Hot Streak Continues

[Compass]

It's been a memorable summer for my detecting finds. It seems that when my beaches have been slow the lakes have filled the void with several better-than-expected hunts. For the second time in as many months, something that I thought was "junk" turned out to be valuable. In the last hour of an all-day trip to the lake I got a solid "23" target on the Manticore and I scooped out a large Mariner's crucifix. The hoop on top was a bright gold color and was stamped "14K". However, the medallion itself was noticeably darker in color having more of a bronze look to it. The large "diamonds" embedded in the cross and anchor gave it that costume jewelry appearance so I dismissed it as being some fake bling. The stones may be CZ's but an acid test suggests that the metal is between 10K and 14K. I found a similar piece on-line which I will post a picture of below. Mine is missing the ships' wheel.

In the group picture you may notice that the only coins are nickels and zinc pennies. I decided to not dig any target IDs over "70" so that I wouldn't wear myself out and to maximize my chances of finding gold. It's a bit of a risky strategy but it paid off because if I slowed down to dig all those quarters and dimes (probably at least 50 more targets) I doubt that I would have got to the spot where I found the big gold. I'm assuming that the chain that held this "cross" was fairly robust and gold. I'll be returning to this location soon to try and find the chain if it is nearby.

[phrunt]

Wow, outstanding, congratulations.

[JCR]

Very nice hunting and a good strategy.

[Compass]

4 hours ago, phrunt said:

Wow, outstanding, congratulations.

Thanks phrunt, My whole body is feeling it today but it was well worth it and I'm looking forward to the next hunt.

41 minutes ago, JCR said:

Very nice hunting and a good strategy.

Thank you JCR, My friends found a lot of clad coinage but no gold so it worked out well for me... this time. 

[mn90403]

Lakes are the place to be it seems.  Congratulations.

Nothing on my beaches and no waves.  It was a good walk with my 4 year old (soon to be 5) on the beach.  We found 12 cents!  He had fun and I had fun watching him.

[Compass]

1 hour ago, mn90403 said:

Lakes are the place to be it seems.  Congratulations.

Nothing on my beaches and no waves.  It was a good walk with my 4 year old (soon to be 5) on the beach.  We found 12 cents!  He had fun and I had fun watching him.

Thanks M, Finding gold is exciting but spending quality time with your kids is priceless - congrats!! We may finally get some decent surf next weekend but the tides look poor so we shall see.

[geof_junk]

Now that is how discrimination should be used. Well done.🤑

[F350Platinum]

Yet another outstanding hunt for you Compass, inland places are the place to be this summer. 🙂 I'm at an East coast beach this week and it's "slim pickings", the storms along the Atlantic Coast did more damage than good.

The prior inland campground produced better finds.

Love that you show the trash, it really lends a feel to how tough water hunting can be. 🏆

[ColonelDan]

Truly outstanding!   Good job.🫡