Will the Real Treasure Hunter Please Stand Up???

Not am argument, just a difference of opinion. That’s not unusual.
No, it's certainly not unusual... especially here on the forums. I'm fine with a difference in opinion though. It would be a nightmare if we all saw everything the same and could not look at things objectively to form our own opinions on topics.

Bran <><
 

No, it's certainly not unusual... especially here on the forums. I'm fine with a difference in opinion though. It would be a nightmare if we all saw everything the same and could not look at things objectively to form our own opinions on topics.

Bran <><
Correct you are. I simply understood the idea of setting lower goals. It’s a known method for achieving difficult or complex objectives. I failed at expressing this coherently.

There is a lot of knowledge gained along the way.
 

What I took from the OP, is that all of us dream of finding that coin, cache, relic, that will change our lives, but 99.9% of us will not. What we will find is fun, excitement, people with like interests, exercise, fresh air, and peace of mind.
 

Attachments

  • 1c.webp
    1c.webp
    55.5 KB · Views: 25
Not am argument, just a difference of opinion. That’s not unusual.
No, it's certainly not... especially here on the forums. I'm fine with a difference in opinion though. It would be a nightmare if we all saw everything the same and could not look at things objectively to form our own opinions on topics.

Bran
Correct you are. I simply understood the idea of setting lower goals. It’s a known method for achieving difficult or complex objectives. I failed at expressing this coherently.

There is a lot of knowledge gained along the way.
I'm right there with ya! I don't set a lot of personal goals, though I do keep lots of lists of things I need to tackle on a regular basis... but mostly so I don't forget. 🤣 But the thought of a "goal" looming over my head sort of takes away from my ability to accomplish things, a bit at a time... slow & steady. I'm certainly not one to rush into things or try to climb the ladder of life at full speed. You'll miss an awful lot along the way if you're always so laser focused on "bigger & better" things.

Life (and this hobby) isn't a competition or anything... it's just about enjoying the path/process, being appreciative/grateful of where you end up and about what happens along the way.

I've learned a lot over the years... but the main thing I've learned is that I'm always learning something new, each & every day. One of my old T-Net buddies used to tell people that "if you're not learning, you're already dead" (or something along those lines of, if you're still breathing, you're still learning). He was right, indeed. I'll never be too old to glean a bit of wisdom from others more wise & experienced than myself. Best to pick up those nuggets now, before those old timers are gone for good.

Bran <><
 

What I took from the OP, is that all of us dream of finding that coin, cache, relic, that will change our lives, but 99.9% of us will not. What we will find is fun, excitement, people with like interests, exercise, fresh air, and peace of mind.
The latter part of your response, yes, most definitely.

However, I'm not saying that 99.9% of us will never find what we're looking for, or hope to find. Only that it sometimes help to have realistic expectations... something that this hobby and treasure stories/leads don't always encourage.

Just because a majority of people won't find something huge like the 1715 Plate Fleet, doesn't mean that they won't find their own treasures along the way... it just may or may not be at that same level of handfuls of bars, coins, chains, etc. But finding happiness in the hobby and what you do find will (again, in my own opinion) get you a lot further down the road than deflated hopes & dreams ever could. Also why a lot of people get into the hobby, only to closet their dusty machines until they finally get around to selling it at a garage sale for $5.

The more time you spend searching, the better your chances are at finding something great. It just depends on what your personal definition of "great" looks like.....

Bran <><
 

Last edited:
No, it's certainly not... especially here on the forums. I'm fine with a difference in opinion though. It would be a nightmare if we all saw everything the same and could not look at things objectively to form our own opinions on topics.

Bran

I'm right there with ya! I don't set a lot of personal goals, though I do keep lots of lists of things I need to tackle on a regular basis... but mostly so I don't forget. 🤣 But the thought of a "goal" looming over my head sort of takes away from my ability to accomplish things, a bit at a time... slow & steady. I'm certainly not one to rush into things or try to climb the ladder of life at full speed. You'll miss an awful lot along the way if you're always so laser focused on "bigger & better" things.

Life (and this hobby) isn't a competition or anything... it's just about enjoying the path/process, being appreciative/grateful of where you end up and about what happens along the way.

I've learned a lot over the years... but the main thing I've learned is that I'm always learning something new, each & every day. One of my old T-Net buddies used to tell people that "if you're not learning, you're already dead" (or something along those lines of, if you're still breathing, you're still learning). He was right, indeed. I'll never be too old to glean a bit of wisdom from others more wise & experienced than myself. Best to pick up those nuggets now, before those old timers are gone for good.

Bran <><
That’s a pretty good observation for a youngster.
 

Treasure hunting and metal detecting are a bit like woodworking, or even becoming a famous jock, but on steroids. That is, many may start out thinking they are going to survive off their efforts, or even thrive. They may focus on the stuff that is the success of tales. However, only a rare few will attain their loftier dreams.

As pointed out, where you set your goals can change the outcome from disappointment to elation, or something in between.

Using the woodworking example, I, decades ago, recognized there are millions of other woodworkers in the world. Often, those living great distance from my see their products imported into my world.

Vainly competing with them is, usually, a thing of ignorance, or willful blindness.

Mindful of the above, I still compete, but by finding different paths to follow. For example:

(1) I see turned door stops, then came up with my own, very unique design, which was, also, turned on a lathe.

(2) I copper plate many of my wood turnings.

It's very likely I'll never see being rich from these things, but I will have the satisfaction of having made unique things that I and others like.

Detecting and treasure hunting is no different - the one doing it can choose to be happy with what wins they do get. If a big one comes, great, you made the NFL hall of fame.

Qualify the foregoing with that, many recognize the aforementioned fact, so tie their sights to reality.
 

Just because a majority of people won't find something huge like the 1715 Plate Fleet, doesn't mean that they won't find their own treasures along the way... it just may or may not be at that same level of handfuls of bars, coins, chains, etc. But finding happiness in the hobby and what you do find will (again, in my own opinion) get you a lot further down the road than deflated hopes & dreams ever could. Also why a lot of people get into the hobby, only to closet their dusty machines until they finally get around to selling it at a garage sale for $5.

The more time you spend searching, the better your chances are at finding something great. It just depends on what your personal definition of "great" looks like.....

Bran <><
Spot on, I agree 100%. Remember the saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure". "Treasure" comes in many forms, and each person has their own idea of what Treasure is to them.

For instance, I like finding silver and gold as much as the next guy. It's always a thrill to see a silver coin shining in the dirt before I carefully excavate it from its long dirt nap. Same with finding gold rings and jewelry on the beach, always a heart pumping thrill.

But for some reason that I can't explain, as much as I get a thrill from finding old silver coins along with gold & silver jewelry, I seem to get the most incredible thrill from finding late 1800's Indian Head pennies. I don't know what it is about those pennies, but I just absolutely love them, and when I see one lying in the hole, I get an unexplainable adrenaline rush.

So, for me personally, although I love finding and appreciate all the silver & gold treasures I've uncovered, for some reason I have no explanation for, when I hit an Indian Head penny, you'd think I just discovered the 1715 Plate Fleet, lol.
 

Spot on, I agree 100%. Remember the saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure". "Treasure" comes in many forms, and each person has their own idea of what Treasure is to them.

For instance, I like finding silver and gold as much as the next guy. It's always a thrill to see a silver coin shining in the dirt before I carefully excavate it from its long dirt nap. Same with finding gold rings and jewelry on the beach, always a heart pumping thrill.

But for some reason that I can't explain, as much as I get a thrill from finding old silver coins along with gold & silver jewelry, I seem to get the most incredible thrill from finding late 1800's Indian Head pennies. I don't know what it is about those pennies, but I just absolutely love them, and when I see one lying in the hole, I get an unexplainable adrenaline rush.

So, for me personally, although I love finding and appreciate all the silver & gold treasures I've uncovered, for some reason I have no explanation for, when I hit an Indian Head penny, you'd think I just discovered the 1715 Plate Fleet, lol.
Funny enough, I'm the exact same way with IHP's... even though I've only managed to find my first last year (1905). Believe it or not, I've still yet to find an 1800's coin (especially my coveted 1800's IHP). They're still what I'm always hoping for, as they are just beautiful coins... and often have a very beautiful patina on them as well! 👍🏽

Bran <><
 

Big difference between a "metal detectorist" and a "treasurehunter" !! The hobby of metal detecting, is just that....a hobby using the various metal detectors to find metal objects buried on land or in the sea !!

Treasure hunting is a mind set and lifestyle choice !! The use of a metal detector is a tiny part of treasure hunting, and the detector is just one tool out of many that a treasurehunter uses in the trade of treasure hunting.

A metal detectorist is concerned with machines, and there ins and outs, and how they compare to one another, and often has a "stable" of machines to play with !!

A treasurehunter pursues mysteries, and and stories, and is hoping to make meaningful discoveries that also come with a good chance of successfully recovering something of value !!

A metal detectorist is happy to look around in school yards, tot lots, and sanded in public beaches. They tend to look at the machines as the only method of finding anything, and often love to speak of tones, settings, and discrimination.

A treasurehunter is a creature of opportunity and will often make valuable discoveries without the detector by any number of other techniques. I will drop the machine to pick up gemstones, pan or sift material, collect valuable shells and sharks teeth, etc.etc. the machine may be shouldered for miles, or in the pack until needed. It's just my hammer, and I might need a screw driver for certain treasure opportunities.

A treasurehunter talks tales of adventure and quotes research material.....a metal detectorist compares brand names and talks of seeded hunts and metaldetecting clubs. All of this is just fine, but let's remember just who each of us really are, and be realistic with yourself !!

A treasurehunter is more interested in a chip of pottery, and a shard of black glass than the comparison of test gardens and depth testing of machines. A treasurehunter just asks the metaldetectorist which machine is best, and worries if his sources and research are correct !!

As far as goals are set....the treasure hunter never relents in the pursuit of a major find, no matter what he's searching for, there is an end goal !! Set up the goals and knock them down with relentless pursuit by all means necessary !! Your damn right I'm trying to find a gold bar !! I want a shipwreck full of gold bars, and will continue to set goals that others would never dream possible!! That's how you win big, even when you fall short....example...went looking for gold bars, but only found a few silver 8 reales !!

Which ever you are, never be ashamed of it...there is a little metal detectorist in every treasurehunter, and a little treasurehunter in every metal detectorist !! We are closely related creatures. But for the sake of being true to ones self....reflect a minute and ask yourself which of the 2 you really are....once your realistic with yourself about these differences you will find more satisfaction in which ever category you fall under !!
 

Last edited:
Big difference between a "metal detectorist" and a "treasurehunter" !! The hobby of metal detecting, is just that....a hobby using the various metal detectors to find metal objects buried on land or in the sea !!

Treasure hunting is a mind set and lifestyle choice !! The use of a metal detector is a tiny part of treasure hunting, and the detector is just one tool out of many that a treasurehunter uses in the trade of treasure hunting.

A metal detectorist is concerned with machines, and there ins and outs, and how they compare to one another, and often has a "stable" of machines to play with !!

A treasurehunter pursues mysteries, and and stories, and is hoping to make meaningful discoveries that also come with a good chance of successfully recovering something of value !!

A metal detectorist is happy to look around in school yards, tot lots, and sanded in public beaches. They tend to look at the machines as the only method of finding anything, and often love to speak of tones, settings, and discrimination.

A treasurehunter is a creature of opportunity and will often make valuable discoveries without the detector by any number of other techniques. I will drop the machine to pick up gemstones, pan or sift material, collect valuable shells and sharks teeth, etc.etc. the machine may be shouldered for miles, or in the pack until needed. It's just my hammer, and I might need a screw driver for certain treasure opportunities.

A treasurehunter talks tales of adventure and quotes research material.....a metal detectorist compares brand names and talks of seeded hunts and metaldetecting clubs. All of this is just fine, but let's remember just who each of us really are, and be realistic with yourself !!

A treasurehunter is more interested in a chip of pottery, and a shard of black glass than the comparison of test gardens and depth testing of machines. A treasurehunter just asks the metaldetectorist which machine is best, and worries if his sources and research are correct !!

As far as goals are set....the treasure hunter never relents in the pursuit of a major find, no matter what he's searching for, there is an end goal !! Set up the goals and knock them down with relentless pursuit by all means necessary !! Your damn right I'm trying to find a gold bar !! I want a shipwreck full of gold bars, and will continue to set goals that others would never dream possible!! That's how you win big, even when you fall short....example...went looking for gold bars, but only found a few silver 8 reales !!

Which ever you are, never be ashamed of it...there is a little metal detectorist in every treasurehunter, and a little treasurehunter in every metal detectorist !! We are closely related creatures. But for the sake of being true to ones self....reflect a minute and ask yourself which of the 2 you really are....once your realistic with yourself about these differences you will find more satisfaction in which ever category you fall under !!
That's probably the most A.I. generated response I've ever seen. There was a day not so long ago (ok, maybe it was a while ago) where we all took the time to reply to each other... actually typing out our responses on our keyboards. I've mostly moved over to my phone at this point, but still type (or Swype?) up every response I have for others. I'm already very familiar of the different aspects of our hobby.

To me, "Treasure Hunting" and "Metal Detecting" are pretty synonymous with one another... and I cover most every area of this hobby, maybe with the exception of prospecting/gold hunting (as all of my gold finds are the manufactured kind here in Florida 😉)

Anyway, reading that last post really hurt my head... almost as bad as when folks use no punctuation. 🥴

Bran <><
 

That's probably the most A.I. generated response I've ever seen.

From having read hundreds of his posts, I'd submit that post was 100% Bart.
 

Sure I'd like to find the big one or a pot full of cash ,but I try NOT to set a bar of expectations but to just go out and have fun when gold dredging ,prospecting ,hunting for N.A. artifacts or mushrooms ! I enjoyed reading your initial post and remember the people that I meet over the years and the fun we had ! WOW thinking back on it is a rush that put's a smile on my old face ! I even remember a U.S. Trade dollar1876 S. that a young lady gave me back when I was in the Army years ago that someone else wanted it more than I did and took it ! They got the coin BUT I still got the memory's of it ! I hope they have the same memory's of it that I have !
 

That's probably the most A.I. generated response I've ever seen. There was a day not so long ago (ok, maybe it was a while ago) where we all took the time to reply to each other... actually typing out our responses on our keyboards. I've mostly moved over to my phone at this point, but still type (or Swype?) up every response I have for others. I'm already very familiar of the different aspects of our hobby.

To me, "Treasure Hunting" and "Metal Detecting" are pretty synonymous with one another... and I cover most every area of this hobby, maybe with the exception of prospecting/gold hunting (as all of my gold finds are the manufactured kind here in Florida 😉)

Anyway, reading that last post really hurt my head... almost as bad as when folks use no punctuation. 🥴

Bran <><

A.I. haaaa !! You wish brother !! Sorry to hurt your head !! Ill try and pipe down so I don't cause any pain to your little brain !! Continue on your rant....you win dude !! You most definitely have this game figured out. I should just shut up, because I don't have any where near your talent, skill, and vast understanding of this hobby. Carry on champ, you da man !! I was woefully mistaken by challenging your vast intellectual superiority. I will not create any disturbing back and forth here sir. Like I said it's plainly clear to me that I'm out classed in every aspect of this topic. I yield to you sir !! Please relish us all with more of your incredible grasp of the reality of treasurehunting......I'm riveted to my screen eagerly awaiting your response. I'll wait so you can read extra slow as to not hurt your brain and fully understand this AI generated retort !! 🤣🤣🤣 A.I. I'll take that as a compliment!!
 

Last edited:
Sure I'd like to find the big one or a pot full of cash ,but I try NOT to set a bar of expectations but to just go out and have fun when gold dredging ,prospecting ,hunting for N.A. artifacts or mushrooms ! I enjoyed reading your initial post and remember the people that I meet over the years and the fun we had ! WOW thinking back on it is a rush that put's a smile on my old face ! I even remember a U.S. Trade dollar1876 S. that a young lady gave me back when I was in the Army years ago that someone else wanted it more than I did and took it ! They got the coin BUT I still got the memory's of it ! I hope they have the same memory's of it that I have !
That's awesome to hear! That's what it's all about anyway... having fun & making good memories to look back on! I'd say you're doing it right 👍🏽

Bran <><
 

Maybe you should take it as a compliment... instead of getting butt-hurt, recoiling at my response, and trying to be passive-aggressive.

If it was your actual response, I just normally expect one that's a little more concise and less drawn-out (not saying much of the same thing over & over). But anyway, hope I've lived up to whatever response you were apparently expecting... on an online forum... lol

Bran <><
 

A.I. haaaa !! You wish brother !! Sorry to hurt your head !! Ill try and pipe down so I don't cause any pain to your little brain !! Continue on your rant....you win dude !! You most definitely have this game figured out. I should just shut up, because I don't have any where near your talent, skill, and vast understanding of this hobby. Carry on champ, you da man !! I was woefully mistaken by challenging your vast intellectual superiority. I will not create any disturbing back and forth here sir. Like I said it's plainly clear to me that I'm out classed in every aspect of this topic. I yield to you sir !! Please relish us all with more of your incredible grasp of the reality of treasurehunting......I'm riveted to my screen eagerly awaiting your response. I'll wait so you can read extra slow as to not hurt your brain and fully understand this AI generated retort !! 🤣🤣🤣 A.I. I'll take that as a compliment!!
No Insults Bart.

How many treasure troves have been found using just a metal detector, many.
 

Top Member Reactions

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom