Coinshooting, gas prices and the Big Casino

[TheOldMan]

What is this crazy old man saying one might think but put your headlights on and think the following ideas through. Everyone wants to find an old coin ... Indian head cent .... wheat penny etc . In the good ol' days they were there for the taking rather easily. Now a days I would rather find a clad dime or quarter to pay for the trip gas and detector batteries. The only difference in this scenario is the finding of a rare date coin but those don't come along very often. The jewelry found while detecting can be the Big Casino to pay for the equipment and hopefully then some. Now the silver coin is one thing to seek but having to take that $1500 to $2500 dollar fancy detector on longer and longer trips to get to new hunting grounds will result in ... what? Ask yourself if finding those coins was free and then go fill your car gas tank up with $3.50 or more per gallon gas. In perspective detecting is a great hobby with healthful benefits but don't get hung up on the lack of finding the old or silver coins.

 

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[luvsdux]

I've read on several forums that some use their clad finds to purchase older coins from dealers for their collections. Seems like a reasonable way to use the clad to me. I'll be disappointed if or when I don't find enough to pay for or more than pay for my batteries at least.
luvsdux

 

[fistfulladirt]

You got it right. It's about having fun! Who cares what the gas or detector costs? Not I, that's fer sure.

 

[Normsel]

It's all about the fun and wondering what's next. Aside from being great exercise it's a great hobby and I stress hobby. I have found about $460 in clad and a cpl rings in the past year but I probably spent over $250 in gas alone. I don't care if I find $1 or $10 when I go out. It's probably one of the best outdoor hobbies one can do alone. I kinda compare it to fishing. You never know what you will get. I find it exciting to find new places to hunt. It's not unusual for me to drive 30 mins to find a new place and more often than not I come home with less than $5. I hunted one park 4 times for a total of $35 in clad and one ring worth $40, the park was 20 miles away. So I probably spent at least $35 in gas. If i hadn't found the ring I would have went 4 times anyway and i am going back again in the fall after the picnic season.

I have only found 4 wheaties and no silver since I been detecting. On occasion I run into another detector with same love of the hobby I have and like me their luck in finding anything significant is the same as mine.

I really enjoy this site because one can learn so much from others and at the same time share your experiences and gripes if you have them. The majority of the people on here are straight shooters and always willing to help and share their love of the hobby. I learn something new almost every time I get on this site