Uncovering History: Amazing Discoveries with a Metal Detector

Living in a historical land like Okinawa, I have had the privilege of unearthing incredible artifacts, including war relics and fascinating coins. Among my favorites were some amazing mortar rounds and other war-related finds. However, my most memorable discovery was a coin-silver wedding band from an 1831 French five-Franc coin.

The Feisty Flintlock - Civil War Battles

As I pored over the pages of Civil War history, I became keenly aware of the metal objects that were often used in combat. The metal detector has become a valuable tool not only for hobbyists but also for those intrigued by the past.

Beyond the mundane metals like scrap and spent munitions, I delved into the hunt for something more precious - GOLD!! Detecting in gold-producing areas required some strategy. To stand out, I tried areas that were not heavily sought after by others, such as paddocks, creek beds near tree bases, and the bottoms of old creek beds where gold tends to accumulate, particularly on the bends where it is harder to access.

The Best Find of a Lifetime

One of my most memorable finds was in 2002 on the yard of a church built in 1851. After detecting for six months, I was rewarded with a discovery that pushed my Bounty Hunter metal detector to its limits. Just a few feet away from where I had found an 1851 dime at a depth of 7-1/2 inches, I unearthed another deep silver coin. This was a man's coin-silver wedding band, handmade from an 1831 French five-Franc coin. It was a treasure I could not resist sharing with my coin-collecting friend. The proper value of the coin is unknown, but the condition and origins made it a rare and cherished find.

The Ethical Side of Metal Detection

Unfortunately, not all discoveries are as rewarding. One encounter with a seemingly missing coin turned sour when it was reported for theft. Always handle your finds with care and ensure that any valuable items are returned to their rightful owners.

Over the years, I have recovered a few rings, some made of gold and one of silver. While none were worth hundreds, I did manage to return a few wedding rings to their owners, finding a significant value in the treasure of reuniting lost objects with their rightful owners.

My treasure-hunting experiences have not only led to exciting finds but have also taught me the importance of ethical behavior and the enjoyment that comes from the simple act of exploring and uncovering history.

If you are a treasure hunter or are simply intrigued by the thrill of metal detection, then you might just find something of great value in your own backyard - or at least, a wonderful way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.