Relics vs Jewelry - Which is More Profitable?

[scubadetector]

For those of you who do or have done both - do you make more monepy selling your jewelry or your relic finds?

Sorry for my feelings, but this kind of question and impression it gives, is one of the reasons our places to detect and enjoy our hobby are getting few and far between. Really ticks me off. There's a lot more value in what we recover, in many ways, especially historical items, whether it be coins or relics or jewelry than it's monepy value. This is what puts the average folk who don't share our passion, but who own or manage property that we'd like to hunt, on the defensive. sorry again

I have to really wonder who if anyone has actually made Money Metal Detecting. I have spent thousands of dollars to recover pennies that the Bank will not even take as change.

I have lived off my finds for the last few years. Certainly not comfortably but I have found enough to pay bills and finance my adventures.

 

[daddyflea]

For those of you who do or have done both - do you make more monepy selling your jewelry or your relic finds?

Sorry for my feelings, but this kind of question and impression it gives, is one of the reasons our places to detect and enjoy our hobby are getting few and far between. Really ticks me off. There's a lot more value in what we recover, in many ways, especially historical items, whether it be coins or relics or jewelry than it's monepy value. This is what puts the average folk who don't share our passion, but who own or manage property that we'd like to hunt, on the defensive. sorry again

I have to really wonder who if anyone has actually made Money Metal Detecting. I have spent thousands of dollars to recover pennies that the Bank will not even take as change.

I have lived off my finds for the last few years. Certainly not comfortably but I have found enough to pay bills and finance my adventures.

If you lived in this area you would starve to death.

 

[scubadetector]

daddyflea: If you lived in this area you would starve to death.

That is why I will stay here and find gold underwater. No idea where you are but I have an advantage that most do not.

 

[OldBeechnut]

I have to really wonder who if anyone has actually made Money Metal Detecting. I have spent thousands of dollars to recover pennies that the Bank will not even take as change

That is just how I felt until I started detecting the water....I'm not sure where you are located but I have friends that drive thru the Midwest just looking for old swimming holes, and they do better then most. I'm sure you have lakes near by, I would be out checking the old locals and get info and pay for those years of digging pennies.. For years I drove two and a half hours just to hit the ocean beach's but, then I realized I have treasure right in my back yard. The Chesapeake Bay.....Between the Ocean and Bay last year I dug 193 grams of Gold...my first full year of retirement and metal detecting...will I sell it like scuba...Nope, I like just looking at it and knowing all those years of asking for permission, getting hassled, and getting asked to leave the parks...they can have there trash...

 

[mudpuppy]

Well said SD and OBN! The guys that specialize hunting dirt gold in parks are really something!...Masters of the dirt gold for sure!..Thats some tough duty and admirable finds on the fellows who get dirt gold consistently....

Let me brag a bit about my hunting buddy who just texted me AGAIN today (for inspirational purposes)...he is hunting gold in shallow water with what is generally considered a 'dirt silver machine', his rig is not even waterproof, he's been using the same gear since he was in his teens and knows its language VERY well....He's a middle aged guy with a wife and kids and other commitments but he carves out himself a bit of time to hunt on his way to work nearly everyday... and its COLD up here, like damn cold, ice forming on the water etc...anyway,...so far this month ALONE, He has found nearly 40grs...! Thats just THIS month!

I say this as an aside that most gold addicted hunters already know...you really gotta be half crazy and rabid about it, really know your gear and be a student of the whole ordeal....my pal caught on to 'water gold' fast, but he had the basics of dirt mastered long before he attempted it...everyone has to pay their dues in any chosen Sport...good thing these Forums can help you shorten the learning curve and theres plenty of generous posters here that have paid their dues, and pass along tips to help you succeed and not go through the hardship they went through learning on their own...very remarkable in and of itself for this Tribal Knowledge to be shared so freely...!.
Mud