the Walking Liberty half dollars, are silver half dollar coins that are worth $0.50 U.S. These were released by the United States of America and some of them can even be found easily today because of their printing date. Walking Liberty half dollars were printed at different time and for multiple dates. These time and dates include 1916-1921, 1923, 1927-1929 and 1933-1947. The original design was created in 1916 by Adolph A. Weinman. On the reverse side of the coin you are even able to find his artists mark “AAW” just under the wings of the eagle. The different mint marks are able to be seen under the saying “In god we trust” which resides on the front. However this mark was moved to the reverse side on 1917 and so for those dates and on can be found underneath the words half dollar on the coin. The S sign for minting stands for San Francisco Mint, the D is for Denver Mint and the P is for Philadelphia. The designer of the Walking Liberty half dollars, Adolph A. Weinman, was also the designer for the very famous mercury dimes. Mercury dimes are thought to be one of the more attractive coins in the history of the United States of America. This coin is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins but is primarily known as the most beautiful half dollar, showing great craftsmanship on his part as well as skill. While many coins has significant errors that you are able to find, Walking Liberty half dollars only have one that is well known which is both sides with the image of the reverse side rather then being two sided like most coins. 2009-02-06T23:28:47+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/treasure-hunting/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/treasure-hunting/#When:23:28:00Z Treasure hunting Treasure hunting has been prominent for centuries and people have always been interested in searching for the lost treasures of someone else. More recently, most serious treasure hunters have started working underwater where modern technology allows access to wrecks containing valuables which were previously inaccessible. Many of these wrecks have resulted in the treasure salvage of many fascinating artifacts from Spanish treasure fleets as well as many others. Unfortunately, in their search for valuable artifacts, treasure hunters destroy forever unique archaeological sites. For this reason, treasure hunting is illegal or restricted in most developed countries. Companies such as Google with their Google Maps and Google Earth products have given the ability to virtually anyone to have eyes across the globe and conduct research into specific points of interest before launching a treasure hunting expedition. This has made it infinitely easier for treasure hunters to do extensive research previously impossible to do without physically going to the specific point of interest, and saved the real life treasure hunters much time and money, even providing for a new level of safety to be incorporated in to treasure hunting expeditions. Many people use consumer metal detectors to look for treasures. Most metal detectors are good to detect metal only within a foot or so below the ground. The detection depth depends on the type of metal detector, type of metal in the buried object, size of buried object, type of metals in the ground, and other objects in the ground. There are five major types of hobbyist activities involving metal detectors and treasure hunting is just one of them. There is a myriad of stories from treasure hunting excursions in the past and with the advancement of such items as metal detectors is appears that treasure hunting is not going to stop anytime soon. 2009-02-06T23:28:00+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/security-screening/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/security-screening/#When:23:27:00Z Security screening A security metal detector is an electronic device that alerts the operator whenever metal objects pass within range of the device. There are many different types of metal detectors, from walk-through models to hand-held wands. Some systems combine more than one type of detector. A metal detector is often found at entrances of official city buildings, coliseums, and airports and anywhere that screening for guns, knives or other weapons is appropriate. Though most people are likely familiar with the type of metal detector that is permanently installed, these devices are mobile and can also be rented. A walk-through metal detector is the most convenient screening device, as the operator can simply stand by and watch as each person passes through, one at a time. If the system detects metal it will sound an audible alarm or flash a red light. Belt buckles, wallet chains, or in some instances other non-threatening items might set off the alarm. These items can be removed and the person can pass through again to be re-screened. Plastic trays are often provided to hold items that might trigger the alarm. Walk-through metal detectors can be placed within short distances of each other without interference. If the expense of a walk-through metal detector is unwarranted, a wand is a very economic alternative for a small event. This metal detector is a hand held device that the operator passes closely over the body of the individual being checked, who stands with feet slightly apart, arms outstretched. Wands are battery-operated and depending on the model, can alert with a light or audible beeping alarm. Sometimes a hand-held metal detector is used in conjunction with a walk-through device, to screen only those that trip the walk-through detector. Though wand metal detectors are more economical to rent, they are harder on the operators who must bend to wave the wand up and down the legs of each person that goes through the screening processes.     2009-02-06T23:27:00+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/hobby/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/hobby/#When:23:26:01Z Hobby Many people have taken up the hobby of using metal detectors to make precious finds. While most people are not finding treasures that are worth millions there are stories of people that have found precious rings and even coins totaling sometimes as much as a thousand dollars. There are many different detectors; some are more complicated then others. The basic ones are easy to get used to, with less features and buttons. You can’t get around practice though, and the more complicated the detector, the more practice you will need. Land or relic detectors are used mainly on land or in the woods, playgrounds, parks, etc. They can be used at the water edge and even in the water a couple of inches, most coils are waterproof, but don’t drop the whole detector in the water. For those that are just starting out in the hobby, there are many popular and affordable beginner metal detectors. There are detectors that are meant to be used in the water, actually there are two types, a VLF which can discriminate against iron and unwanted junk, and there is a PI that can detect deeper then a VLF but it is so sensitive that you will pick up every nail and bottle cap without knowing it. Great finds make this hobby exciting and interesting. If every time you go out, all you find is a few pennies or just trash the hobby is likely going to be put on a back burner quickly. You will find treasures if you’re really looking. But don’t expect to find good stuff only, you will find lots of trash; there’s just no way to get around it. Don’t be surprised if after a day of detecting, probably 60 to 80% of what we have found goes right back into the trash can. 2009-02-06T23:26:01+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/metal-detectors-in-archeology/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/metal-detectors-in-archeology/#When:23:26:00Z Metal detectors in archeology Archaeology has come to depend more and more on the use of metal detectors in the field. Metal detectors offer the presence of a variety of uses and have become even more versatile throughout the years. Ever since the first metal detectors came out in the 19th century, scientists and engineers have never stopped working on better and more efficient designs. Today, there is the great presence of metal detectors that can identify metals in the best accurate manner for which they have become indispensable tools in fields like Archaeology. Metal detectors proved to be an asset during World War II. Metal detectors were used during the war to find land mines scattered across the paths of troops. They saved a number of soldiers back then. However, these metal detectors could have been more useful if they were not that heavy. But to be very precise in these days, the metal detectors have number of applications and in the field of Archaeology metal detectors are very useful. Though, it has been found, that in some countries especially France and Sweden law makes metal detectors against the law, but with special permission it can be used. In the face of all these restrictions the contribution of metal detectors in this area cannot be denied. A good example is the utilization of these detectors to inspect wide areas like sites of battlefields, where the only remains could be the surface, scattered with metal objects. What has been learnt is that the metal detectors are used by the archeologists, to find out there remnants of the metals of the ancient periods. Metal detectors are used for the sake of prospecting, searching for precious metals like gold or silver; relic hunting, searching for any thing that has any historical significance, like weapons and also for the hunting of treasures and also several other types of hidden items. 2009-02-06T23:26:00+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/geophysical-prospecting/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/geophysical-prospecting/#When:23:25:00Z Geophysical prospecting Geophysical prospecting is the use of high-resolution geophysical methods to discover archeological sites. It is common for this procedure to also be called “remote sensing” or “archeogeophysics”. There are great advantages to using geophysical methods because they are nondestructive and provide rapid reconnaissance. Their major limitation is that they use non-contact techniques. The best they can do is detecting anomalies, which archeologists must then investigate directly to interpret. These methods are also instrument-intensive and initially very costly. Metal detectors do have legitimate archeological uses. Metal detectors are electromagnetic devices that work at low frequencies. They are effective to the depth that is approximately the width of the search coil. Depth also depends on the size and orientation of the buried object and the amount of corrosion. Geophysical techniques have been used in mineral prospecting for several hundred years, beginning with the use of magnetic compasses in exploring for iron ore. Resistivity measurements followed in the search for base metals. The use of applied geophysics for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration as we know it today, likely began in the 1950’s, with the advent of sensitive magnetometers, gravity meters, battery-powered electronic equipment, and the application of information theory and computer processing to seismic data acquisition. Geophysical techniques are routinely used in an exploration program to help the project geologist find areas that are favorable for the type of target being pursued. They can be used to directly detect some minerals, indirectly detect others, and to map geological and structural features in exploration programs. Other uses of metal detectors include the detection of land mines, the detection of weapons such as knives and guns, especially at airports, malls, geophysical prospecting, archaeology and treasure hunting. Metal detectors are also used to detect foreign bodies in food, and in the construction industry to detect steel reinforcing bars in concrete and pipes and wires buried in walls and floors. 2009-02-06T23:25:00+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/de-mining/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/de-mining/#When:23:24:00Z De-Mining The purpose of humanitarian demining is to remove harmful remnants of war. This allows refugees an opportunity to return to their homes and return to their lives and allow the rebuilding process to begin. Those that are manual de-miners use a metal detector and go over the ground of a designated area, not missing one square inch with a prod and trowel method. The area is first identified by mine detection dogs that go ahead and sniff out the landmines, identifying them by the odor that the explosive material leaves behind. Once an area is detected by the dogs it is marked so that the de-miners can manually investigate it. Mechanical metal detectors and ground-penetrating radar are used to clear mines, as well. The most effective landmine clearance operations will include a combination of manual and mechanical methods, as well as mine detection dogs. De-miners are usually trained experts that are part of the military or international community working through non-governmental organizations or even members of the local community. However, prior to any landmines being cleared it must be determined the exact location and size of the minefield and the number of landmines it contains. The areas where landmines are originally placed are rarely mapped so this process must be engaged. This is an important procedure as there are many factors that can cause mines to migrate and contaminate safe land. Once this information is gathered and potential minefields are marked, de-miners can start. The methods for demining include manual, mine detection dogs, and mechanical. Effective landmine clearance programs usually combine several methods by using the most appropriate and cost-effective methods for each specific project. The manual method ensures a 100% clearance rate but there are drawbacks. Metal detectors are less successful finding plastic mines with low metal content. Since metal detectors react to all metal in the soil, a high rate of false alarms means that de-miners may waste time searching for mines that are not there. 2009-02-06T23:24:00+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/type-of-investments-general-overview/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/type-of-investments-general-overview/#When:23:23:00Z Type of Investments general overview There are several types of investments people can use to attempt to get more out of their money. The money invested is used in different ways, depending on the type of investment, and each type of investment carries different levels of risk. One of the most secure investments is a savings account or a certificate of deposit. These investments are made at a local bank, and are considered very safe. The government guarantees the deposit up to $100,000, and the bank uses the money conservatively.  These accounts generally have a very low rate of return. Money market accounts are the next level of investment. The risk is only slightly higher with these investments, and the returns only slightly higher as well. These investments are made with a bank, mutual fund company or brokerage. The financial institution invests in very secure notes such as treasury bills, which is essentially loaning money to the central government. In most cases in the western world, governments repay their debts reliably, making these investments quite secure. Bonds are considered more risky, but still a stable investment. The returns on bond investments are generally higher than on a money market account, but can be negative when the economy plummets. When you invest in bonds, you are loaning money to a government entity or a business. Most governments do repay their obligations, and they work hard to remain current so that they can retain their ability to get loans. The last type of investment is the most risky, but also carries the highest potential for returns. Stocks, or equities, give you an ownership stake in a business. If the business does well, you share in the profits. If it does poorly, you help shoulder the loss. Many people buy stocks through mutual funds, organizations that pool the investment funds of many smaller investors in order to buy large blocks of stocks. This diversifies investments and decreases risk. 2009-02-06T23:23:00+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/standing-liberty-quarters/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/standing-liberty-quarters/#When:23:22:00Z Standing Liberty Quarters Standing liberty quarters have had a history of controversy due to the multiple designs that have been displayed. These quarters where printed and used for the years 1916-1930. This means that within a fourteen year time span that this coin was being printed the design was changed over two times. This was because the first design was liberty bare breasted which was thought to be too daring a design and which was opposed by many individuals including many that had a large amount of influence. This coin was designed by Hermon A. MacNeil. After being asked to change the design and print a new one the new design did cover her chest and in fact had her wearing chain mail armor. This design also had the reverse side of the coin changed, with the eagle being centered and the stars that had been above it then being below it. Then in 1925 they ended up having the dates be recessed so that they would be much more firmly protected from different types of aging that you can find in some coins.  The bare breasted liberty design had the saying ìIn God we trustî, and she held a shield in her left hand with her face turned towards it. In her right hand you could find other items and stars lined the sides of the path that she was walking through. This design is now thought of as being very attractive but had been considered to be inappropriate. With this original design, you could also find thirteen stars on each side of the eagle that was on the reverse side of the coin than lady liberty. The eagle was made with great detail as was lady liberty and other details of the coins such as her shield.   2009-02-06T23:22:00+00:00 http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/silver-extraction/ http://www.monacorarecoins.com/rare-coin-article/silver-extraction/#When:23:21:00Z Silver extraction Because of mining, ores that are rich in silver have become obsolete for the most part. The silver today comes from ores that only possess a small amount of the metal. These amounts can range from about a few thousandths of an ounce per ton of ore to 100 ounces per ton. The metal is most commonly produced as a by-product of mining for other metals. Once the primary metal has been extracted it is the waste that will contain trace amounts of silver. These wastes are treated with chemicals that react with the silver. The silver is then be extracted by electrolysis which is a process by which a compound is broken down by passing an electric current through it. Once the ore is roasted, the process of reduction obtains the metal. The extraction of metal from the roasted ore consists of two steps viz., the removal of the earthly impurities and reduction of the ore to the metal. The Earthly impurities are removed by adding suitable substance called flux which when heated, combines with the earthly impurities to form easily fusible mass known as slag, is called flux. There are two types of fluxes; Acidic flux like silica (SiO2) is used to remove basic earthly impurities (gangue) such as lime (CaO) or MgO and basic fluxes like lime (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO) are used to remove acidic gangue such as SiO2. When a flux combines with the earthly impurities, an easily fusible mass is obtained which is called slag. The slag is lighter and insoluble in the molten metal. So it can be easily removed from the surface of the molten metal. Molten mixture of calcium and magnesium silicates forms slag. After removing the Earthy impurities, the metals are obtained from the roasted ore by the process of reduction. This can be either chemical reduction or electrolytic reduction processes. The choice of the method depends upon various factors. 2009-02-06T23:21:00+00:00