Disposition of finds: Keep, donate or sell?

[jacobgosling]

Question: I am a collector of Colonial and Revolutionary War Period artifacts. I have recently developed an interest in metal detecting.

I am wondering how the average detectorist treats their finds. Do you keep everything in your own collections, donate them to an institution, or sell/auction them? Or some combination of the three?

 

[smokeythecat]

Most of what I have ever found I still have. Some pieces were donated to museums.

 

[fyrffytr1]

I have most all of what I have found in about 45 years of detecting. I have never sold a relic but have given some away, mostly to kids and a few good friends.

 

[brianc053]

My coins I put in those white cardboard squares with the clear plastic circle, and on the square I write the type of coin, the year (if visible) and where + when I found the coin.

My relics are going into ziplock bags with a little piece of paper describing what they are, based on research I've done, along with the location of the find and the month/year. One of the locations I'm detecting is a very historic property in my town, and they're planning a small museum at some point, so I'm setting aside those items found on that site just in case the town wants them.

Some of my interesting iron pieces (horseshoes I believe to be old, some railroad spikes from a railroad that used to run through my town between 1890 and 1920) I'm cleaning up using vinegar and electrolysis, because I may turn them into some soft of display at some point.

But you mentioned that you're considering getting into metal detecting, Jacobgosling, so please know that 75% (maybe 90%) of what you find will be junk that will go in the garbage. Maybe that is understood, maybe it's assumed - but I couldn't post without saying it overtly.
Good luck with the adventure - it's a lot of fun!

- Brian

 

[CASPER-2]

when i was younger - donated some - sold most found from 1975 - 1995 - used to land hunt 95% of the time water hunt 5%
have mostly all relics since 1995 - but water hunt 95% of the time - land 5% now
some quick samples pf colonial finds

 

[Trezurehunter]

I am like Smokey. If it was worthy of keeping, it is in one of my display cases. There are a few items that I have donated to a local city museum, as the items were related to that city. I have never sold an item (not even gold and silver rings). I just enjoy going into my basement family room, and looking at the 35 display cases (of all sizes) that I have accumulated over the 30 some years of detecting. For me, displaying the items is a big part of the hobby.

 

[MidMoTreasure]

I have kept everything but the clad, which I clean and then deposit into my daughters' savings accounts. I have used a few car wash tokens. I have given some Civil War bullets to landowners and their families, and I have donated a few items to museums.

If I lived near a beach, I would probably sell all of that gold jewelry I accumulated and use the profits for Mexican beer and calabash seafood buffets.

 

[sunshinebrazil5679]

I´ve kept all what is more valuable for me. The other stuff I sold it, and a few couple of things I donated it.