Each month our Facebook group Metal Detecting Maryland (MDM) holds a contest to vote for our Find of The Month. The MDM Board selects 10 or more photos from the dozens of photos that are submitted for our Wall of Fame contest. The winning photos are voted on by our MDM members to determine which photo/item wins the title “Find of The Month“. To learn more about the contest click here.
December Votes Have Been Counted!
Of the numerous photos chosen for the Wall of Fame, only one was voted as our December Find of The Month. The item that received the most votes is this rare 1662 Oak Tree 2 Pence featured below. This coin was recovered by the one and only
David Clayton Barone
What’s The Story Behind The Find?
This spot was a farm my friend Jason and I had done some research on. It’s a spot situated in a very small area on a huge farm. But it’s the closet point to the water so we tried there first and bingo iron, shells and brick. Perfect.
Problem being the conditions are horrible. Iron is Heavy, very heavy. Power lines literally go right through the center of the house site and it’s marshy as all get out. So we tried it, did ok and didn’t return for a year or so. On the next hunt we both had Nox 800s. Soon as we got there I popped a farthing half cent and a KG1. Jason with his lucky tendencies got over a beautiful cob.
The next day I was on the metal detecting Maryland page and a guy found a Gold 1729 Escudo coin. It motivated me to get out there. I texted Jason and said “it’s operation find a cob “. I went back and started to get to work with a grid pattern. Only thing there was low tones. Nickel or less. Loads of pistol balls and lead which is expected on a 1600s site.
I was digging everything, irons making the tones ugly I just couldn’t chance missing something. I was in a muddy area and got a weak sloppy 15/16 probably a can I thought, but heck I’m digging it all let’s get to work.
After some searching out pops this little silver thing, is this a trime? because I wasn’t expecting it to be anything and BAM! A dang Oak tree 2 pence. I called my wife, Jason and texted Phillip I couldn’t believe it. Surprisingly I didn’t know what I had at first. Once I figured it out I couldn’t concentrate on detecting anymore. Only thing that would of made it better would of been if someone was there I could have chest bumped with and fell in the mud celebrating!
Check Out Some of David’s Favorite Finds.
Lets Find Out More About David.
How long have you been metal detecting?
David: I’ve been detecting 3 or 4 years I believe.
What was the first machine you ever used?
David: Bounty Hunter for about a month. Them the Minelab Equinox 600 and then upgraded to the Equinox 800. I don’t count the bounty Hunter because I only used it a couple times.
What is your favorite metal detector and what do you like about the machine the most?
David: I hunt with the equinox 800, I like the multi frequency and the ability to hunt in marshy areas and get a lot of depth on the silver. I run 50 tones and really feel like that helps you hear those tones that are hiding. It seems to do good in the heavy iron also. I’ve had a lot of luck with it once you get an understanding for what the machine is telling you.
Who inspired you to get into metal detecting?
David: I would say Jason Jones. I was into the arrow head hunting scene and me and him had became friends through work. I kept seeing his finds on Facebook and ended up buying a metal detector.
Once I got a machine he and I did a lot of hunting together and he taught me a lot about scouting, technique and just sharing all his knowledge on everything around metal detecting. Jason and I have became really close friends because of metal detecting and that to me is the coolest part about that story. I leaned how to do something I love to do and I also gained and really good friend out of the deal.
What do you consider to be your best find metal detecting?
David: I think the 1662 oak tree 2 pence is my best find. But I appreciate them all. The War of 1812 1st. Regiment artillery button is one of my favorite though.
What is your favorite type of detecting (relic, coin shooting, water etc.)?
David: I’m a colonial relic hunter. I love the old heavy iron pre 1800s sites. Just something about being out there and feeling like you have a connection with the people that lived there many years ago. I love the story the relics tell. Just think about the hard work they were putting in and probably how they lost that button, buckle or coin.
Name 5 items you would like to find in the future.
David:
- Any Gold Coin
- 2~8 Spanish Reale
- Early Colonial Silver. Draped Bust or older
- 20 ¢ Piece
- Half Dollar or Dollar Coin
Do you have other social media links, channels etc. you want to share on your page?
David: I haven’t created a YouTube channel yet but I’m working on it. Gotta think of a clever name! I’ll drop a video of a seated dime I found this year. Excuse the video work it was my first time.
Also like to take a min to thank Scott Lupro for all his hard work with the Maryland Metal Detecting FB Group and the find of the months it’s much appreciated and makes the group really fun to be apart of. Thanks
December 2020 Wall of Fame Winners
If you are looking for a new metal detector or just getting started in this hobby, Fort Bedford Metal Detectors carries all of the metal detectors mentioned above and more. Plus, they carry all the accessories you’ll ever need. Give Keith Leppert a call at 814-215-1732 or visit his website If you are looking at other machines, coils, accessories etc., Fort Bedford is the place to go. Tell him Scott from Mental Metal Detecting sent you!
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