Strip Mining Northern California, One Silver Coin at a time...
Nov 2006
Santa Rosa, California
Fisher CZ6, CZ5, Coinstrike, CZ20, Fisher 1280X Tesoro Conquistador, Whites Surfmaster P.I. Fisher1280X, Whites
Prizim I with Bigfoot coil, Garrett Pro Pointer
898
17 times
Metal Detecting
What did you dig up that was your biggest surprise?
I dug this 6 inch deep signal in Holly Park in San Francisco. I couldn't believe my eyes when I pulled this 1/4 ounce gold nugget out of the hole. What is a gold nugget doing in a city park? Was this nugget carried by a 49er back in the 1850's? Gold was a medium of exchange before any coins were available back during the gold rush.
Re: What did you dig up that was your biggest surprise?
This one for quite a few reasons. The first was that there was no plans to even detect that day. I had friends visiting from WI and it was there last day and they decided they'd rather check out some non-detecting sites, basically just poke around like a typical tourist. So we had coffee, said our goodbyes, and about 11am called it another mult-day hunt in the books. So I get back to doing some normal stuff around the house and about 2pm the phone rings and it's "uncle Bill" asking what I'm doing. I reply not much, and he says to get my stuff together because the site-seeing is over and it's time to dig some dirt. So just getting out was the first surprise, soon to be followed by the 2nd surprise of how bad the hunting was at the site I had picked. A few hours had passed and we only had one copper between us, and that was just a lucky stray. So it was probably sometime between 5pm & 6pm and my only other idea was a field that was ready to have the crop come out, as the tractors and trucks were there the day before, but I had no idea if it would be done. That was our best hope to find something so we did the 25 minute drive and that's when the next surprise came, it was done, everything gone, and ready to be hunted! This definitely wasn't the first time this field had been detected, not even close to it really, so with the dry soil fluffed up I really questioned how many targets we'd dig, but as I said we had nothing else better. Having somewhat low expectations in mind I was still pumped and made my way to my favorite little iron patch which had given me a few keepers in the past. I was pleasantly surprised there was quite a few more targets than expected, and every few minutes I was popping an old button. I guess I was probably at about 15 or so, and getting very use to wiping away the loose dirt and seeing yet another plain face button.... then it all changed! To my surprise, make that shock, below is the button that was staring back at me from about my 20th hole dug. It actually didn't look a whole lot difference then it does in the pic which I guess was the next surprise, because we never dig buttons with a patina like that... and I have dug many. If you don't know what the button is it's a Revolutionary War officer button, and of course that's a surprise in itself, but only having ever dug 1 early military button with a patina like that and it ends up being the right one beating the odds bigtime, what more could I ask for. I have made quite a few finds that were very unexpected (I guess they all are really) but that was definitely my day for surprises.
PS... The back is solid gilt with a perfect shank. A nice surprise.
AMERICAN DIGGERS ON SPIKE: THE TRASH WE WOULD LIKE TO DISCRIMINATE OUT!
Re: What did you dig up that was your biggest surprise?
Unfortunately my biggest was nothing of value. Last year I did dig up a large tin chest full of costume jewelry. At first glance I thought I had something really good, but it wasn't meant to be. :P It was still great to find it anyway
Please note, the author is not responsible for any ideas, facts, etc stated in his comments and does not constitute any liability for his dribble.
Re: What did you dig up that was your biggest surprise?
In a field located in my neighborhood it used to be a very early 1600,s Dutch and then English settlement i dug this buckle it has a beautiful dark green patina made of cast copper a rare find for this country. Double Loop Sub-Oval Buckle circa 1600 1720 .It is now registered on the UKDFD Dd60
If Mother Earth give,s us precious metals like gold silver and copper why leave them in the ground to disappear forever , dig them out and save History !! http://www.artifactdetectingteam.com/Finds.html
Re: What did you dig up that was your biggest surprise?
Originally Posted by Iron Patch
This one for quite a few reasons. The first was that there was no plans to even detect that day. I had friends visiting from WI and it was there last day and they decided they'd rather check out some non-detecting sites, basically just poke around like a typical tourist. So we had coffee, said our goodbyes, and about 11am called it another mult-day hunt in the books. So I get back to doing some normal stuff around the house and about 2pm the phone rings and it's "uncle Bill" asking what I'm doing. I reply not much, and he says to get my stuff together because the site-seeing is over and it's time to dig some dirt. So just getting out was the first surprise, soon to be followed by the 2nd surprise of how bad the hunting was at the site I had picked. A few hours had passed and we only had one copper between us, and that was just a lucky stray. So it was probably sometime between 5pm & 6pm and my only other idea was a field that was ready to have the crop come out, as the tractors and trucks were there the day before, but I had no idea if it would be done. That was our best hope to find something so we did the 25 minute drive and that's when the next surprise came, it was done, everything gone, and ready to be hunted! This definitely wasn't the first time this field had been detected, not even close to it really, so with the dry soil fluffed up I really questioned how many targets we'd dig, but as I said we had nothing else better. Having somewhat low expectations in mind I was still pumped and made my way to my favorite little iron patch which had given me a few keepers in the past. I was pleasantly surprised there was quite a few more targets than expected, and every few minutes I was popping an old button. I guess I was probably at about 15 or so, and getting very use to wiping away the loose dirt and seeing yet another plain face button.... then it all changed! To my surprise, make that shock, below is the button that was staring back at me from about my 20th hole dug. It actually didn't look a whole lot difference then it does in the pic which I guess was the next surprise, because we never dig buttons with a patina like that... and I have dug many. If you don't know what the button is it's a Revolutionary War officer button, and of course that's a surprise in itself, but only having ever dug 1 early military button with a patina like that and it ends up being the right one beating the odds bigtime, what more could I ask for. I have made quite a few finds that were very unexpected (I guess they all are really) but that was definitely my day for surprises.
PS... The back is solid gilt with a perfect shank. A nice surprise.
Iron Patch,
I'm keeping tabs on how many times you post that same button on this forum. I think that by now, even my dog has seen it. You're reaching critical mass!
Spring 2012 CaneField Bandits Totals: TEN Half Reales:
1740, 1777, 1784, 1796, 1801, 180?, 1806, 1807, 1808, and 1814
1836 8 Reales
A 17?? One Real
1819 Token/Jeton
Two "Russian Blue" Trade Beads
Henry Clay Campaign Button FIVE Early New Orleans Seated Coins:
1838-O Dime (no stars), Three 1839-O Half Dimes, an 1840-O Dime, and an 1842-O Half Dime
1892 Barber Dime
1918 Walking Liberty Half
1866 and 18?? Shield Nickels, and some GawGag V's and Beefaloes. Military Relics: Possible Spanish Colonial Era Cap Badge
FOUR War of 1812 Artillery Buttons
1820s Pewter Militia "U.S." Button
CW Eagle Artillery Cuff Button
CW Eagle Infantry Officer's Coat Button
3-Ringers, Enfields, Musketballs, and Shell Fragments
Any relics, coins, or other items appearing in my finds posts were found on PRIVATE PROPERTY with total consent and permission from the owners of said property.
Re: What did you dig up that was your biggest surprise?
Originally Posted by BuckleBoy
Originally Posted by Iron Patch
This one for quite a few reasons. The first was that there was no plans to even detect that day. I had friends visiting from WI and it was there last day and they decided they'd rather check out some non-detecting sites, basically just poke around like a typical tourist. So we had coffee, said our goodbyes, and about 11am called it another mult-day hunt in the books. So I get back to doing some normal stuff around the house and about 2pm the phone rings and it's "uncle Bill" asking what I'm doing. I reply not much, and he says to get my stuff together because the site-seeing is over and it's time to dig some dirt. So just getting out was the first surprise, soon to be followed by the 2nd surprise of how bad the hunting was at the site I had picked. A few hours had passed and we only had one copper between us, and that was just a lucky stray. So it was probably sometime between 5pm & 6pm and my only other idea was a field that was ready to have the crop come out, as the tractors and trucks were there the day before, but I had no idea if it would be done. That was our best hope to find something so we did the 25 minute drive and that's when the next surprise came, it was done, everything gone, and ready to be hunted! This definitely wasn't the first time this field had been detected, not even close to it really, so with the dry soil fluffed up I really questioned how many targets we'd dig, but as I said we had nothing else better. Having somewhat low expectations in mind I was still pumped and made my way to my favorite little iron patch which had given me a few keepers in the past. I was pleasantly surprised there was quite a few more targets than expected, and every few minutes I was popping an old button. I guess I was probably at about 15 or so, and getting very use to wiping away the loose dirt and seeing yet another plain face button.... then it all changed! To my surprise, make that shock, below is the button that was staring back at me from about my 20th hole dug. It actually didn't look a whole lot difference then it does in the pic which I guess was the next surprise, because we never dig buttons with a patina like that... and I have dug many. If you don't know what the button is it's a Revolutionary War officer button, and of course that's a surprise in itself, but only having ever dug 1 early military button with a patina like that and it ends up being the right one beating the odds bigtime, what more could I ask for. I have made quite a few finds that were very unexpected (I guess they all are really) but that was definitely my day for surprises.
PS... The back is solid gilt with a perfect shank. A nice surprise.
Iron Patch,
I'm keeping tabs on how many times you post that same button on this forum. I think that by now, even my dog has seen it. You're reaching critical mass!
The guy asked for what my surprise was, and that is it.
...and if you ever dig a button even close to as good, rare, and as valuable, you too can have the green light to post it as many times as you want. Plus it wouldn't matter how many times I post it because most don't remember, because most don't know what it is, and don't care. But they get excited over an eagle breast plate. Always the way.
OOPS... I guess I shouldn't have said valuable. (Damn I'm in for it now mixing detecting and $$$)
AMERICAN DIGGERS ON SPIKE: THE TRASH WE WOULD LIKE TO DISCRIMINATE OUT!
Re: What did you dig up that was your biggest surprise?
I dug up a womans handbag, compact, keys, wallet, lipstick, phone book and some candy. What was interesting was the age, no coins after 1933. Like a time cannister!
We're the SAS, the few, the mean, and if you can get us out of bed by 11am, we'll have an English breakfast (toast, beans, eggies and sausage) that'll suit you up! Currahie!
Re: What did you dig up that was your biggest surprise?
Mine was a class ring lost by a good friend of mine in 1961. Found it a few months ago in my yard. I knew he lost it where I live because he had told me time and again how he was digging a ditch for a drain line and it fell out of his pocket (he grew up in the house). When I got my first detector he told me about the ring and we always joked about what the chances were that I could find it. Man was he surprised when I called him over to the house to help me on a project and then gave him the ring back!!!
Strip Mining Northern California, One Silver Coin at a time...
Nov 2006
Santa Rosa, California
Fisher CZ6, CZ5, Coinstrike, CZ20, Fisher 1280X Tesoro Conquistador, Whites Surfmaster P.I. Fisher1280X, Whites
Prizim I with Bigfoot coil, Garrett Pro Pointer
898
17 times
Metal Detecting
Re: What did you dig up that was your biggest surprise?
Originally Posted by PressedTrousers
I dug up a womans handbag, compact, keys, wallet, lipstick, phone book and some candy. What was interesting was the age, no coins after 1933. Like a time cannister!
I would love to see some pics of the contents that were in that handbag!
Re: What did you dig up that was your biggest surprise?
1853 Gold Eagle from the sands of Dog Beach on Key West. Coin was in very good shape and showed almost no abrasions. It had to have come in with a load of sand from Miami. Our beaches are not natural and have all been filled with east coast sand for the tourists.
I have to think this 10 dollar coin was taken from a collection and lost on a Miami beach, then picked by a shovel and trucked to KW. Probably a little boy taking coins from daddy's collection.
It remains the only gold coin I've ever found.
A few days after finding it, I sold it to a bartender for 400 dollars. He gave me cash and I bought a table saw. Worked out for both of us.
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Originally Posted by savant365
Dd60
Plus it wouldn't matter how many times I post it because most don't remember, because most don't know what it is, and don't care. But they get excited over an eagle breast plate. 
Always the way.
