3 outings with the E-Trac

After three outings with the Minelab E-Trac, here is what I have to show for it. Still no silver rings or silver coins, not even a wheat penny, or anything of any real interest. The E-Trac makes a lot more noise than I am used to. Still don't know how to make a good ID on the targets, so I dig anything that has a semi-solid signal. Hopefully I learn this machine soon.

Best Find of the Night - Necklace

My dad and I managed to get out metal detecting for a couple of hours tonight.  Dad found the first quarter and held it up to let me know the competition had begun.  We both kept an eye on each other as we made our way through the park.  As the sun went down the mosquitos came out, it was time to quit.   Once we were back at the car, we made a quick assessment of our finds.  Dad had 5 quarters, but I had 7.  It looked like I would finally beat dad for once, but then he pulled out some cheesy necklace with a big hammered medallion.  I can't believe that someone would actually wear it.  Dad thought it to be junk.  After taking it home for a closer look, it turns out the chain was 925 silver made in Italy.  Dad wins again.

 

Reno Gaming Dollar

Another one of my Dad's finds from Eagle Park, a Reno gaming dollar.

Cool Find of the Day

Here is one my Dad found.  It looks like a sheriff is missing his badge, but it is just a pin about the size of a quarter.

Not Much to Look At

This quarter is not much to look at, but it was almost silver.  1964 was the last year that the US minted silver coins for circulation.  So I love it when I find coins close to that date, it means I am closer to finding silver coins.

Another Front Yard Surprise

One of the things I love about metal detecting is your never know what you are going to dig up.  Last night, after helping my wife get ready for a trip, I decided I would go over the front yard one more time (I have already done it at least 4 times).  The Garrett ACE 350 said that the target was a dime/quarter range and 2" deep.  I probed the ground with my pick and could feel it about 3" under the sod.  Thinking it was just a modern clad quarter I popped it out of the ground with my pick and in the process put a nice big scratch in the front of it.  Well, it was no quarter it was a $1000 peso coin from Mexico.  You just never know.  I should always be more careful to not scratch them.  Not sure how long that has been in my yard or how it got there from Mexico.

Incase you are wondering if this coin is gold, it is not.  Incase you are wondering if it is valuable, it is not.  But it is cool.

Minelab E-Trac Detector in the Mail

I am a geek, what can I say.  I ordered a new Minelab E-Trac and it is on it's way to my house as I write this blog entry.  Up to this point I have been using my dad's White's XLT or his Garrett ACE 350 detectors.  I have never really wanted to spend the money to get a good detector of my own, but now I have made the jump.  This is the first detector that you can plug into your computer (extra geek points).  From what I have seen online, people who use the E-Trac are finding older coins because of the extra depth it gives you.  I am excited to take this detector to the same places I have been going with the others to see what I can find.  I hope the learning curve is not too bad.