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WINNER #1
My U.S. favorite find is the Gold Pocket Watch, found by Clarence H. from South Dakota with his GTI 1500.
Clarence’s story: “I spent quite a few hours at the local park looking for coins and jewelry. Having found lots of pennies and clad coins along the play ground and sidewalk. I thought why not go across the road where they parked the vehicles. I spent a short time looking and got a beep that sounded good and checked the depth and size. It showed bigger than a coin but I dug it anyway and when I took the plug out I could see the gold of the stem. I began to think whatever it was it was gold so removed it from the hole. I first noticed that the face had no numbers or cover. I cleaned some of the dirt off and seen that there was a cover on the back which I opened to find a serial number and 18K marking. I went home and did an internet search and found that the watch was made in 1866 making it my oldest and best find. Took awhile for it to sink in what I had was the best find of my 40 years of detecting.”
Clarence H. WINS a Pro-Pointer AT!
Clarence’s story: “I spent quite a few hours at the local park looking for coins and jewelry. Having found lots of pennies and clad coins along the play ground and sidewalk. I thought why not go across the road where they parked the vehicles. I spent a short time looking and got a beep that sounded good and checked the depth and size. It showed bigger than a coin but I dug it anyway and when I took the plug out I could see the gold of the stem. I began to think whatever it was it was gold so removed it from the hole. I first noticed that the face had no numbers or cover. I cleaned some of the dirt off and seen that there was a cover on the back which I opened to find a serial number and 18K marking. I went home and did an internet search and found that the watch was made in 1866 making it my oldest and best find. Took awhile for it to sink in what I had was the best find of my 40 years of detecting.”
Clarence H. WINS a Pro-Pointer AT!
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WINNER #2
My second U.S. favorite find is the 1909 D $5 Gold Indian Head Half Eagle, found by Dr. Michael M. from Massachusetts with his AT Pro.
Michael’s story (edited): “I was working a wooded area near a 1912 homestead cellar hole. I was finding the usual junk iron and nails; usually run a wide open screen on my machines and dig everything. After about an hour of digging nothing of great value I began searching the rear of the house area (now part of a corn field) in a small grid based on my search flags positioned in the ground. While overlapping the first with the second at 90 degrees I received an interesting odd mid-higher tone with an ID of 67. I dug an 8" plug in the rich soil and began exploring the area with the pin-pointer so not to damage whatever was in the hole. It “shouted” an inch more and I scooped dirt out of the hole with my gloved hand. I very quickly noticed a shiny gold object that looked at first glance like a golden screw cap that I’ve dug about a thousand times. My deep disappointment to sheer joy happened when I observed an image on the object. I screamed to myself “Holy Crap” it’s a gold coin. A 1909 D Indian Head Half Eagle was in my hand! I think it will be tough to top this find. It is my first gold coin. The jeweler’s cleaning made the coin look beautiful, only making the experience of the find more significant. After carefully examining the coin it appears to have a grade of extra fine.”
Dr. Michael M. WINS a Pro-Pointer AT!
Michael’s story (edited): “I was working a wooded area near a 1912 homestead cellar hole. I was finding the usual junk iron and nails; usually run a wide open screen on my machines and dig everything. After about an hour of digging nothing of great value I began searching the rear of the house area (now part of a corn field) in a small grid based on my search flags positioned in the ground. While overlapping the first with the second at 90 degrees I received an interesting odd mid-higher tone with an ID of 67. I dug an 8" plug in the rich soil and began exploring the area with the pin-pointer so not to damage whatever was in the hole. It “shouted” an inch more and I scooped dirt out of the hole with my gloved hand. I very quickly noticed a shiny gold object that looked at first glance like a golden screw cap that I’ve dug about a thousand times. My deep disappointment to sheer joy happened when I observed an image on the object. I screamed to myself “Holy Crap” it’s a gold coin. A 1909 D Indian Head Half Eagle was in my hand! I think it will be tough to top this find. It is my first gold coin. The jeweler’s cleaning made the coin look beautiful, only making the experience of the find more significant. After carefully examining the coin it appears to have a grade of extra fine.”
Dr. Michael M. WINS a Pro-Pointer AT!
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WINNER #3
My third U.S. favorite find is the pair of Revolutionary War British fittings, found by Joseph E. from New Jersey with his AT Pro.
Joseph’s story: “The family all went on a trip to my in-laws cabin in NH recently. My father-in-law always told me about these old foundations up the hill behind his place but we never seem to have hiked up there. Well this time he told me to bring my metal detector. We waited until the last day of our vacation and only had a few hours to spare so we finally hiked up. We immediately came across hits all over. He had a hit and began to dig and had to have my son, who faithfully wielded the only Pro Pointer, to help in his hole. Low and behold they found the first silver plated “fitting”. Much celebration as we knew it was old but not sure of what it exactly was, and he moved on. I was near him so as I came around I got a high hit almost in his same hole with my AT Pro. So I called my son over and we dug and out popped the other fitting! They are in beautiful condition for their age. I searched the internet and came across a man by the name of Don Troinani who has a website and appears to be one of the foremost experts in Revolutionary War history. I sent him the pics and he confirmed they were Revolutionary War British horse bridle adornment fittings! Needless to say we were very excited and have plans to return to the sight soon! Our first Revolutionary War relic finds and they are British to boot. Very exciting. All my father-in law said the entire time was “I need one of those pointer things”. I ordered him one the other day but got him the newer Pro-Pointer AT.”
Joseph E. WINS a Pro-Pointer AT!
Joseph’s story: “The family all went on a trip to my in-laws cabin in NH recently. My father-in-law always told me about these old foundations up the hill behind his place but we never seem to have hiked up there. Well this time he told me to bring my metal detector. We waited until the last day of our vacation and only had a few hours to spare so we finally hiked up. We immediately came across hits all over. He had a hit and began to dig and had to have my son, who faithfully wielded the only Pro Pointer, to help in his hole. Low and behold they found the first silver plated “fitting”. Much celebration as we knew it was old but not sure of what it exactly was, and he moved on. I was near him so as I came around I got a high hit almost in his same hole with my AT Pro. So I called my son over and we dug and out popped the other fitting! They are in beautiful condition for their age. I searched the internet and came across a man by the name of Don Troinani who has a website and appears to be one of the foremost experts in Revolutionary War history. I sent him the pics and he confirmed they were Revolutionary War British horse bridle adornment fittings! Needless to say we were very excited and have plans to return to the sight soon! Our first Revolutionary War relic finds and they are British to boot. Very exciting. All my father-in law said the entire time was “I need one of those pointer things”. I ordered him one the other day but got him the newer Pro-Pointer AT.”
Joseph E. WINS a Pro-Pointer AT!
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WINNER #4
My fourth U.S. favorite find is the Silver Ring, found by Paul M. from Louisiana with his AT Gold.
Paul’s story: “I hit the local lake/beach last Sunday afternoon. First target was a scratchy mid tone, not too promising, but I’ll dig it anyway. 2 scoops down, out pops the ring box, straddling the edge of the scoop. Strange. Well, maybe there’s a ring in the hole to go with it. Sure enough, pass the coil over the hole, still have a signal. Another scoop, out pops a tarnished ring. Cleaned it off a little with some sand, 925. Imagine the story that must be behind this, a ring in the box in the lake. I would like to know that story.”
Paul M. WINS a Pro-Pointer AT!
Paul’s story: “I hit the local lake/beach last Sunday afternoon. First target was a scratchy mid tone, not too promising, but I’ll dig it anyway. 2 scoops down, out pops the ring box, straddling the edge of the scoop. Strange. Well, maybe there’s a ring in the hole to go with it. Sure enough, pass the coil over the hole, still have a signal. Another scoop, out pops a tarnished ring. Cleaned it off a little with some sand, 925. Imagine the story that must be behind this, a ring in the box in the lake. I would like to know that story.”
Paul M. WINS a Pro-Pointer AT!
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WINNER #5
My fifth U.S. favorite finds are the Civil War NY Militia State Seal Excelsior Officer Coat Buttons, found by Kimmie P. from North Carolina with her AT Pro.
Kimmie’s story (edited): “I have an addiction: Metal detecting! I listened as Lee and Gerald (friends) spoke about the next day’s permission, as the conversation turned to the historic maps of Virginia hills. We traced old rivers and roads enabling us to pinpoint our location and plan our attack. We had been to this site once before and found very few relics so we were hopeful, but prepared to work hard for our finds. The next morning our team set out into the woods and surprisingly a few bullets popped up rather quickly, and then, nothing. The place was littered with modern shells and ammunition but I was content to dig all day, driven by the potential of uncovering history. I had wandered down to the creek bed hoping for some luck when I received a text message from Lee. “I’m at the end of the property and I just dug a three ringer!” It’s amazing how quickly a team can become rejuvenated when someone finds something good! Just then Gerald shouts, “I’ve got another bullet!” My next hit was a bit jumpy, going down to 54 then up to the low 70s, but predominately 63. The AT Pro is fabulous at finding masked targets so I was thinking I may have multiple items in the hole. I cut my plug extra wide and began to dig eight inches down. I grabbed for my pin pointer and narrowed the location, moving the loosened soil out of the way. I immediately spied the shank of a button. “Oh Yea! Chick just dug a button!” I shouted with a huge grin on my face. By now Lee was at my side. “No way! You just dug an officer’s coat button!” I handed the button to Lee, “Take it, I can’t hold it! I’m shaking! If this is the last thing I dig all weekend, I’m good!” Gerald said, “Good find Kimmie!”
“The next target was ringing up to the 80s, down to the 60s and I was pretty sure it was a civil war bullet. As I pulled out the plug I saw what appeared to be a flat button. “Oh wow,” I said. “Did you just find another one?” Lee yelled. “I got a really nice flat button”, I replied. I tried to read the writing on what I thought was the front. I quickly realized it was actually a button back! My heart jumped as my attention went to the plug. I immediately spied a shining glint of gold and green peeking from the clod. I carefully plucked out the top part of the button which had just come apart in the plug. The inside was shimmering with a near-pristine gold gilt. Lee exclaimed “You just dug my bucket list button! That’s a New York button!” I was speechless! Upon further inspection we realize the buttons I dug were identical, both being New York Militia State Seal Excelsior buttons. To my absolute amazement, based on where we were digging, troop movement, and the dates of battle, I am able to say with strong certainty my buttons were lost by an officer of the 71st New York Militia on June 29, 1862.”
Kimmie P. WINS a Pro-Pointer AT!
Kimmie’s story (edited): “I have an addiction: Metal detecting! I listened as Lee and Gerald (friends) spoke about the next day’s permission, as the conversation turned to the historic maps of Virginia hills. We traced old rivers and roads enabling us to pinpoint our location and plan our attack. We had been to this site once before and found very few relics so we were hopeful, but prepared to work hard for our finds. The next morning our team set out into the woods and surprisingly a few bullets popped up rather quickly, and then, nothing. The place was littered with modern shells and ammunition but I was content to dig all day, driven by the potential of uncovering history. I had wandered down to the creek bed hoping for some luck when I received a text message from Lee. “I’m at the end of the property and I just dug a three ringer!” It’s amazing how quickly a team can become rejuvenated when someone finds something good! Just then Gerald shouts, “I’ve got another bullet!” My next hit was a bit jumpy, going down to 54 then up to the low 70s, but predominately 63. The AT Pro is fabulous at finding masked targets so I was thinking I may have multiple items in the hole. I cut my plug extra wide and began to dig eight inches down. I grabbed for my pin pointer and narrowed the location, moving the loosened soil out of the way. I immediately spied the shank of a button. “Oh Yea! Chick just dug a button!” I shouted with a huge grin on my face. By now Lee was at my side. “No way! You just dug an officer’s coat button!” I handed the button to Lee, “Take it, I can’t hold it! I’m shaking! If this is the last thing I dig all weekend, I’m good!” Gerald said, “Good find Kimmie!”
“The next target was ringing up to the 80s, down to the 60s and I was pretty sure it was a civil war bullet. As I pulled out the plug I saw what appeared to be a flat button. “Oh wow,” I said. “Did you just find another one?” Lee yelled. “I got a really nice flat button”, I replied. I tried to read the writing on what I thought was the front. I quickly realized it was actually a button back! My heart jumped as my attention went to the plug. I immediately spied a shining glint of gold and green peeking from the clod. I carefully plucked out the top part of the button which had just come apart in the plug. The inside was shimmering with a near-pristine gold gilt. Lee exclaimed “You just dug my bucket list button! That’s a New York button!” I was speechless! Upon further inspection we realize the buttons I dug were identical, both being New York Militia State Seal Excelsior buttons. To my absolute amazement, based on where we were digging, troop movement, and the dates of battle, I am able to say with strong certainty my buttons were lost by an officer of the 71st New York Militia on June 29, 1862.”
Kimmie P. WINS a Pro-Pointer AT!
