Treasure Tim finds 1856 Half Sovereign with Minelab CTX 3030

I hadn’t had the relic detector out for about two months so I was fairly keen on a couple of days out the bush with the Minelab CTX 3030, hoping to find another coin or two.

I had chosen a spot which I, and many other detectorists over the years had found many old items from the original miners, as well as some gold nuggets. I was prepared for targets to be scarce and few in this location but i was in the right mood and felt that it was worth putting in the hours for possibly nothing. I obviously had a little faith that this “thoroughly detected” location still had a treasure or two left if i put enough time in!

After perhaps 6 full hours of detecting with only a small handfull of missed “junk” targets I was becoming increasingly discouraged by my choice of detecting sites, with my mind telling me I’ve wasted my time. In this state of mind, my detecting technique often becomes sloppy and deteriorates as the day progresses. It was while in this mood that i casually swang the coil over a very brief and vague target and it didnt sound to me like the detector was very sure about it.

I almost ignored it, but for some reason I stopped and slowly investigated it. Still being unsure if it was even a non-ferrous target, I scraped back the compost surface probably 3-4 inches and retried the signal. Getting the coil those few inches closer to the target now convinced me it was a definite non-ferrous target, and being a 12:21 ID, I briefly assumed another button was down there, as some other brass buttons that day were the same or very similar ID.

I was surprised how deep I had to go down for a button (about 7 inches), but when I finally had the target out, I kneeled down to locate it with the PRO-FIND 25 probe, but I didnt need it, as i saw the unmistakable glint of gold in the sun, sitting on the pile of dirt in the shape of a coin!

Before I picked it up, I already knew it was a half sovereign ! I spent a few minutes with my water bottle carefully washing it avoiding any touching or rubbing to see what date was on it.

1856 Gold Half Sovereign

I was delighted to see the words “Sydney Mint” come up, and 1856 on the other side. After that excitement had subsided a bit, I remember telling myself , “it was worth the patience and perseverence after all”.

I still have faith in all these so called “flogged areas” if I have the patience, and it sure pays to check every little signal, regardless of how “iffy” it sounds.

1856 Half Sovereign found with Minelab CTX 3030

 

To learn more about the 1856 Half Sovereign visit Museum Victoria

This entry was posted in Treasure Tim by Treasure Tim. Bookmark the permalink.

About Treasure Tim

Tim works at Miners Den Australia’s Bendigo store ‘BendigoGold’. Having an interest in both Gold Prospecting and Treasure Hunting he is available to offer Miners Den Australia customers advice and support in their pursuit treasure hunting adventures and Gold Nuggets. Tim will be sharing his finds and advice regularly on the Miners Den Australia blog, so make sure you check back to see some fantastic finds and valuable tips on getting the best out of your Minelab Gold, Treasure and Adventure metal detectors! Having uncovered 1000's of historic relics and many ounces of gold nuggets Tim is perfect person to help you hone your skills and get you discovering more of the good stuff more often. Tim can be contacted via email timkrause@minersdenaustralia.com.au

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *