We’ve a handful of treasure hunters in this neck of the woods, some quite successful.
Kirby Gregg, for example, has hunted coins with metal detectors from the early days of the devices, back when they weren’t nearly as accurate, didn’t differentiate between good and junk targets and required frequent calibration.
Now, many of the more expensive machines do just about everything but dig whatever causes that strong, vibrant buzz that the operator knows is triggered by “something good.”
I also started metal-detecting back in the 1970s, with one of those primitive machines, and continue now and again. But, my success pales in comparison to what Kirby can do.
He once found a $20 gold piece near an old strip mine camp and over the years has filled out a set of Barber dimes — 1892 to 1916 with many mint variations — from coins he has unearthed.
More recently he happened upon the site of a former house and between detector and some sifting with a shaker box, came up with a small hoard of silver and other coins, some dating back to the early 1900s.
Altogether he found 278 coins, which at today’s prices is a pretty good chunk of change. Included in the total are 105 quarters, 123 dimes and 34 half dollars.
Kirby wrote about the find and with supporting photos mailed the account to Eastern and Western Treasures, a magazine for metal detecting enthusiasts. The story appears in its annual “Gold and Silver” edition, which just hit newsstands.
METAL detecting is similar to my other favorite, looking along stream bottoms and fields for stone artifacts.
Either includes good exercise — a lot of walking is involved — and both are extremely satisfying hobbies you can do alone, with a friend or family.
Give one a try.
Treasure hunting, local style
