Neil in West Jersey
New member
I had abandoned a target earlier this week at the spot where I found the Walker and Rosies. It was a mid-range target under a network of thick and thin roots near the ruins of an old bath house. I tried digging under it, around it and even through it with no luck. After a while I said out-loud "unrecoverable" and moved on.
That night, when the buzz of the day's silver began to wear off, I began thinking about that mid-range target...It was a consistent 52 reading; not the best VDI number, but it bothered me just the same. If it was under that thick root it had to be old...or a small dense target that slipped below, such as a heavy gold ring. Of course there was the chance it could be a twist off top, but would that be possible under an old root like that? I had to find out.
I returned yesterday loaded for bear. I had both my Relic Pro digging tool and my Lesche "knife". This one was not getting away. I regretted not taking a hatchet, but I was hoping the tools I had were sufficient.
It took me quite a while of digging and working under the roots with my fingers. No broken glass, which told me it was not a twist off. Good sign. I finally got to the point where the pinpointer was right on top of the target but I could not get my fingers in there. Finally, after more than 30 minutes I pulled out what I thought at first was a coin out. It was no coin, but it was an old beach tag, most likely from the early 20th century. I love finding these old relics as much as coins!
Not far away, I dug another, and then a very deep signal that turned out to be a 1909 Barber Dime! The next half hour or so only produced some toasted Wheaties, the only date I can make out is 1918.
Stick with those targets! Don't give up!
That night, when the buzz of the day's silver began to wear off, I began thinking about that mid-range target...It was a consistent 52 reading; not the best VDI number, but it bothered me just the same. If it was under that thick root it had to be old...or a small dense target that slipped below, such as a heavy gold ring. Of course there was the chance it could be a twist off top, but would that be possible under an old root like that? I had to find out.
I returned yesterday loaded for bear. I had both my Relic Pro digging tool and my Lesche "knife". This one was not getting away. I regretted not taking a hatchet, but I was hoping the tools I had were sufficient.
It took me quite a while of digging and working under the roots with my fingers. No broken glass, which told me it was not a twist off. Good sign. I finally got to the point where the pinpointer was right on top of the target but I could not get my fingers in there. Finally, after more than 30 minutes I pulled out what I thought at first was a coin out. It was no coin, but it was an old beach tag, most likely from the early 20th century. I love finding these old relics as much as coins!
Not far away, I dug another, and then a very deep signal that turned out to be a 1909 Barber Dime! The next half hour or so only produced some toasted Wheaties, the only date I can make out is 1918.
Stick with those targets! Don't give up!
