Am I breaking my own code of digging ethics?

[journeyoftheanimals]

Listen to your heart. I was in the same boat for a little while. I have a watch that i have found (have not been able to get it looked at yet). I am estimating the value at about $250+. My fiance says I should keep it and I was thinking the same thing. But it is a womans watch so there is no way I would wear it and my fiance does not like to wear things like that, so why should this thing just be sitting around. I plan on taking lots of pictures and then off to e-bay I think.

So just ask yourself because none of us can answer this for you. Please let us know what you decided.

[LiveBlues]

Wether or not this should be a for profit hobby, it should at least be a self sustaining hobby. Unless you feel a strong sentiment towards the find, sell it. It could go a long ways towards a new detector, or accessory.

As far as I am concerned, there is nothing wrong with making some money along the way.

[Toadie]

To sell or not to sell??? I experienced the same problem all across the board. When I was selling my son's dirt bike, I turned down many offers that were in the neighborhood that I was asking. Instead, I took way less than I was asking just because a young man came along and I could see the want and appreciation in his eyes. All the others were wanting the bike to strip parts off of it or to resell. This particular one wanted it to have fun on and ride.

Same goes for items I find.. If I am selling coinage to individuals, if I know they are in it to resell, I will not sell to them. Mainly because they do not realize how significant it is that a certain coin was found at Old Fort Richardson stage route or at Flat Rock Station etc.. They are just trying to fill in empty spots in someones collection. Now the local historian and collector, they have more respect for the items because of the locations where found.

But, like was stated before, none of us can take it with us when we go.. So, if the guy really wants the item, and it is of no sentimental value to you, by all means sell it or give it away.. Maybe get enough to buy Otto a new pair of shoes if needed... or maybe one of those emergency plastic keys that go in your wallet. Put it there or tape it to the backside of your license plate with foil tape.. or in a hub cap.. I think we have all locked ourselves out of our vehicles at one time or another.I know I have several times. Now I carry a thick white plastic credit card looking thingy that has two plastic emergency keys on it in my wallet. Cost here in Texas, $3.00. Cost of Locksmith $75+ not to mention the embarrassment.

You can also look at the possibility of saving enough to find Otto a little friend of the ATV variety.. Small trailer, trailer hitch and you could cover more ground than ever before on the beaches. That or top the tank off a couple of times and go visit those far away detecting spots. But, it is up to you.

Take care,
James

[mallardman68]

Originally Posted by bigbillinsc

this is a wonderful hobby and i participate in it as a hobby. but... i would also like to make a lil money at it as well (besides the clad.) a few of my finds are sentimental and have zero value to any one but me. the clad has face value and is legal tender. but i have obligations to my family. i am the sole bread winner (earner) in my house hold. if i find an old gold coin on the beach or even a very nice piece of jewlery. i gotta sell. its a matter of trying to keep the wolves from door. and as far as chuck stated. i hate selling relics as well. bbut if a collector wants a plate/button/bullet/shell that i have found and i need to gas to get to work i gotta sell. i am huge gun collector and thought once upon time i would never pawn a gun. but i have had to. having children and being briefly un employed after the birth of one makes a man reconsider many things. go ahead my friend give or sell but let your conscience be clear

Been there myself...no haters here

[Joe(TX)]

Leslie, I used to believe like you and would hold on to everything that I found! But growing a lot older, seeing my kids grow up and leave the nest, plus seeing many of my friends pass away has changed my mind! Sooner or later we will die and what will happen to these treasures? I have amassed a small fortune and even my kids and wife do not know the true value of such items! So if you need the money, I would sell the ring! If these treasures are intended to be passed on to your family as their inheritance, I would leave very detailed instructions to them! Find out before your death who intends to keep the items and who intends to sell them. I have seen and heard of horror stories of a Relic Hunter (for example) passing away and his prized relics were sold in a Garage Sale for a .25 apiece simply because the family had no idea of the value of such items! I would leave details on who to contact if a family member wants to sell these treasures. Simply just because we highly regard these found treasures, does not mean that they will still be regarded in such a high place after our demise!..............THINK ABOUT IT................Joe

[cjoej]

Leslie,

I will spend the modern change I find, so why wouldn't I consider selling a piece of jewelry, that I can't find the original owner of, if it doesn't have a special meaning to me? Sure it is worth more, but that just means I will have more modern cash to invest in something else whatever that may be. Special things I will keep (like Chuck and his Washington Inagural Button).

Joe