Favorite Finds - U.S.
SEPTEMBER 2014 WINNER
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WINNER #1
My Favorite Find for September 2014 is the collection of Sixteen Alaskan Gold Nuggets, discovered by David F. from Kirkland, WA. using his ATX detector.
David tells about his good fortune in Alaska. "I recently returned from a 6 night stay in Alaska looking for gold nuggets with my new ATX. Last year with another brand detector I found one nugget, but this year with the ATX I found sixteen in the same area! I believe the ATX made all the difference as I dug a lot of trash but also a lot of gold with the depth the ATX reaches. From tiny nuggets 2 inches deep to 3/4 ounce nuggets 14 inches deep the ATX did awesome! I also found a Silver 1902 Barber dime and a 1905 Indian Head penny at about six inches so the ATX makes a fine GOLD and COIN machine! I can hardly wait to go back next summer and tear it up again with my ATX."
David, keep up the good work. A "sweet 16" collection of nuggets! Enjoy your new AT Gold, and those gold nuggets…
David F. WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
David tells about his good fortune in Alaska. "I recently returned from a 6 night stay in Alaska looking for gold nuggets with my new ATX. Last year with another brand detector I found one nugget, but this year with the ATX I found sixteen in the same area! I believe the ATX made all the difference as I dug a lot of trash but also a lot of gold with the depth the ATX reaches. From tiny nuggets 2 inches deep to 3/4 ounce nuggets 14 inches deep the ATX did awesome! I also found a Silver 1902 Barber dime and a 1905 Indian Head penny at about six inches so the ATX makes a fine GOLD and COIN machine! I can hardly wait to go back next summer and tear it up again with my ATX."
David, keep up the good work. A "sweet 16" collection of nuggets! Enjoy your new AT Gold, and those gold nuggets…
David F. WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
OCTOBER 2014 HAS TWO WINNERS!!!
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WINNER #1
My favorite find for October 2014 is the WWII US Navy Button along with the German WWII medal, found by Thomas H and his son C.J. from Cincinnati, OH.
This entry exemplifies father and son teamwork, family heritage, and world history. I chose to simply present the letter "as is" for all to read, with the exception of the removal of the last name.
Congratulations to Thomas and CJ! Thanks for the story. Enjoy your new AT Gold and keep up the good work!
Thomas and CJ WIN a Garrett AT Gold!
This entry exemplifies father and son teamwork, family heritage, and world history. I chose to simply present the letter "as is" for all to read, with the exception of the removal of the last name.
Congratulations to Thomas and CJ! Thanks for the story. Enjoy your new AT Gold and keep up the good work!
Thomas and CJ WIN a Garrett AT Gold!
AUGUST 2014 HAS TWO WINNERS!!!
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WINNER #1
My favorite find for August 2014 is the group of 15 Civil War Cannonballs, discovered by Scott J. and his son, from Kennesaw, GA with their Ace 250 detectors.
Scott shares their story of discovery. "My son and I where going hunting with a couple of friends in Kennesaw, GA. It was our fourth time out hunting with our new Garrett detectors and Pro-Pointers. We found a couple Minnie balls, then all of a sudden we got a good hit and dug down and found a 12 pound civil war cannonball! We decided to search the area more and when it was all done we found 15 cannonballs total! Here is a picture of the first seven of them before we dug the rest."
Love the cannonballs, but also love that you and your son found them together.
Great job! Go back to the same site with your new AT Gold.
Scott WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
Scott shares their story of discovery. "My son and I where going hunting with a couple of friends in Kennesaw, GA. It was our fourth time out hunting with our new Garrett detectors and Pro-Pointers. We found a couple Minnie balls, then all of a sudden we got a good hit and dug down and found a 12 pound civil war cannonball! We decided to search the area more and when it was all done we found 15 cannonballs total! Here is a picture of the first seven of them before we dug the rest."
Love the cannonballs, but also love that you and your son found them together.
Great job! Go back to the same site with your new AT Gold.
Scott WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
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WINNER #2
My second favorite find for August 2014 is the Rare 1893-S Morgan Dollar, found by Dylan S. from Talladega, AL with his Ace 250.
Dylan tells us about this rare coin. “This is an 1893-S Morgan Dollar Coin, found at about a five inch depth. There were only about 100,000 ever made.” Dylan says that even 1893-S Morgans in average condition are worth thousands of dollars. “None of this would come true without the quality of my Garrett ACE 250 and Pro-Pointer!” he said. “Thank you so very much.“
Studying this coin, it has a mint mark of an S, which substantiates its rarity. Great job! Go back to the same location with your new AT Gold ! Good luck.
Dylan WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
Dylan tells us about this rare coin. “This is an 1893-S Morgan Dollar Coin, found at about a five inch depth. There were only about 100,000 ever made.” Dylan says that even 1893-S Morgans in average condition are worth thousands of dollars. “None of this would come true without the quality of my Garrett ACE 250 and Pro-Pointer!” he said. “Thank you so very much.“
Studying this coin, it has a mint mark of an S, which substantiates its rarity. Great job! Go back to the same location with your new AT Gold ! Good luck.
Dylan WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
JULY 2014 WINNERS!!!
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WINNER #1
My favorite find for July 2014 is the Belt Buckle 1775 British 53rd Regiment of Foot discovered by Big Dave H. from New Hampshire with his Ace 350.
Big Dave shares his treasure story with Garrett. "I bought my first ever metal detector in February 2014. I went with the Ace 350 based on my friends recommendations and the ease of operation. I started using it as soon as the earth thawed out enough to dig, visiting areas of interest not too far from my house. I was digging on a property in Chichester, where I had knowledge of a home and barn once being there. I found this buckle in about six inches of dirt. I sought the help of my knowledgeable treasure buddy Scott B., and through the miracle of the internet we were able to determine the buckle is from the British 53rd Regiment of Foot from 1755! Not bad when you think I have been at this for about 30 days."
Way to go Big Dave! Now go back to that same area with your new AT Gold! Congratulations!
Big Dave H. WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
Big Dave shares his treasure story with Garrett. "I bought my first ever metal detector in February 2014. I went with the Ace 350 based on my friends recommendations and the ease of operation. I started using it as soon as the earth thawed out enough to dig, visiting areas of interest not too far from my house. I was digging on a property in Chichester, where I had knowledge of a home and barn once being there. I found this buckle in about six inches of dirt. I sought the help of my knowledgeable treasure buddy Scott B., and through the miracle of the internet we were able to determine the buckle is from the British 53rd Regiment of Foot from 1755! Not bad when you think I have been at this for about 30 days."
Way to go Big Dave! Now go back to that same area with your new AT Gold! Congratulations!
Big Dave H. WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
JUNE 2014 WINNER!!!
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WINNER #1
Vaughan Garrett's United States Favorite Find for June 2014 is the 1600's Spanish Silver Cob, discovered by Vince P. from Florida.
Vince shares his treasure story. "I have owned several MD's prior to getting my Garrett Ace 250. I have been using it for 4 years. I take it everywhere I go as I travel a lot. I have found rings, coins, jewelry and a lot of junk which is even fun to find. It is a labor of love and I truly love the hobby. I do it for the pure enjoyment of it. I told my wife that someday I am going to find pirate gold and that's a dream of mine."
"I happen to be over in Melbourne, FL. I stopped at an area I had never been and had a bit of time. It was near the water...I started to go at it. Found a quarter and some junk, I did not care, I was out and having a great time. Freedom (name of my Ace) and I were digging everything…and all of a sudden I got the hit…I ran the Ace over it again, I got several different readings and then it settled on a 50 cent notch. Curiosity got the best of me as that does not show up much. It was about 3 inches down. So I got my digger and started digging. And I checked the dirt...and there it was...something I NEVER thought I would ever find. A Spanish Cob 1600's coin! I had it checked out and it is real. I am going to have it put into a necklace. My faith in Garrett products is forever. I will always buy them."
“I truly believe that I find what God wants me to find. And God was good to me that day. Thank you."
Great treasure, Vince! Go back to that same area with your new AT Gold!
Vince WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
Vince shares his treasure story. "I have owned several MD's prior to getting my Garrett Ace 250. I have been using it for 4 years. I take it everywhere I go as I travel a lot. I have found rings, coins, jewelry and a lot of junk which is even fun to find. It is a labor of love and I truly love the hobby. I do it for the pure enjoyment of it. I told my wife that someday I am going to find pirate gold and that's a dream of mine."
"I happen to be over in Melbourne, FL. I stopped at an area I had never been and had a bit of time. It was near the water...I started to go at it. Found a quarter and some junk, I did not care, I was out and having a great time. Freedom (name of my Ace) and I were digging everything…and all of a sudden I got the hit…I ran the Ace over it again, I got several different readings and then it settled on a 50 cent notch. Curiosity got the best of me as that does not show up much. It was about 3 inches down. So I got my digger and started digging. And I checked the dirt...and there it was...something I NEVER thought I would ever find. A Spanish Cob 1600's coin! I had it checked out and it is real. I am going to have it put into a necklace. My faith in Garrett products is forever. I will always buy them."
“I truly believe that I find what God wants me to find. And God was good to me that day. Thank you."
Great treasure, Vince! Go back to that same area with your new AT Gold!
Vince WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
MAY 2014 HAS TWO WINNERS!!!
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WINNER #1
My first favorite find for May 2014 is the 1838 Powder Flask, discovered by Jeremy P. from Babb, Montana, with his Ace 250. This is a very beautiful and unique powder flask used with a musket rifle to pour in the powder and then the shot.
Jeremy tells his great story of discovery. "I took my metal detector to work with me, expecting beautiful weather. I own a small hotel cleaning business and took an extended lunch break to dig a few holes. I dug this 1838 powder flask on the second hole at 4". I thought it was interesting, but passed it off as an ornate canteen as my mind was focused on coins. I tossed it in my bag and kept searching, later finding a small 10K gold ring, two silver dimes (1954,1962) and a 1935 wheat cent. Those later finds made me so excited. When I emptied my bag at home that night and started washing dirt off, my wife got very insistent that the canteen looked very old. I posted it on a Facebook group of metal detectors who quickly helped me ID my find. The 26 stars, triangle rings and placard helped us identify it as the 1838 model. Suddenly the silver dimes and small gold ring drifted away in my memory as an appreciation of what we had truly discovered sunk in. This stands as the greatest treasure hunt of my life! Thank you Garrett!!!"
Way to go Jeremy! Great find! Go swing your new AT Gold!
Jeremy WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
Jeremy tells his great story of discovery. "I took my metal detector to work with me, expecting beautiful weather. I own a small hotel cleaning business and took an extended lunch break to dig a few holes. I dug this 1838 powder flask on the second hole at 4". I thought it was interesting, but passed it off as an ornate canteen as my mind was focused on coins. I tossed it in my bag and kept searching, later finding a small 10K gold ring, two silver dimes (1954,1962) and a 1935 wheat cent. Those later finds made me so excited. When I emptied my bag at home that night and started washing dirt off, my wife got very insistent that the canteen looked very old. I posted it on a Facebook group of metal detectors who quickly helped me ID my find. The 26 stars, triangle rings and placard helped us identify it as the 1838 model. Suddenly the silver dimes and small gold ring drifted away in my memory as an appreciation of what we had truly discovered sunk in. This stands as the greatest treasure hunt of my life! Thank you Garrett!!!"
Way to go Jeremy! Great find! Go swing your new AT Gold!
Jeremy WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
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WINNER #2
My second favorite find for May 2014 is the CSA Atlanta Belt Buckle, found by William Y. from High Point, North Carolina with his AT Pro and Pro-Pointer.
William wrote about his rare find. "On Thursday, April 3, 2014, a friend of mine and I were metal detecting some private property near Franklin TN. We had gotten permission to search my friends home and property on about a 1/2 acre. As we got out of the truck, I scanned the yard. I noticed a ring of daffodils, and I immediately started detecting with my Garrett AT Pro on Pro setting zero, around the daffodils (I know this sounds made up, but this is exactly what happened). My detector started ringing, 90-91 on the display. I pinpointed the exact location, and started digging. At about 8 inches, I stuck the Garrett Pro-Pointer into the hole I had just dug, and discovered a rectangular metal object. To my amazement, I had just dug a C.S.A. Atlanta Arsenal style belt buckle. My friend ran over, and I said, "You will never guess what I just found." He said, "Just show me!" I opened my hand, and we both 'freaked out' together. He grabbed it out of my hand and noticed all three tabs intact, and said, " This is incredible!" I had just found 'The Holy Grail' of metal detecting after 10 years of hunting. If anyone should read this, the Garrett AT Pro is the machine to own to search lakes, oceans, and land. Thank you for making an incredible machine."
Really exciting historical find William! Enjoy your new AT Gold.
William WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
William wrote about his rare find. "On Thursday, April 3, 2014, a friend of mine and I were metal detecting some private property near Franklin TN. We had gotten permission to search my friends home and property on about a 1/2 acre. As we got out of the truck, I scanned the yard. I noticed a ring of daffodils, and I immediately started detecting with my Garrett AT Pro on Pro setting zero, around the daffodils (I know this sounds made up, but this is exactly what happened). My detector started ringing, 90-91 on the display. I pinpointed the exact location, and started digging. At about 8 inches, I stuck the Garrett Pro-Pointer into the hole I had just dug, and discovered a rectangular metal object. To my amazement, I had just dug a C.S.A. Atlanta Arsenal style belt buckle. My friend ran over, and I said, "You will never guess what I just found." He said, "Just show me!" I opened my hand, and we both 'freaked out' together. He grabbed it out of my hand and noticed all three tabs intact, and said, " This is incredible!" I had just found 'The Holy Grail' of metal detecting after 10 years of hunting. If anyone should read this, the Garrett AT Pro is the machine to own to search lakes, oceans, and land. Thank you for making an incredible machine."
Really exciting historical find William! Enjoy your new AT Gold.
William WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
APRIL 2014 WINNER!!!
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WINNER #1
My favorite find for April 2014 is the 1759 King George II Gold Coin, found by Kenneth C. from Shepherdsville, KY.
Kenneth shares some good background. "We have a site on my grandparents acres that was a hot spot in colonial times for the salt production. My great grandfather always talked about how something stood there at one time, so I went and bought me an ACE 250. After months of excitement the ground kept giving, which sparked an intrest of history in me. I'd take buttons and other period items into my history class for a presentation on what they wore at the time and local history."
Kenneth shares a great discovery. "After a long hunt thinking I had the site cleaned out I found this beautiful coin. A King George 2nd guinea from 1759, not thinking I'd ever get something so amazing and so beautiful, something so high on my wish list as colonial gold! I dropped to my knees there, even a tear came, running back to the house to show my grandfather who met me with a handshake, and a congratulations. It's never made me more happy in my life and that's why I'm happy to share it with you."
Kenneth C. is a high school and college history instructor.
What a spectacular find Kenneth, and an equally exciting story! Go find some more with your new AT Gold!
Kenneth WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
Kenneth shares some good background. "We have a site on my grandparents acres that was a hot spot in colonial times for the salt production. My great grandfather always talked about how something stood there at one time, so I went and bought me an ACE 250. After months of excitement the ground kept giving, which sparked an intrest of history in me. I'd take buttons and other period items into my history class for a presentation on what they wore at the time and local history."
Kenneth shares a great discovery. "After a long hunt thinking I had the site cleaned out I found this beautiful coin. A King George 2nd guinea from 1759, not thinking I'd ever get something so amazing and so beautiful, something so high on my wish list as colonial gold! I dropped to my knees there, even a tear came, running back to the house to show my grandfather who met me with a handshake, and a congratulations. It's never made me more happy in my life and that's why I'm happy to share it with you."
Kenneth C. is a high school and college history instructor.
What a spectacular find Kenneth, and an equally exciting story! Go find some more with your new AT Gold!
Kenneth WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
MARCH 2014 HAS TWO WINNERS!!!
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WINNER #1
My favorite find for March 2014 is the Sacrifice Dagger, found by Angel M. from Connecticut.
Angel states, “This sacrifice dagger was recently found in dirt digging 10” deep with my AT Pro in one of the parks in Bridgeport, CT. I haven't done any history research on the dagger. I did dust the dirt from it but that's about it, but it’s made of brass, and it’s 5 1/4 inches long. I don't see any type of marking on it. Thank you.”
Thank you for submitting this amazing find. My research isn’t conclusive, but historically, sacrifice daggers were designed for ritual sacrifices of humans to their god or gods. Similar looking daggers appear in Tibet’s history, having a three sided blade like this one, a face or multiple faces, and ornate features. My guess is this particular dagger is 200-300 years old and migrated to the United States during early days of settlement. Let me know more about this piece as you learn about it.
Great find, Angel! This mysterious sacrificial dagger fascinates me due to its intended purpose, excellent condition, migration, and the fact that it appears to be one of a kind.
Angel M. WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
Angel states, “This sacrifice dagger was recently found in dirt digging 10” deep with my AT Pro in one of the parks in Bridgeport, CT. I haven't done any history research on the dagger. I did dust the dirt from it but that's about it, but it’s made of brass, and it’s 5 1/4 inches long. I don't see any type of marking on it. Thank you.”
Thank you for submitting this amazing find. My research isn’t conclusive, but historically, sacrifice daggers were designed for ritual sacrifices of humans to their god or gods. Similar looking daggers appear in Tibet’s history, having a three sided blade like this one, a face or multiple faces, and ornate features. My guess is this particular dagger is 200-300 years old and migrated to the United States during early days of settlement. Let me know more about this piece as you learn about it.
Great find, Angel! This mysterious sacrificial dagger fascinates me due to its intended purpose, excellent condition, migration, and the fact that it appears to be one of a kind.
Angel M. WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
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WINNER #2
This month, I have decided to award a second AT Gold to Rob P. from Georgia for his CSA buckle find. Rob submitted his entry weeks ago, but a group of three entries from this past month made it to my hands after the fact. As soon as I read his story and looked at his images, I was more than impressed. So, congrats, Rob, on being my second winner this month!
Rob stated: “Saturday, February 22, 2014, me and a detecting buddy were hunting a house built in the 1800s. We were in a small town northeast of Atlanta, Georgia. I always use my AT Pro in the Pro Mode with little or none iron discrimination. We had only been hunting about an hour when I got a very slight high tone (78 to 82 on the display) mixed with iron. I dug the hole and first retrieved a piece of scrap iron. I rescanned the hole again with my Pro-Pointer and still got a signal. When I retrieved it, I could not believe what I was looking at: a beautiful C.S.A. belt buckle!”
“I immediately shouted out to my buddy to come see what I had found. Needless to say he was very excited as well! In short, it was indeed the ‘find of a lifetime’. I am a member of Stone Mountain Treasure Hunters and we had our monthly meeting last night. We have a number of members who strictly hunt for relics and one of them told me that my find was “the holy grail” of Civil War relics.”
Superb find, Rob! Your rare find of this Confederate relic is one that will probably be the envy of many.
Rob P. WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
Rob stated: “Saturday, February 22, 2014, me and a detecting buddy were hunting a house built in the 1800s. We were in a small town northeast of Atlanta, Georgia. I always use my AT Pro in the Pro Mode with little or none iron discrimination. We had only been hunting about an hour when I got a very slight high tone (78 to 82 on the display) mixed with iron. I dug the hole and first retrieved a piece of scrap iron. I rescanned the hole again with my Pro-Pointer and still got a signal. When I retrieved it, I could not believe what I was looking at: a beautiful C.S.A. belt buckle!”
“I immediately shouted out to my buddy to come see what I had found. Needless to say he was very excited as well! In short, it was indeed the ‘find of a lifetime’. I am a member of Stone Mountain Treasure Hunters and we had our monthly meeting last night. We have a number of members who strictly hunt for relics and one of them told me that my find was “the holy grail” of Civil War relics.”
Superb find, Rob! Your rare find of this Confederate relic is one that will probably be the envy of many.
Rob P. WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
FEBRUARY 2014 WINNER!!!
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WINNER #1
My favorite find for February 2014 is the Flint Lock, discovered by Joseph M, from Kelso, WA.
Joseph M. is nine years old, but hunts like a pro along with his dad with their Ace 250. In his own words, Joseph tell us all about it. "Wow. What a new year! My dad and I left early on January 2, 2014 for a place on the Columbia River in Washington. My dad has an Ace 250. I don’t have a detector so I borrowed the neighbors who doesn’t use his (some other brand). I got tired of using it because it was too heavy, so I switched to dad's Ace."
Joseph shares the exciting moment of discovery. "After two hours into the hunt the tide had gone way out. We had just switched to the all-metal setting when I picked up what I thought was a piece of glass stuck in some metal. When I showed it to my dad he went crazy! As soon as he said flint lock I knew what it was and started shaking…a lot! I knew right away this could have been part of Lewis and Clark's gun since history says they went through here."
Fantastic job Joseph! You've discovered American history right at your footsteps. Keep up the good work with your new Garrett AT Gold!
Joseph WINS a Garrett AT Gold!
Joseph M. is nine years old, but hunts like a pro along with his dad with their Ace 250. In his own words, Joseph tell us all about it. "Wow. What a new year! My dad and I left early on January 2, 2014 for a place on the Columbia River in Washington. My dad has an Ace 250. I don’t have a detector so I borrowed the neighbors who doesn’t use his (some other brand). I got tired of using it because it was too heavy, so I switched to dad's Ace."
Joseph shares the exciting moment of discovery. "After two hours into the hunt the tide had gone way out. We had just switched to the all-metal setting when I picked up what I thought was a piece of glass stuck in some metal. When I showed it to my dad he went crazy! As soon as he said flint lock I knew what it was and started shaking…a lot! I knew right away this could have been part of Lewis and Clark's gun since history says they went through here."
Fantastic job Joseph! You've discovered American history right at your footsteps. Keep up the good work with your new Garrett AT Gold!
Joseph WINS a Garrett AT Gold!