On December 30th a few years ago, I took the Excalibur out for a final beach hunt for the year. As luck would have it, I pulled an old 9ct gold ring (which unfortunately broke in my bearpaw-sized mitts). Didn't matter, I'd finished the year with gold so was happy. Next day, I was out again (as you do) to try and make my target of $1,000 in $1 & $2 coins for the year. I didn't quite make it - But wasn't fussed for a very good reason. I was working the sand, not very enthusiastically. Only scoring $2 in as many hours. Pull tabs and foil everywhere. Kids being a major pain. Sand deeper than usual. Zigzagged my way down the beach to the end and half-heartedly thought about the rocks. I couldn't be bothered pinging fishing leads so started to walk back to the car. Went maybe 20 yards, then decided, "What the heck, I'm down here now" and walked back to the rocks. Rotten penny...Tab...2c...1c...Tab...Small lead weight... Almost didn't dig it, but I found myself listening to the tones. When I find myself just standing there listening to an iffy target, I dig it. Got down to the usual thin cleft in the rock where things go to hide and was using a penknife and the pointer to weasel my way into the slot. Was about to give it a good rattle with the knife when I saw a flash of nicely polished brass. Then I saw Vickies head....Ooh man! No, can't be. Flipped it over, It is! I sat on the rock just staring at a young, golden Victoria in a shaking hand. How she missed the blade (and the countless detectors over the years) I dunno! First Sovereign :). A few small bruises from lying against the rock (and a hairline scratch from yours truly!) otherwise in great nick. I wore a huge cheesy grin as I strolled back up the beach to the car. What a way to finish the year! But the rollercoaster didn't stop there... Whilst researching it, it turned out to be a very rare 1855 Sydney Mint Sovereign. We capsuled it and passed it on to my daughter for a wedding present and as a new family heirloom. Even if I never find another Sovereign, I'm happy, and look forward to telling the grandchildren the story.
Pete - Whangarei, NZ.
