We enjoyed Thanksgiving in the Salem area with our kids and while there I detected the state fairgrounds. I didn’t expect to find new drops since there was no fair due to the virus panic but many old coins and relics have been found as it has been in use for many years. Alas, four hours of hunting yielded $0.26 clad about 6” deep and little else.

Back at home, today started of at 18° but was sunny and warmed up nicely. I decided to take advantage and try an area the Army used during the Oregon Maneuver in 1943. This particular area doesn’t have the amount of military litter other spots do so there aren’t as many clues to guide a hunt but it has been productive this year. Since there are few targets I used the original 11” coil.

About 75 yards from the pickup I got my first good signal, and I suspected a quarter. There was about an inch of thawed dirt on top of several inches of frost but I had my hand pick, and two coins showed in the frost clods. The first was a 1943 Washington, but the second one shocked me; an 1897 Barber quarter. A quick re-check of the hole located a 1935 and 1937 Washington quarters. Close by I found one of those clips that secure uniform insignia or name tags and I scoured the area, hoping to find a personal item like that but no luck. However, the search revealed a 1935 Merc and a1943s war nickel. Three more hours only located a few nails, a couple nuts and bolts, and two large springs. I don’t know what they are but I find them frequently.

I started this year (again) hoping to find an 1800s coin within 100 miles of home. This year I’ve found two, maybe a pretty good way to close out the year, since it is supposed to snow tomorrow.

I was using an 11” coil and the factory “Deep” program most of the hunt but did a little experimenting with the found coins.