Ron,
Nothing boring about your post. Newbies add spice to this great Forum and we all have experienced what you are now.
On a few occasions I have come back with a lot less than $1.27 for over four hours of hunting so don't think that is so bad.
I had major problems on my first three or so outings with only finding pennies, etc. Finding this Forum helped me a lot.
Some general readings that might help.
These are general readings and you may find the same coin reading slightly different considering the angle of the coin in the ground, as on end or laying flat, and if that coin is near any other metal object.
Pennies: large range of VDI's depending on decomposition of the coin. Generally in the mid 70's but may range in the fifties as well. My area usually reads 76/77.
Nickels: 18 - 20 VDI. 99% of time you will swing one way and read 18 and the other direction a 20. This is also an excellent gold ring reading. My last three gold rings read solid 20's.
Dimes: 78/82 VDI
Quarters: 85 VDI I have dug a few quarters at 5-6 inches that read like a dime but they were probably laying on edge.
Silver rings will read like a dime or higher. Gold readings vary depending on size and weight. Generally speaking most gold rings/jewelry read between 8 and 20 VDI. A large class ring may read in the 50's and possibly low 60's. Large wedding sets may read in the high 20's to mid 30's. Readings from 22 - 40 are prime pull-tab readings but gold may lay there as well.
I try to take in consideration on where I am in relationship to what I am reading and make decisions from there. I also take into consideration my age and weight... <img src="/metal/html/tongue.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=":b"> I am sure I have passed up some gold on those older ball fields that are full of pull tabs but I also still have my back... <img src="/metal/html/lol.gif" border=0 width=15 height=15 alt=":lol">
In other cleaner parks I find myself digging most signals.
HH,
Johnny B
