Generational Detectors
Published by Larry on Tagged Buying & Selling Equipment, Instuctional, Metal Detecting Tips
This title is somewhat of a misnomer. However, I am convinced after 41 years of metal detecting that the type of metal detector and even the brand name used is highly generational. Having grown with this hobby since its popularity actually placed it among other major players in the hobby arena, I have studied the preferences and habits of old-timers and youngsters alike.
I have been a avid metal detector enthusiast and used and owned most brands of detectors made in America and a few European, Asian and Australian models as well. I personally prefer American made detectors and Fisher, Garrett, White’s and Tesoro have been my favorites over the years. The technology of the 80′s and 90′s appeal to me and I believe to most of my age group. Lighter weight, very sensitive metal detectors that do not take months of heavy use to really master the operation, are still preferred by most of us. These detectors, like the Fisher 1200 series, the Garrett Master Hunters, the White’s 5900 & 6000 models, and most models of Tesoro are still preferred. For most treasure finding situations they perform nearly as well and often better than the highly technical super models offered today. The used instruments of the older analog type, can be found on ebay and other locations for very reasonable prices. I got a brand new condition Fisher 1220x recently for $120.00, including shipping and in its original box. It was taken out of its box by the original owner and never used.
The younger generation of children and adults prefer, for the most part, the glitter of the high technology models offered by White’s, Garrett, Minelab and others. I gave a teenager A Fisher 1260 and he has had some very good success. However, I took him to Kellyco in Florida to show him what is available to serious hobbyists. He loved the Garrett start-up 150 & 250 models because the meter displays, as well as all the technical and more expensive models offered by White’s and Minelab. The high-tech driven younger generation, wants the visually glamorous machines that have bells and whistles that may take inordinate time to fully master. Here is a potential major drawback to the hobby. Pay the big bucks and get the super-machine, and watch how quickly interest in the hobby is lost, as most will get discouraged trying to learn how to use it.
Watch For Historical Markers
Published by Larry on Tagged 1700's Coins, 1800's Coins, 1900's Coins, Coin shooting, Relic Finds, Research, Site Areas
свети минаIf you have been following my posts for a few years, you know my philosophy fairly well. You do not have to travel very far to find great metal detecting sites. 90% of my 155,000 coin finds and over 2,000 silver and gold jewelry finds have been dug within 30 miles of where I live in central Florida. However, when I am on the road and want to do some serious coin and relic hunting, I stop and read very closely all historical markers along highways.
Historical signs give good info on areas that used to be and the likely hood of finding old things from the past are highly increased. Historical markers in New England have given me information that produced Revolutionary and Colonial era finds. Southern markers have produced numerous Civil War era and plantation/slavery valuables.
Most of the historical markers still require some research, or at least inquiry to be successful, but the potential rewards are there and you just never know that a historical marker could lead to some of your greatest finds. I personally would never know about the Trail of Pines in central Florida, if I had not read a historical marker in Brooksville, FL only 60 miles from home. That marker led me to research about the travel of stagecoaches, Seminole (and others) Indians and military movements during the three Seminole Wars. Some of my oldest and best coins and military relics came as the result of reading, and I mean really reading a historical marker in 1971 when I was just a “newbie” or young pup to this wonderful metal detecting hobby.
Striving For Perfection In 2011
Published by Larry on Tagged Code of Ethics, Coin shooting, Inspirational, Instuctional, Metal Detecting Tips, ResearchI am not a believer in making new year’s resolutions. It is a fact that 97% of those who do make them, have broken those commitments or resolutions by February 1st. However, striving for perfection in our hobby of metal detecting, will lead to great things in 2011. Here are a few steps to take that will lead to a more productive year and assist in reaching some of those most difficult goals.
Step #1: Always adhere to the metal detecting code of ethics. When we honor these principles, we protect ourselves as well as help to prevent the over-regulation of the hobby by local, county and state governments.
Step#2: Use your local library and and the Internet to do some serious research. I still have nearly a dozen sites that look very productive in my home town area, that are the result of late 1800 map research.
Selling High Value Finds
Published by Larry on Tagged Coin shooting, Selling Detector Finds
I have just recently started selling my best quality metal detector coin finds. This 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dollar, listed on ebay for 7 days, sold for $153.00 to a rarities collector from California. This beauty is nearly flawless. If uncirculated, it is worth at least $400.00. In better economic times it may have obtained a higher price, however I am pleased. I also sold an 1883 Liberty Seated Dime that was also nearly flawless and my oldest US dime find, a 1833 Bust Dime that was just a strong good to very good coin. Each sold in the $20.00 range. A high quality 1925 Mercury Dime obtained $4.25 and a very fine 1883 V Nickel realized a little more than $4.00. I will be listing close to 100 coins in October with many more great metal detector finds. The Florida weather is slowly becoming cool enough to make coinshooting more enjoyable again. I can hardly wait and yes, the water is great for coin and gold finding too.