To be franc I was only looking for the spade.

After a run in to the city (Kumeu) for supplies. e.g. Spare batteries, new gloves, a headlamp, a sieve, a new digging implement oh yeah and some food. I went to look to see if Gareth's spade was still in the park where it was left last night after four lads went out on a early evening beer and detect contest. Won by Richard with 5 tent pegs and the only spending find of the night a shiny $1 coin which he saw on top of the grass before he even heard the signal. Gareth was 2nd with a few old currency 20 cent pieces and an amazing collection of bottle tops. One of the tent pegs found was the mother of all tent pegs, which points to a huge marque in place at some time. So I'll go back and do a more sedate run later :)
Anyway I digress, Gareth's spade had long gone and I continued along the road looking for a place to turn when I spied a playground unknown to me. I thought to have a wee look.
Within two yards I found a 1924 French 1 franc coin in reasonable nick and just under the bark. My second target revealed a 10 cent piece , then a couple of nails but then the rain cometh and I wenteth home.
Though it looks like we are going back this afternoon as Gareth wants to check it out too.

Four years earlier these were made of silver.

So the coin I found is described below. Not at all valuable I imagine but has it's own story which is valuable in itself.

It is a one franc coin and is an aluminium-bronze coin minted under the authority of the Chamber of Commerce. They were minted from 1920-1928. During this time inflation over took Europe. Silver and gold coins were hoarded and the One Frank coin being made of silver up to 1920 disappeared. In order to do business the Chamber of Commerce had coinage made that had little value metal wise. This helped people do business until the government could get things going again. Regular coinage came back in 1931 but without any silver in it.

Gareth's here and we are off for a second run.

Back from the second run with an extra $1.30 spending, a Skytower plaque

Sky Tower VIP Badge

and an old 2 cent piece.

Lots of rusty nails, tabs and small  links from the chain on the swings. We didn't get to cover the whole playground as school ended and kids materialised from everywhere. Still a great way to spend an afternoon and it makes these beers taste a little more refreshing.
See you out there.