Am I breaking my own code of digging ethics?

[leslie(nova scotia)]

From the land of the Bluenose.....I am a firm believer that this is a hobby and not for a profit sort of thing. I have never sold anything that I have dug up before save for a tin of junk that I was going to throw out and a Bud from PEI said send it over and we'll go 50 50 ( made $400 USA on that which financed a trip to dig in Yarmouth for a few days) but a retired Mountie at work wishes to buy the ring that is in the photo.

What are your thoughts about this as I'm of a mixed train of thought on the issue that to me is not going to be a new trend nor norm but a one shot special thing?

[Out4gold]

Well Leslie there seems to be a lot of people who share this particular hoarding habit.
I too have never sold any of the jewelry I have dug even though I have had ample opportunity.
There was one when I was asked and I told them I would give it to them before I would sell it to them. Beleive me their surprize was astounding when I said she could have it.
Two weeks later I got a phone call and My wife and I were invited out for dinner. While we were eating I was surprized with a 5.00 US gold coin ring in return.
I guess their appreciation exceeded my gift after all the ring I gave his wife was a small panda coin ring.
I sure miss him he passed away that year 2001.
As a gift, a found object can be one of the best things you can give. It really depends on your relationship to the receipiant. For if they really know you, then they know how hard it is to part with anything.

Out4gold

[Dick from IA]

A good and thoughtful question, Leslie. In my opinion, what you have found over the years is your property, and can be sold or disposed of at your discretion. Chances are your heirs, if not interested in treasure keepsakes, will sell the property anyway, keeping only the meaningful pieces.

It's your choice, and I would say either way is fine, no guilt involved at all.

[pris]

I also believe that if you want to sell, sell and if you feel a particular fondness for the item, you can keep it. Also, you can always take several photos of it and know that it's being worn by someone who appreciates it almost as much as you (if you sell / give away).

I really enjoyed Out4Gold's theory, too. I like the idea of giving gifts because it may mean more to you than money. Making people happy is priceless.

Whatever your decision, make sure you're happy with it.

[julieburger]

I think you have to go with your heart. If it feels right then sell it but if you feel that sickly feeling when you think about it then I would say it is not meant to be sold.

[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

[Ouiwopafoot]

I have a ring similar in design, but not nearly as nice, nor as significant... I really like the decoration on the outer banding, it looks like a nice strong, good feeling ring, looks good too.

If I had a ring like that, I'd probably personalize it,or if I didn't have plans for it in a collection or a gift... I'd sell it.

However, if it had some sort of historical signifigance, I definitely would not sell it... That would then be history book material.

If it plays an important role in your life, keep it.

[dooby]

to answer.

I am a firm believer that 90% of what we own we only use 10% of the time. So why do we still own it ?!?!?

With that said, I personally would sell just about anything that has no personal meaning to me, however, I also agree with Chuck, I would sooner give an historical item to a museum than to know it is hidden behind the private walls of a collector...............

dan.................

[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.