Some things I think I've found

[Earl fm Pa.]

Sometimes I think I detect [in the forums& TH mags]that Clad hunters might be looked down on somewhat. Hey I give the silver & relic hunters all the credit for unearthing all that history with their research and hard work. As for me, I just love finding a sweet honey hole of Clads mixed with a silver or gold trinket once in a while. Altho no record, I've found 5 sites that yielded over 1000 Clads threw the years each. With a little over 9000 coins found, less than two dozen were silver. Taking a tip from Edmonton John, I've converted some of these Clads into old silver and a new gold coin. My sites have been able to rejuvenate lately due to my work sked the last yr. and a half. [forced 7 days a week]
Six cents was my worst day and $26 in quarters from a 20' sq. area was my best clad day. Until I have more time to hunt, I'll remain a Claddest, so with my built up finds I'm going to bite on one of those Ace 250's you all been talking about. Do you think the things Clads are traded for can be considered things found?

 

[John-Edmonton]

Glad you are getting out. No need to be embarrassed about clad hunting, as I am on the bottom of the food chain, penny-popping. I like all types of detecting......clad, silver, relic, water, snow and beach. When you get tired of one type, you just switch gears and try something else. I think that I beat you with the worst day with one find....1964 nickel. $26.00 in quarters is a great find! Good you invested some of that clad into better silver and gold coins.

Any chance of a pic of thate gold coin you got? I'd sure love to see it.
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[DavHut]

While no one will turn their nose up at an old silver coin or CW relic, I suspect that the lions share of detectorists are bringing home the clads, more often than not.

Any coin older than me ('57) is a boon, but being healthy neough to detect with good equipment, in a town that is ambivalent to the activity is a pocket full of blessings. Having a wife who is tolerant of the activity and living in South Carolina - with all of it's elder finds potential - are more favors bestowed on me by the creator.

The clads and goodies which amass as a result of my activities are icing on the proverbial cake. The thrill of discovery remains the same, in my book

I have an ironclad rule: when not on some errand of serious import, I take my detector along. Thats why I like the 1350 and my Tesoro's - they're easy to use and tote. Back when I wasn't working so much, I used my detector daily, anywhere it would fit. Often for only 15 minutes at a time. Many such impromptu jaunts have yielded some great finds... not to mention lots of clads.

Are the goodies you can buy with your clads "found"? Hmmmmm...well, no. Not in the literal sense. But who cares? They are the fruit of your hard effort, gainfully won. In that, they carry a reward far greater than any moment spent digging in the dirt.

I will always be glad for the "relic heads" when they find something great. And I will gladly become one when the "site is right", as I like to say. But I know some relic hounds with astonishing collections and they have only that to show for their effort. A great collection.

Just like me, and all the rest of us - regardless of what we hunt for - in the end they will have to face the deeds of their life and ask the same question: "What did I do that enriched the lives of others?"

With that as your outlook, does it really matter what you turn up, or what you do with it? Be happy and enjoy your hobby. Claddists of the world, UNITE and hold your banner high!

 

[John-Edmonton]

Pretty well sums up the majority of people with detectors who probably get the most enjoyment over all. I too will hunt everyday, even if its only 15 minutes. It's been that way for 11 years and the detecting fires still haven't burned out. Pennies, nickels, dimes.....they all have a place in my world. I mean buying this gold coin this year with pennies sure makes me happy.

One more thing......you are an excellent writer
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[scott-devon]

Its refreshing to read something positive about cladding. Too often lately I read posts sneering at those who get out in local parks and enjoy themselves finding clad and the occasional trinket and frankly it's annoying. After all, this is a hobby and to my mind anyone who is getting out and enjoying themselves, regardless of what they hunt, is doing it right.

 

[Uncle Willy]

You seem to be doing quite well and a 250 wil just increase the fun and rewards.

Bill

 

[Uncle Willy]

That's what it's all about. I can remember way back when coinshooters of any kind were snubbed and looked down on as the lowest of the lowest - by the then serious treasure hunters.

Bill

 

[Uncle Willy]

Nice piece Dave and right to the point.

Bill

 

[DavHut]

Thanks for the kudos. The claddists piece is the distillation of some epiphanies Ive had lately, cause for me to do some "life-priority realignment," if you will.

With the passing of my mother last year at this time, the recent death of a very sweet friend and another's battle with cancer, not to mention the looming ghost of unemployment - well, such things make you wake up and take notice.

It can best be summed up like this:

"It's not just about what you find. It's also about embracing what you already have."

P.S. Visit my new (and very crude)website and read some of the goodies in my blog. And please, post feedback. Thanks

 

[DavHut]

Those gold coins are real treasure, John. And I gotta confess something... I think they are nicer than old dug up, worn down coins.
Try this little experiment:
Place a worn out old Barber dime and one of those gold coins in someones hand and watch their reaction. Makes it worth 6000+ kneebends

 

[John-Edmonton]

If you just restrict yourself to one type of hunting, you lose many opportunities to learn more about your detector and its capabilities.

 

[Earl fm Pa.]

Edmonton- John, Yeah I've only been able to read the forum once in a while, because of work. If I get out 2-3 times a month it's a big deal. My gold coin I bought is just a standard U.S. YR. 2000 $5.00/ 1/10 oz. gold coin. I had it mounted in a bazell so my wife can wear it on her neckless. She likes it, and it's a little different.

 

[Spanky]

Well put David...enjoying is an important part of what we do.

Cashing in the clad for a gold coin is a great idea!!

Everyone likes gold and it always holds its value.

Gold coins are great conversation pieces whether its an old coin or new. Royal Canadian Mint has some real sweet stuff and very low mintage usually 8,000 pieces.The holographic gold lunar coins are getting harder to get.

The day I pass on to the other side I told me wife to keep all the coins and collectibles but bury me with me MD...I'm sure there must be others up there checking the stars !

Cheers !