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Mastering some basics is good but panning, dredging and hard rock mining do not actually give you a leg up on learning to detect well. Dry washing may help some because it depends on the same kind of geologic knowledge that detecting involves. But especially learn the geology of the gold areas you intend to work in. Then learn the detector. Other basics that are not mentioned too often are patience, the ability to concentrate, developing a perfect ground balancing routine and consistent, correct coil technique.

The Mercury dime has always been one of my favorite coins. I did not know that the mint had restruck a limited number this year in pure gold to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the issuance of the coin. From http://catalog.usmint.gov/mercury-dime-2016-centennial-gold-coin-16XB.html Introducing the 2016 Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coin. This is an event 100 years in the making. Beautifully struck in .9999 fine 24–karat gold, the Mercury Dime Centennial Gold Coin features Adolph A. Weinman’s original Winged Liberty design. This gold dime coin is commonly referred to as the Mercury Dime because of Liberty’s resemblance to the Roman god. Each coin contains one–tenth troy ounce of 24–karat gold, symbolic of the coin’s denomination of one dime, and is struck with a business strike finish. The obverse (heads) features a portrait of Liberty facing left, wearing a winged cap, with the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “2016” and the artist’s initials, “AW.” The reverse (tails) includes a Roman fasces and an olive branch, symbolizing America’s military readiness and desire for peace. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “AU 24K,” “1/10 oz.,” and “ONE DIME.” Each coin is encapsulated and hand packaged in a custom–designed, black–matte hardwood presentation case and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. In 2016, the U.S. Mint will mark the centenary anniversary of three numismatic icons with the release of the Mercury Dime, Standing Liberty Quarter, and Walking Liberty Half Dollar Centennial Gold Coins. The dime sold out and is now available for resale at up to double the issuance price. The new gold version of the Standing Liberty quarter just went on sale, also in limited quantities at http://catalog.usmint.gov/standing-liberty-2016-centennial-gold-coin-16XC.html?cgid=gold-coins#start=1

I made it home to Yuma by the Sea and put my Rye Patch gold on the scale. We drug barons like to weigh in grams, so here it is. A little over half oz attributed in no small measure to the good graces of Lucky Lundy. Bravo Zulu Rick. I owe you big time.

Beautiful special issue coins. Thanks Steve. They don't make our regular coins like they used to. Our debased fiat currency with flat strikes (no relief) is a national shame. This feeling is reinforced every time I detect at the beach and recover a rotted zinc penny.

A time goes on, you have fêwer years left , so you can get by with a smaller nugget

Steven Just hang in there I'm sure someone out there is in the know. Hope you get a reply soon from someone that can help. Chuck

Fred As time goes by you will need to lower the weight of that nugget you wish to carry out of the hills. Then another problem comes up and that's you can't climb the hill anymore. But until then us give them all we got looking for that big one. You think this nugget is big you should seen the one that got away. That's my line I'm going to say. Chuck

No doubt that is true, Steve....however, I am not smart enough to know who do I believe. My financial plan is to find that 100 lb nugget, hopefully while I can still carry it out of the hills...maybe I better find two 50 lb nuggets. fred