95% of metal detecting is a waste of time oh but that 5% can make your day

[MackDog]

Today went to my current park with a new Detecting buddy. Nothing but trash for 2 hours straight, found 6 dimes and 2 memorial penny's. My partner gave up and left, I (being stupid) stuck it out for another 1/2 hour till dark. I kept plugging away and got 2 good signals with in 15 minutes of each other. First was a 1917 S Mercury (7 inches down) next was a 1909 D Barber (8 inches down) it is semi rare and only 970,000 were minted. Also it's Barber dime 23 on the year. Unfortunately they were both down in the gravel layer here, but I'll take them. Thanks for looking

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[MackDog]

I'll take 5% all day long. Funny to read someone say dimes are the hardest silver to find, which they are, but they are the only silver I have found in my first year, 2 Rosies and 2 Mercs. Would love some of that "bigger" stuff to get more common...lol.

They are the hardest to find but also the most common. The bigger coins have a bigger target surface and signature so they are easier to detect. I have found 1 Barb quarter, 3 standing Liberties, and 1 Barber half this year. They are out there just in fewer numbers.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Family Maps of Hinds County, Mississippi, Deluxe Edition - Grab it through Amazon!

[BuckleBoy]

looks like you used sandpaper on these. Nice finds, both coins are. please see my post on how to clean silver coins in the cleaning and preservation section of the forum. might give you some ideas about alternatives.

Congrats,

Buck

 

[AugustMoose87]

I may be wrong Buck, but I don't think he sanded them, I think that was just damage from being in a layer of gravel.

 

[detectahead]

Beautiful '17 S congrats on the D barber also!

 

[beez0404]

Persistence paid of nicely. Great job!

 

[MackDog]

looks like you used sandpaper on these. Nice finds, both coins are. please see my post on how to clean silver coins in the cleaning and preservation section of the forum. might give you some ideas about alternatives.

Congrats,

Buck

When they are found in the gravel layer they are hard to get out without scratches. I know not to wipe them off until I get home and then use only a toothbrush an wTer

 

[jeff of pa]

Nice finds & I don't wish to take your thread off topic, But
"95% of metal detecting is a waste of time" ?
if I felt that way, I wouldn't swing my detector.
just saying, those relics, clads, and trash bits ...
add air, views and exercise, can be rewarding also

 

[MackDog]

Nice finds & I don't wish to take your thread off topic, But
"95% of metal detecting is a waste of time" ?
if I felt that way, I wouldn't swing my detector.
just saying, those relics, clads, and trash bits ...
add air, views and exercise, can be rewarding also

How about unproductive

 

[TheRingFinder]

Mackdog - The longer you detect and the more you research.......that percentage starts to turn around.

 

[g-olden years]

Love your silver coins! Persistence paid off very nicely. Merry Christmas! Andi

 

[Mackaydon]

Any time I can get out of the house to MD I consider as 'quality time': none is wasted--even if I find nothing, the anticipation that I might find something keeps the adrenalin running.
Don...

 

[MackDog]

Any time I can get out of the house to MD I consider as 'quality time': none is wasted--even if I find nothing, the anticipation that I might find something keeps the adrenalin running.
Don...

Unfortunately since I got my At Pro I have been finding deeper quality stuff, now anytime I don't score at least one good coin or artifact I feel let down. I watch u tube videos and read T net to get my adrenaline up

 

[jeff of pa]

How about unproductive

same thing different amount of letters

"Silverless" probably, but if I get out, swing my detector & dig a Zinclon while enjoying the Warmth,
fresh air, maybe some company , My day was productive that's a 1 Cent "Gas Rebate"

and as Don said , Even without the Zinclon, Using My Legs, Swinging My arm
& generally Breathing outside warm air makes Me Happier then I am
Cooped up here seeing 33 Degrees f. on the Temp



and since I generally Dig Everything, I learned my detector a little bit more

 

[BuckleBoy]

When they are found in the gravel layer they are hard to get out without scratches. I know not to wipe them off until I get home and then use only a toothbrush an wTer

Awesome! I actually use a camels hair makeup brush under running water. Seems to scratch them less than a toothbrush does. Seems to help to stab at the coin with the makeup/rouge brush rather than actually rub/scrub the surface. Most of the clinging dirt is in the letters and the low points of the design anyhow and hard running water will take the rest off without actually touching the coin. Here's a video I made:



Nice saves on the dimes!

Buck

 

[Padiggers]

I am not sure of the percentages but my wife and I will hunt all day and one of us will say we should have done this or that. Then we look at each other and smile and say "Ya but it was Fun!!"

 

[Old Dude]

I have to agree with Jeff. A day spent detecting, no matter what you find , IS a good day because I have eliminated another bit of ground that I thought held my retirement, lol. On to the next field/yard/creek!

 

[RustyGold]

Just the "thought" of going MDing gets me pumped up!

 

[Carolina Tom]

Very nice. You have really done well on the Barbers. I only found one this year... GL&HH.