Gerry in Idaho

Jim,  I'm curious how they know it is 54% more power to the coils of the 24K.  It almost seems like 54% would just as easily be 55% or 50%, but for some reason it is stated and known at 54%?  

If the new 24K is getting 54% more power to the coil, what would you say the average depth increase would be on typical rice size gold in average North Nevada soil.  I realize there is no exact answer as there are many variables, but boy they sure were exact letting us know it has "54%".  Reason I am not asking for bigger Au nuggets, as I know the majority of gold found is smaller.

Lunk and I have been doing very well with our 24K's, now we'll have to upgrade to the new 100% waterproof version to add another tool (detector) to the arsenal.

Photos are some of my 24K finds.  For those who don't know, this type of crystalline gold is easier to recover with a VLF detector vs a more expensive PI unit.

2 hours ago, billdean said:

Not my only, but my best day, and sure they are little but, it was exciting to me. Its gold!

BillDean,  If you found them and are proud of your efforts, then I assure you most everyone on here is proud for you and of your Success too.  I knew when I started this thread, my monster 7 oz would spook folks from wanting to share their amazing finds and stories.  That was not my intent at all.  Heck, in reality it is not fare to compare my finds to most others, as I get to detect, talk detectors and sell a few for a living.  Selling detectors is my job and has been for 25+ years.  I know detectors better than the average guy, I've been researching areas to hunt for 25+ yrs so my Success is almost always better than the average guy.  Now I do have customers and friends who specialize on certain styles of detecting and they do just as well (sometimes better) as I.  Bottom line to me.  If you enjoyed the hunt, adventure and making some golden finds.  You should be proud.  The reality is most folks find the majority of the gold and we know it usually consists of fine gold and small nuggets.  Thanks for adding to the thread and sharing your Success.

1 hour ago, Chase Goldman said:

 

Jerry - you’ve cleaned it off enough to verify it is a 1913 and not a 1915, right? Comparing your pic vs. PCGS pics of the ‘13 and ‘15 uncirculated strikes, the last numeral in your pic more closely resembles the “5” vs. the 3, but it is still hard to tell because of the coin condition and the fact that I am just using a zoomed in version of your posted pic.  Just putting it out there because I can’t just look at the posted pic myself say there is no doubt that is a 3 or 5.  But then again, I’m not a coin grader, so what do I know...  The irony is that I went back and forth on 3 vs. 5 on my Mexican Half Real so went to PCGS to look at some strike pics, so it is fresh in my mind.

Great find, regardless.

Chase,  You are spooking me now?  Maybe my eyes (and Lunks' too) were wrong?  Yes the photo does look like a 1915, which would be a major disappointment.  I'll need to stop at the bank tomorrow and pull it out.  Plus, I'd like to take a couple more pics of front and back before I send it (to show everyone the before/after) of cleaning when it gets returned.

I'll let everyone know, but I am sure it is 1913-S., because when I checked the book, I had to do a triple quadriple drink to calm my nerves and eyes.

42 minutes ago, kac said:

Top left is a plat ring with high end diamonds, the patina coins were found in one hole, 2-2cent's, 2 IH pennies and 1 eagle cent. The other I found in another area and is a silver 3 cent trime also USA. For those looking for eagle cents they chime in at a folded ring tab but better tone roll. The Trime chimes in just a bit higher but not a real strong signal. On the Garrett AT series that would be 60 and 62 for reference.

Thanks

Kac,  I personally know each of those coins and have found a few.  They are actually quite rare to find, but value is not up there.  We don't really do it for the value anyway, but more the historical and of course the "hunt" itself.  I figured the ring was PLAT or White gold with diamonds.  Now why did I mess with you?  Those finds my friend are "Ones they dream of" to the average detectorist and Hats Off Tops of the Food chain" to old salty diggers like myself.  In fact, I will admit, 2019 for me only produced a few IH's and one 2 Cent piece from NV.  But most of my time in 2019 was chasing gold nuggets.  The PLAT with diamonds would easily rate "best ring ever" to most.

Your post showed us some coins and a ring.  Not enough description was added to justify their scarcity so that is why I was hopeful you'd reply back.  Not necessarily for me, but for the masses who lurch this fine forum and for some reason, never post.

Thanks for adding description to those saves as they certain do earn "best finds of 2019".  I can't wait to see your top digs in 2020.  BTW.  Was the ring found on a water hunt or in a park?

GB,  Since you have been collecting for so long, you realize the rarity of the 13-S Barber.  It is by fare the rarest coin I have found including my many trips detecting in England.  Not sure if you know, but how would you go about getting it professionally cleaned and then graded?  I realize PCSG will mention it has been cleaned, when they slab it, but as is, most folks would not take a 2nd look.  Heck I even thought about getting all 3 cleaned and displaying them together as they all came from the same hole. I realize your input is only advice, but since I am not a serious coin collector, thought I'd ask since it is more of your profession.  Once I figure out how to get the video to upload to Steve's site, I'll be able to share it.  I tried, but it says it is not formatted correctly.  There again, not my specialty.

16 minutes ago, kac said:

My favorites that I snagged for 2019.

Kac,  Those finds are really nice.  I like the patina on the 2 bigger green MX coins.  The small white coin is it from Philippines.  Is the ring Tungsten? Thanks for sharing?

Chuck,  My Staff members and I have been sharing detector knowledge on gold bearing ground for 20+ yrs. 

I could give you some GPS coordinates of where I found some good gold,  but feel the gravy is gone. 

Part of the reason I enjoy Au is the natural beauty of each one and their unique character. Gold is so beautiful and Glenn has a masterpiece,  Walker finds a dragon and Walkerrj finds a beautiful gold timepiece. 

I'm no expert by any means,  but like you,  I feel it is a genuine error coin.  Keep us updated when you get more info.  Now I need to go back through 40+ yrs of clad coins looking for an error.  Thanks for sharing. 

DigsAlot,  Both of those recoveries are extremely collectible pieces too. Thanks for sharing. 

Steve,  I realize you have your hands into many poker games.  Your little ones show skill.  Thanks for adding. 

Jim,  my dentures are now fine for quite some time.   I know you have a favorite or 10. Let's see 1.

9 minutes ago, Lunk said:

A couple of my favorite 2019 gold finds was this 5.6 gram piece at nearly a foot and a half with the GPZ 7000:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zzmm1pgdrpaswe7/Nugget dig.mov?dl=0

And the recent 3-way specimen with White's GM 24K:

 

Those extremely deep but small (to somes standards) nuggets are always impressive.  I would have to agree on that 3 flavor collectors piece too.  Thanks for sharing. 

We take pride in our finds and many of us display them in a man caves, on our work desks or even give some away as gifts.  But we also enjoy sharing the fruits of our labor and the photos bring back so many memories.  Now that the 2019 detecting season is over, I'd like to share my 3 favorite finds from the year.  But what is even more cool is seeing your hard work and efforts show up for everyone to see.  Yes I realize a few folks think it has all been found, but we can show them recent finds from the 2019 year.

1st favorite find of 2019 is a really rare Barber Quarter.  In fact IT IS THE RAREST of Barber Quarters minted.  I have not had it professionally clean and right now it looks like crap, but of all the coins I have dug up in 40+ years of metal detecting, this is by far the rarest (40,000 minted).  It is a 1913-S.  it was found with a Minelab EQ-800.

2nd is a gold nugget Specimen that weights over 7 ounces and has 3.55ozt of gold in it.  Found with Equinox 800.

3rd favorite find has to do with skill and it was given back to the owner.  After 2 different people tried to find a small diamond stud earring with no success, I was called in as a last result.  Actually I had been out of town.  Anyway, this small 1/4 carat diamond stud was lost in her backyard and she had the spot narrowed down to a 5' area.  The EQ-800 with small 6" coil in the Prospecting Mode recovered it.

Lets see 3 of your favorite finds of 2019.

May 2020 be golden in so many ways with many golden grins & glory.

That is just amazing to be able to enjoy the multi digs with a bunch of people.  Everyone is all cheers and happy.  Those gold coins certain will be tops in their metal detecting carriers.  Thanks for sharing the video.

How funny that was Steve, they did not want to hear negative.  At least Fisher (in the day) was able to find real genuine gold detector users who knew what we were doing, and allowed us to Test them.  Minelab used to do the same here the US and now they seemed to have forgotten the names of us who for so many years helped promote their detectors.

You and I are both very experienced users and I feel our words of recommendation (good and bad) are well respected.  Yes I too, have had to walk the fine line on occasion and tell some great minded Engineer, their baby (new detector) does some fantastic things, but boy does it ever stink in certain situations.  Usually those folks have learned to take our wise words and criticisms and fine tune from there.

It would be interesting to see the fact, field findings you provided Fisher after your testing.

Thanks for always being honest.

OK,  The 2019 gold prospecting/beach hunting season has officially rolled over into a New Year of 2020.  But before we get all detector batteries removed, machines cleaned up, scoops oiled down and gold pans wiped clean, lets see your favorite gold finds of 2019.  It may not be the prettiest, or the most golden..heck not even the biggest.  But you took the time and effort to go hunt for and find it.

Many folks enjoy sharing photos of their hard work/success and most detectorists (especially newer ones) want to see what others are digging up. 

All I ask is you only share your favorite gold finds from 2019. 

This will be a fantastic way to show the few folks who think “It has all been found”, that there is still plenty of gold being harvested in a variety of ways.

Here is my 2019 favorite.  It’s one of the ugliest/but most beautiful in a way.. one of my favorite finds in a few years and was recovered with a Minelab Equinox 800 and stock 11” coil at 14-16”.  This chunky gob smacking rock is 7.6 ozt and has 3.55 ozt of rich Au gold within.  To protect the location since this is on private ground, please don’t ask were it was recovered.

Happy Hunting everyone and may 2020 be Golden in more ways than one.  I look forward to seeing your golden grins and glory.

Rigidy,  The Gold Strike is a very capable VLF gold detector and when I was testing it for Fisher (about 20 yrs ago), I had a gut feeling it would not sell well.    Not that it did not perform, but the fact most folks were so used to the GB-2 and its manual Ground Balance and they were not into the digital stage of gold detectors yet.  I felt Engineering was just a little ahead of the times with this model.  A well known couple figure in the detector industry in the day was Fred and Lilly Brust.  In the photos, they met me at Rye Patch, NV so I could test one of the Gold Strike proto types.  Yes it worked well for those who would take the time to learn it.   Fred and I did find gold in NV with it and a couple months later it was released to the market.  

My fondest memory of the GS (and Fisher as well) was a really cool smurf nugget I found in Oregon.  Fisher used the photo of that find in their ads for the Gold Strike.

As some has mentioned, most folks were expecting an improved GB-2 of the GS and that is part of the reason sales were not there.  I applaud Fisher for trying, as those who attempt new and future detector models (even with an occasional failure), will eventually get better products in our hands.  Years later, the Fisher Gold Bug, GB DP and GB Pro, (2nd generation) came out and today it is still a very popular seller

Here are some photos of Gold Strike Success I was able to catch.

Good luck with your detector.

Happy New Year Mitchel. May 2020 bring many golden memories of adventure, pleasure and treasure.

Nice ring find and story Gary.  Part of what makes you a better detectorist is the ability to adapt and learn new locations, technologies and detectors.  Some folks stick to 1 detector, know it well and use it at all locations.  A few change with newer technologies/models, but that takes extra time needed to learn the detectors.  Looking at the list of machines you have or have owned, I think you enjoy new technologies and learning different areas, situations/beaches.  In the long run, your detector knowledge should be better than some.  Pretty pic of the gold and congratulations.  Thanks for sharing.

Quality gold my friend.... But the best part of the pictures is your friends willing to help.   Hunting gold is harder work than many folks realize.  Pretty good size nuggets too. Thanks for sharing. 

11 hours ago, midalake said:

I think you did great! In Mex, I usually get 7-9 gold rings a 3 month season. Working at least 20 hours a week. I also get 1-4 gold chains too. So for that short of time period and not being able to read the beach better, again, I think you did GREAT!

PS I am easily pulling 1-3 gold ring for every "other" metal. In fact his year I will do a break down of the gold rings to others. With chains it is even worse.  

Dave

Dave,  I'm assuming you spend a 3 month winter in MX?  Are you using a PI machine?  Ye it is always nice to hear of others Success and gold to other ratio.  Keep us posted.

Steve H.  Yes I too feel those days are over.  The gold (be it in jewelry or nuggets) is getting harder to find.  Waterproof detectors are easily under $1000 and even the ones that can handle salt water well (as you know many can't, even though they are waterproof).   Yes the TV shows YouTube (including my own videos from years past) and better pricing is allowing more people the desire to do it.

Yes the tungsten, stainless and titanium rings are now so popular many of my sites are 50/50, I get 1 gold for 1 modern metal, but the problem as you know is the market value for those modern metals is nothing.

Guess us old timers will have to learn to adapt.

I've had many 10+ gold rings trips with a few 15+ and even a monster trip where a buddy and I killed it with over 7 ounces.  I'll try to find the photos and do a post this winter when things are slow.

It was this day a week ago I was on many planes (4 to be exact) trying to get back from Caribbean to Boise, ID.  Not only was it quite exhausting, but the beaches had been detected pretty good by others.  I could tell the 1st couple hours I was in for some hard hunting.  I checked with a lifeguard and sure enough, he said folks with detectors show up almost weekly now.  Heck I just watched a video of someone who was at the same place I was.  Oh well, at least I did quite a bit better than they.  But I still did not meet my expectations for the trip

My 1st trip to the place was approx. 10 years ago and I dug 100+ coins a day and probably 3 rings each day.  This trip was not even close and I don't think I even found 100 targets.  Now I will admit this too.  Right after the 1st day, I was so sour realizing my minimum expectation of 10 gold was not going to happen, so I kind of let off the gas a little and spent more time with the wife, slept in each morning and did the casual hunt (4 to 5 hours).  I told my wife.  "You know, I expected 20 pieces of gold with a minimum of 10".  She said I should not be so cocky.  Maybe she has a point!.  But honestly I always try to think "scoop ass and take names later".  I do it when I hunt gold nuggets, when I do Civil War and old coin hunting as well.  You know...maybe I am a bully with a detector?

Anyway, Here are my jewelry finds from approx.  20 hours of detecting.  Total of 12 rings with the photo of my hand and the index finger showing the 5 rings with gold on them. 1st is stamped 14K and is 3.5 grams, 2nd is a pretty design ring stamped 14K and is 4.2 grams, 3rd (my favorite) is 9.6 grams and stamped 18K PLAT (yes it is both), next ring is 7.2 grams and it is 925, but I can see the gold heart between the hands. Last gold ring near my fingernail is 14K weighing 3.7 grams.  Next finger has the modern Tungsten with some inlay, another plain tungsten and then 2 sterling rings.  Last finger shows 3 cheap rings.  Managed to pull a couple belly tinglers, an ear ring and a sterling star fish.

Equinox 800 with stock coil in Beach #1 Mode.  I run SENS around 17 most of the time and when I get around 20 the little "Warning" triangle appears.

Well I did not do what I had hoped and didn't even get near my low expectations...but I did add a few more to my collection, got some sun and enjoyed the rum.  Until next time....

Some pretty good finds Mitchel.  You must be a Dig all targets, kind of guy, or is it just the style for the site you encounter that day?

4 hours ago, phrunt said:

Here is a nugget I found yesterday, I was taking a dig it all approach as I know I have to, I blocked out -9,-8 and later in the day also 12 and 13 as the hot rocks in this location came up those numbers but you'll see how this gold nugget even though a decent size came up clearly as ferrous.

JW's GPZ even struggled to see this nugget, virtually had to touch the coil.   The nugget is paper thin.

This isn't a one off, it happens often although usually with much smaller nuggets.

This was after I found it obviously, just dropped it back on the ground to show it's ID's.

I tried FE2 at default 6, virtually made no difference to the ID's over the default settings on Gold 1.  Waving the coil over the ground without the nugget there had no target's.

Nice golden gem there Phrunt.  I have dug a few nuggets that read negative most of the time, but on occasion I get the 0 or 1.  When I see the occasional 0 and 1, sometimes a #2...but most are mixed in with negative numbers, I check it out and especially in a known small gold area.  On a side note, did you happen to swing over the same spot as you pulled the little gold nugget in the video, to see if there was another target around it.  We have found hot rocks and cold stones to throw the VDI #'s off, if near, below, next to and or on top of a nugget.  I'll share a nice one I found with my EQ-800 in the next week probably.  It's a dandy for sure.  Thanks for sharing.

Doc,  You did it again and certainly will put another smile on my wife's face.  She says if it helps to recover the G spot sooner... I need 2.  One for left and the other for the right hand.

Your product is known worldwide and the catchy names of the accessories are 100% of what keeps many folks from not getting lost in our memories. Swingy Thingy, WOT = Wonderful Orange Thing,  G Screamer,  Scrotum Pouch (I was told they are real),  Fatal Dog, Nugget Stash, Amazing Qweegle, just to name a few.  The quirky names is what helps set your products apart and for the 25 years that I have known you, I feel it is right on.

On a side note, when they come in let me know as this product will easily sell in my shop, and even get a smile or two from the ladies.