Metal Detecting Maryland and Mental Metal Detecting would like to congratulate our October 2019 Digger of The Month.
Steve Centofanti aka Steev Cee
The month of October brought us so many spectacular finds by so many diggers but there was one find that stood out from the rest. Steve unearthed a very rare find. It’s so rare that there are only a few are known to exist and they can be worth thousands of dollars. Steve’s Maryland Sword Belt Plate worn by Maryland Volunteers during the Civil War (see below) is a remarkable find and as a result, he was overwhelmingly voted our Digger of The Month for October 2019. Steve has only been metal detecting since January of 2019! Keep reading to find out more about Steve and how he got into metal detecting, what machine he is swinging today, and more.
Again, Congrats Steve. Well done!
More About Steve From His Own Words.
How long have you been metal detecting?
Steve: I started detecting in late January of this year (2019). I have always been interested in it and wanted to do it but it wasn’t until my dog passed away in December of 2018, that I decided I needed something to help distract me and my other dog.
What was the first machine you ever used?
Steve: My first machine was the Garrett Ace 400. I really loved the machine but earlier this summer, I saw that Garrett was celebrating their anniversary and had the AT Pro on sale so I purchased it. So even though I did love the Ace 400, I only had a few months with it, I did find my first “treasure” with it on my first “outside of my yard” hunt, an 1848 Braided Hair Large Cent.
What is your favorite metal detector and what do you like about the machine the most?
Steve: My favorite machine is the Garrett AT Pro, that I’ve owned. The different modes seems to make such a difference in differentiating between trash and treasure…most of the time. I also love the ground balancing aspect. It takes so much of the background noise out of the headphones, especially in mineralized soil and at the beach.
Who inspired you to get into metal detecting?
Steve: I didn’t really know anyone who detected or maybe I just didn’t know that they did detect. I have always loved finding things, whether it was wildlife, arrowheads, and any other artifacts. Until I bought the Ace, I was always out “hunting” with my camera. So I guess curiosity was my inspiration more than a specific person.
What do you consider to be your best find metal detecting?
Steve: My best find is a difficult decision. I really don’t have many great finds yet but some of them are fantastic. I really loved my 1749 2 Reales and thought a 270 year old coin was going to be impossible to beat…until the sword plate appeared. So the 1851 Maryland Militia Sword Plate has to be my favorite. The reaction from the public has also been fascinating. Being a Maryland native and Maryland lover, this plate just blows my mind. To be honest, i knelt in the mud for about 40 minutes trying to figure out what it was, because as a newbie to the hobby, I haven’t learned it all yet. After I determined what it was, i finally stood up and walked it off for another 15 minutes before I started texting some of my detecting buddies. That’s when the hand shakes began!
What is your favorite type of detecting (relic, coin shooting, water etc.)?
Steve: I can’t say that I have a favorite type of detecting. Anything to do with the past gets me excited. I love being the first person to see and touch something that has been in the ground for 50-100-200 years or more. I haven’t tried river detecting yet and I think I would enjoy that but the old relics and coins in fields, yards and old home sites have my attention now.
Name 5 items you would like to find in 2019-2020?
Steve: I am still learning what artifacts and relics are even out there so to pick 5 items to put on a wish list is difficult! I enjoy the search as much as the finds, except I can handle the shoulder aches a lot better when I found something!
- Since I share a birthday with George Washington, I would say any of his inaugural buttons.
- Nickels. I want a V Nickel and Shield Nickel. I really like the Nickel designs.
- Civil War bullet. Yes, I have never found a Civil War bullet.
- A Cob would be amazing!
- Any Flying Eagle coin.
Do you have other social media links, channels etc. that you would like others to know about?
Steve: I don’t have any other social media links yet but it may happen in the future.
Check Out Some of Steve’s Favorite Finds
How do you win Digger of The Month? Metal Detecting Maryland has a contest every month called the Wall of Fame Award. To be eligible to win Digger of the Month you must be a member of Metal Detecting Maryland and be selected for the Wall of Fame first. Not a member? Join today! Click Here for more information about the contest. Check out our Wall of Fame for October below.
