So I've been pretty much doing nothing but detecting for the last few months and haven't really had a chance to get on here to share my finds and see what awesome stuff everyone else has found. After browsing around last night and seeing all the cool stuff you've all found, I felt the urge to share some of my mind-blowing finds from the end of May - early June.
2 separate trips to my secret spot revealed an 1879 $2.5 Liberty Quarter Eagle, 1887-S $5 Liberty Half Eagle, and a retro-era (40s - 50s) 10k gold and diamond engagement/wedding set.
For the $2.5, It was my birthday (5/22), I got a jumpy signal 2-4" deep, a pull tab signal that jumped to a penny/dime. I called my dad over to check it with his detector and we decided to dig. Also, this is the first signal after we had a 30 min session of rain/taking refuge and considered just packing it in for the day, but we decided to continue. So I dug as my dad was was holding the pin pointer in case I couldn't find it right away.... and I couldn't. Pin pointer showed I was just behind it and that it was on the edge of where I was digging, and close. So I went about 2 inches past the edge (muddy from the rain) and scooped it into the hole, then I saw it (See picture - a little down and left from center)...the back of a gold coin!!!!! My eyes lit up and my whole body was in a state of euphoria, it was crazy! I hugged my dad and we both were speechless. Ever so gingerly, pulled out the coin and set it on a bucket we had nearby that had some water on it from the rain (see picture). It was in great shape too! Called everyone we new and sent pictures to all kinds of people. Such an awesome experience and to share it with my dad was just that much better. And about an inch away from the gold coin was a clad quarter, which I think is why the signal was jumpy to begin with.
So the gold and diamond ring was found about 30 minutes after that and roughly 10 feet from the gold coin. I was still in so much shock from the coin that I basically was like "Ok cool, a ring" and put it in my pouch. I didnt realize it was so nice till after it was all cleaned up. Weighs 4.3 grams and has roughly 1 Carat total weight. Amazing finds for just one day!
So, for the 1887-S $5 Half Eagle, I was back out with my dad in the same spot, however, this time it was his birthday (6/15). He was going to go sit down for a few minutes while I kept searching in the same area we found the first gold coin. On his way to sit down, he got a signal and he wanted me to come check it while he went a rested for a minute. I got a mid 60's target ID at 2-4" again, but didn't think anything of it, so I started digging. A big clump of dirt came out after 2-3 scoops and I could see the rim of it....another gold coin!!! My dad didn't even make it to the bench before he was rushing back over from me yelling at him. It was also in amazing condition (see picture), AU++ in my eyes. Picture was taken right after finding it... and again, the phone calls and picture texts began. Such a fantastic way to spend both of our birthdays and with sentimental finds that will never leave my possession.
Sorry for the novel, i just wanted to share the entire story with you all. Never in my life did I think I would find a gold coin, let alone 2!!!! This hobby can sure surprise you when you least expect it!
- GL and HH!!!!
