First day metal detecting ever... found gold pendant!

[marlowe]

I've wanted a metal detector ever since my imagination went wild after seeing that orange Radio Shack detector when I was a kid (45 now). About a month ago I found this site and have been spending a lot of time reading here and it finally pushed me over the edge to buy one.

Yesterday I took my first detector (Barrett AT Pro, thanks Big Boys Hobbies!) out for my first session. As hopeful as I was, I realized it was going to take time to get the hang of this. Despite my inexperience, I found something interesting.

I searched an area in the woods that was the site of two estates from the mid-late 1800s. Mostly I found lots of junk metal, rocks that registered 80-90 (?), and miscellaneous metal things like a faucet knob. I didn't dig down too much because I was really trying to learn the machine so it was somewhat half-hearted. I kept breaking out the manual, trying all the features, etc.

Then I came across a old garbage pile or something. Compared to the ground surrounding it, this pile was soft and easy to dig in. I uncovered lots of junk you might expect, but was elated to find this gold pendant. I don't know if it's plated or not but it was such a thrill to actually find something interesting!

Now I'm hooked. I was surprised I didn't find any coins. I expected to find something... even a recent penny.

Marlowe

 

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[DJWEHAGE]

Congratulations! Looks solid to me. See if you can find any markings on it. Also, I will be 45 in three weeks and my first detector was also from Radio Shack when I was a kid. Mine was yellow!

 

[John_Deere]

I wish I had your luck when I hunt..... Congrats and HH.

 

[marlowe]

Thanks for the congrats. I want to check for marking but I will need a magnifying glass or a loupe. My eyes don't do microscopic anymore.

Yeah, this was a clear case of beginner's luck!

 

[Tarponhuntr]

Love it ! I laughed out loud when you made the comment about the orange Radio Shack detector. I got one of those for Christmas when I was ten , and that was when I got the bug. It took me 30 years to get another one , and now it's a horribly wonderful obsession !

Congratulations !!!!!

 

[g-olden years]

Wow! Congrats on the lovely gold pendant! Outstanding first day for sure! Partly beginner's luck, partly due to your not quitting after digging lots of junk, so give yourself credit for sticking to it! Looking forward to seeing your future finds also! Andi

 

[Bass]

Welcome to your new life!

 

[WHADIFIND]

Alas, another one has fallen. A LIFETIME of addiction is sure to follow. (and excitement)

Congrats!
HH!

 

[MNcoinhunter]

It definately pays to not give up and keep sifting through the trash ... it's there. Congrats !!

 

[marlowe]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement! Between this find and the support around here, I am determined ...even if my arm is sore today!

TarponHuntr: Yeah, that little orange thing sure did get deep into my cranium!

 

[DORN]

Congrats on taking the next step and actually finding something in the junk. Id be happy to help if you struggle at first. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Lcb24kt]

Congrats!

 

[Scout70]

Congrats on you awsome find....

 

[cntrydncr1]

Congrats! sure looks like the real thing. Dont' expect that to happen all the time! lol