Gold and Silver Today! But I did not bring it home... but, an interesting return.

Southern_Digger

Hero Member
May 21, 2012
573
222
Florida
Detector(s) used
Minelab Explorer and Excalibur; Tesoro Tejon; Fisher 1265-X; Garrett Master Hunter; White's Coinmaster; In closet: Bounty Hunter and Relco
Primary Interest:
Other
Finally made it to the beach in North Miami after several weeks of no detecting. This photo reveals only half of it. I left much trash in cans at the beach. Photo reveals what I took home and the change is buried somewhere in this trash. I did find Gold and Silver but you won’t see it.

julyfindz-1.jpg

A Russian couple with an interpreter approached explaining the husband lost a crucifix 5-days ago. The beach had eroded considerably since then and the beach cleaner had several days of passes through the area. They were very saddened when I remarked and when what I said was translated that, the cross may have been washed into the ocean by now. I asked if it was silver or gold and I found out it was both. I was offered a reward.

Within 10 minutes I saw the glint of gold in my scoop. It was only 1 ½ feet off the beach cleaners path. The 1 ¼” tall cross had a silver middle and that was surrounded by a 1/8” wide gold edging, which is 1/8” thick. I do believe it was the most beautiful crucifix I have ever seen and I regret not having a camera to photograph it. The inner, silver crucifix was very old—I mean, possibly of colonial era piece. I believe it was edged in gold at a much later date. I know it was an heirloom to the family.

When I motioned the mom over she was astounded, crying out to her husband who was in the water with their two children. All came running and the dad started to cry too. Suddenly, dad yells out get money! And interpreter blurts out he is going to give me a reward. I signaled NO to him. The interpreter responded with let me give you something, heading for an ice chest. Again, I said no.

On a personal note, I feel the melting of any religious item or the barter of such for money is sacreligious. As-is someone who enters church property, detect and find jewelry for their own profit. Law of the land is, what is found on church property belongs to the church. And that one cannot be twisted by any politician.

Facing the parents, I pointed to myself and made the outline of a cross across my chest, thus indicating who I am. I told the interpreter that he is my brother and he needs to take good care of the heirloom, and not wear it on the beach. The dad shook my hand three times and the Mom moved in to hug me, but hesitated, considering I was dripping in sweat and sunblock…

When I left, 10-12 neighboring beachgoers were gathered around them and the interpreter, looking at the crucifix, and I gather, talking about it being located. Their two children ran after me and the little 5-6 year old girl said thank you to me in English. The boy ran up with a big smile and hit me with a high-five. Man it does not get better than that. Who could ever turn down that moment of brotherhood for mere cash.
 

Last edited:
Upvote 13
Finally made it to the beach in North Miami after several weeks of no detecting. This photo reveals only half of it. I left much trash in cans at the beach. Photo reveals what I took home and the change is buried somewhere in this trash. I did find Gold and Silver but you won’t see it.

<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=832199"/>

A Russian couple with an interpreter approached explaining the husband lost a crucifix 5-days ago. The beach had eroded considerably since then and the beach cleaner had several days of passes through the area. They were very saddened when I remarked and when what I said was translated that, the cross may have been washed into the ocean by now. I asked if it was silver or gold and I found out it was both. I was offered a reward.

Within 10 minutes I saw the glint of gold in my scoop. It was only 1 ½ feet off the beach cleaners path. The 1 ¼” tall cross had a silver middle and that was surrounded by a 1/8” wide gold edging, which is 1/8” thick. I do believe it was the most beautiful crucifix I have ever seen and I regret not having a camera to photograph it. The inner, silver crucifix was very old—I mean, possibly of colonial era piece. I believe it was edged in gold at a much later date. I know it was an heirloom to the family.

When I motioned the mom over she was astounded, crying out to her husband who was in the water with their two children. All came running and the dad started to cry too. Suddenly, dad yells out get money! And interpreter blurts out he is going to give me a reward. I signaled NO to him. The interpreter responded with let me give you something, heading for an ice chest. Again, I said no.

On a personal note, I feel the melting of any religious item or the barter of such for money is sacreligious. As-is someone who enters church property, detect and find jewelry for their own profit. Law of the land is, what is found on church property belongs to the church. And that one cannot be twisted by any politician.

Facing the parents, I pointed to myself and made the outline of a cross across my chest, thus indicating who I am. I told the interpreter that he is my brother and he needs to take good care of the heirloom, and not wear it on the beach. The dad shook my hand three times and the Mom moved in to hug me, but hesitated, considering I was dripping in sweat and sunblock…

When I left, 10-12 neighboring beachgoers were gathered around them and the interpreter, looking at the crucifix, and I gather, talking about it being located. Their two children ran after me and the little 5-6 year old girl said thank you to me in English. The boy ran up with a big smile and hit me with a high-five. Man it does not get better than that. Who could ever turn down that moment of brotherhood for mere cash.

[Look at Metal Detecting Forum for an explaination as to why, up until today, that I had time to swing the coil for only 2-hours in the past 3 1/4 months. You may find it humorous especially since it is just like real TV.]

I like reading stories like this
 

WOW!!! Now that's what life should be about. . . I wish there were more people like you :)
 

The great thing about this hobby is that is it is not always about the money. The true treasure is being able to do such a great deed.. I have been searching an old church and have made many awesome finds which I put into a display case an donated them back to the church. It felt great to know that they will be displayed in the church long after I am gone.
 

That makes you an ambassador to our hobby... seriously good effort to represent all. Thank You, SD
 

Thank You, Ironman and Watercolor.

SD
 

What a wonderful thing to read and that you have done....I tip my hat to you and people like you who would and have done the same thing....the reward of returning it and bringing so much joy is truly awesome and I applaud you. :) :) :)
 

Good job! Karma man....it will come back to you in some form but the most important part is how it touched your heart, and the hearts of those of us reading it here! Well done!
 

Great story there loved it !
 

That is the real deal right there !!! That's the most genuine treasure we can experience - Thank You , God Bless You !
 

Lots of times I respond to posted finds with a comment that I am jealous...But I truly am jealous of what you were able to do, your post should go into the "Honorable mentions"...Your story made my day... thanks for sharing! :notworthy: :hello2:
 

Yeah.....I have to admit...........I like the idea of finding the coins/gold/silver that helps my family out.......but that supersedes it by a long shot. Very cool. Nice work.
 

good job on the good deed!
 

THAT is a beautiful story & was very moving! God has truly shined his graces on you!
 

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