11/30/22 Report - Wave Refraction and Beach Dynamics. Bigger Surf Coming.

 

Wriitten by the TrasureGuide for the esclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.

I received an email not too long ago from somebody asking about wave refraction and specifically if it could have been the reason for erosion at one particular spot. I promised to post some about wave refraction but kept putting it off because it can get pretty complex, /It isn't easy to boil it down to a single post or even make a single post clear.

Waves interact with the bottom surface. Shallow depths cause waves to slow, while deeper areas allow waves to speed on. Irregualar depths cause the waves to slow in some areas, which results in the waves changing direction. As you can see in the photo above, the waves look like they are wrapping around the areas where it appears that the shoreline is projecting. It is not the shape of the shoreline that is causing the change in direction, though, it is the water interacting with the surface under the wave. People tend to talk about what they see, which is the visible shoreline and water surface, but what is under the water is also important but seldom talked about when it comes to discussions of erosion.

If you look at the illustration at the top of this post, and look at the three waves at tthe bottom, they are in a line and would be transporting sand on the beach front down and to the right along the shoreline.

Looking at this second illustration, notice that the wave energy focuses in front of the point, the waves thee would pile up and break. That would tend awahy the sand and deposit the sand in shallow areas. So why don't the points get worn away and the recessions get filled? The shoreline should straighten out over the years and centuries, but there are reasons that some points and recessions remain. One reason is underwater structures, such as reefs, and another reason is there are areas where sand has been depleted and so the process is interrupted. One example of that is Bathtub beach, which should naturally fill according to the above illustration, but as we know, it erodes and erodes and erodes. The reason is to the north of Bathtub beach is rocks and houses that disrupt whatever flow of sand would otherwise be expected. The sand transport process is interrupted.

One of the biggest complications comes from the matter of scale. If you look at the Treasure Coast, some beaches will erode while others do not. If the Treasure Coast beaches are eroded, that does not mean that all of them are.  There will be spots that are and others that are not.  Or if they are not generally eroded, there can still be a few spots that are.  You can talk about individual beaches, such as Seagrape Trail, but that is a relatively large area too, and some areas will erode while other build.  Remember, the area you are looking at is a relatively small area, and dips and hot spots will be very small in relation to the entire beach.

One thing I've said before, is when sand is building one place, it is coming from another. That is no big secret. It is obvious, but it is also telling. Work backwards to find where the sand is leaving.

Another thing that is often not taken into account is the backflow.  When water comes onto the beach, it doesn't just stay there.  It returns, and if it is flowing fast enough, the backflow will take the sand out, and it can work against the primary swell.  And there can be waves coming from two directions at the same time: a primary and secondary swell.  You can often see them.  You can often see little wind driven waves.

The shoreline is not a straight line, and the waves will refract.   So even when the waves are generally hitting from the northeast, there will be variations in the angles all along the beach.   

I can carry this on for a long time because there are a lot of complications.  I haven't even mentioned tides and some other things.

Here is a link for more on wave refraction.  What is wave refraction? (surfertoday.com)

I'll have to pick up with that some other time.  Do, however, remember wave refraction as one thing to consider when trhying to figure out what is going on.

---

Concerning Terry's finds that I posted yesterday, Warren D. sent the following email.

I remember back in the 70's the Australian LPGA lady golfer, Jan Stephenson came to Brevard to visit fellow LPGA player and Satellite Beach resident, Laura Baugh. They were the first golf "glamour girls" who made more in endorsement money than in winnings. The rumors of their partying were legendary.

Jan later designed and developed the Walkabout Golf Course in North Brevard.

Maybe these coins were stashed in a beach house that later collapsed?

I would send Jan a letter, it could be a good story.

Beaches will obliterate manmade structures and leave no sign of them. Many years about I saw a concrete foundation uncovered north of John Brooks. Haven't seen it agaiin in probably thrity or forty years. And Nicole I mentioned some other things that were recently uncovered by Nicole, such as the old fence line and concrete bases.

---

Source: MagicSeaWeed.com.

So Thursday we're supposed to see a decent increase in the surf.  

Happy hunting,

Treasureguide@comcsst.net

11/28/22 Report - More Post-Nicole Finds. Coins In Clumps From The Other Side of the World. Bigger Surf Predicted For Later This Week.

 

Writtten by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.

Dug Clump of Coins.
Photo submitted by Terry S.

I just received these photos and email message from Terry Shannon, a long-time reader and contributor to this blog.  Well he's back from Minnesota and once again metal detecting the Florida beaches, which are very much like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates - you never know what you will get.  

Anyhow, Terry and his friends had a great hunt.  The coins were coming up in clumps, and they were of an unexpected type. Below are more photos from the hunt, and the Terry's description of how it happened.  

I think that anyone that metal detects dreams of finding that one spot where there is treasure, and you find yourself recovering encrusted coins that are washing in from the surf. Well two close friends and I found ourselves in just that situation. The three of us were recovering these encrusted coins many of them stuck together and all so encrusted that we couldn’t tell what we were finding.

Coins Found in the Coin Hole.

Look at this clump of coins (above) all fused together, it was was one of those times where a bunch of treasure finding dreams comes together. I can’t speak for my buddies but I was excited.

Coin Hole Described in Terry's Email.
Photo submitted by Terry S.

At first the coins were found at the waters edge, but we later discovered that a lot of the coins had already washed in and there were coins all over. A lot of the coins were right at the top of the bowl and a bunch of half dollar or dollar size coins were up near the dunes. My God! this was fun, but what were we finding.

The area was washed out to the point that the tops of the coquina reefs were showing, What were we finding??? We knew we were not finding Spanish Reales or as they say pieces of eight but there were many shipwrecks along the Treasure Coast over the years and these coins appeared to have been lost a long-long time.

Clumps and Coins Found by Terry

I worked the middle ground, and the picture above are the coins I recovered that day. All the coins on the left of the picture are fused together in clumps of three or four. I recovered just over forty coins that day.

Jerry and Friends

A fellow walked by and we stopped what we were doing and asked him to take our picture. We wanted a record of this fantastic time. Things Like this are often referred to as once in a lifetime!!!

Very Interesting Silver Jubilee Coins.

Jerry left before Dwayne and I which was a wise move because bad weather was approaching. We hung in there and it was just starting to pour rain when Jerry called and said the coins are modern and all from Australia. They dated in the 1970’s and we discovered that some of the coins were silver. OK folks what did we find? how did that many coins from Australia end up on our shores. There Is a lot of questions that I believe will forever be unanswered but one fact that is certain is we had a hell of a great time!!

---

Really cool finds and thanks for sharing that great story, Terry.

They mystery is where they came from and how they got there.

It is always great to find a productive spot like that, but to find such an unusual bunch of coins is doubly fun.  

You might want to read Terry's book.  

The high tides are still high, and we have some bigger surf predicted to go with it.

You never know what might be waiting for you.  This year we've had a number of people find their first Spanish treasure coins and experience some really great hunts.

  

Source: MagicSeaweed.com.

Good hunting,
Treasureguide@comcast.net

11/28/22 Report - 1715 Fleet Gold Bar and Record Setting Medal Sale. Ages and Stages Of Metal Detecting. Bigger Surf Coming.

 

Written by the Treasureguide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.

Source: MagicSeaWeed.com.

As you can see, a bump in surf is predicted for the end of the week.  It is the time of year when we get some fronts coming through and some rougher surf.  Thankfully they haven't yet replenished the beaches that lost sand since the last round of replenishment even though some of that replenishment sand is still in place.  Even when it has been moved off the beach, it is still somewhat effective in damping the wave energy that hits the beach.  The high tides are still pretty high too.

---

Medal Sold For Over In Most Recent Sedwick Auction.

A unique American silver medal depicting the presentation of the Declaration of Independence set a new record during Daniel Frank Sedwick LLC's November 3 and 4 Treasure Auction 32.

The live online and floor auction was itself a record sale for the firm with over $4.27 million sold across 1,622 lots...

The pre-sale estimate for the lot was $25,000 and up. After spirited bidding, both online and via phone, the medal sold for $168,000 USD...

Also.

A unique gold bar recovered from the “Corrigan’s” wreck site of a 1715 Fleet treasure ship at Vero Beach, Florida attracted heavy bidding.

The gold ingot, weighing 915 grams and marked with a fineness of 22k, was made in Colombia before being shipped to Spain in the ill-fated fleet. It bears the royal tax stamp as well as a decorated assayer/foundry stamp (B)ARBACO(A)S indicating its origin from the important Colombian gold mining town, Barbacoas. Salvors recovered the bar in 1983 and, soon after, it went into the collection of 1715 Fleet investor Don Anderson...

With an estimate of $60,000 to $90,000, considerable bidding led to a final sale price of $132,000 for the 1715 Fleet gold bar...

Here is the link for more highlights from the most recently concluded Sedwick auction.

Declaration of Independence Medal Leads $4.27 Mil. Sedwick Sale (coinweek.com)

And here is a picture of the bar.

1715 Fleet Gold Bar Recently Sold in Sedwick Auction of $132,000.
Source: Email From Sedwick.

---

The different ages and stages of life arrive and are revealed as you get older.  That might seem like a funny way to put it, but that is how it seems to me.  As the years go by, life looks different and priorities change.

When it comes to metal detecting, I once followed the "dig everything" way, for example.  I spent a lot of time in the field despite having a jobs and other responsibilities.  But my jobs provided a lot of flexibility and time off so I found considerable time to metal detect.  I was lucky.  I had the time to dig everything and had no back problems or anything like that to limit me.  I will still dig everything at times, but at other times I will skip some things.  I didn't used to discriminate much other than iron.  For one thing, my detectors didn't give conductance numbers or anything like that.  The detectors I mostly used in those days did null on iron.  In other words, the detector went quiet over iron objects.  I could tell there was iron there, but I didn't need to dig it.  Now I'll dig iron, but only strategically, and when it seems justified by the situation - for example in an area where I might expect the possibility of interesting iron artifacts or mixed metal items of value, or sometimes to remove iron items that might be masking better items.  But those are all strategic decisions, and mistakes might still be made, so the risk/reward ratio is considered.  I could say dig everything, as I still generally  recommend, but there are other considerations that I appreciate now, but didn't always.  As time goes by, you see things differently, and you look back and understand more.

Among other things, it is common to change how you view your finds.  Things that were once a big accomplishment can become common, or at least, not so exciting.  If you hunt a lot, you might accumulate a lot of things, and as your collection grows, things that were once your favorite finds might be replaced by new and better finds.  Some of your earlier finds might not seem so impressive anymore.  They were once big accomplishments.  But as you find more, they might no longer be at the top of your list of favorite finds.

And then there comes the time when you realize that you won't always be around and maybe you should pass on some of your favorites, but will they have the same meaning to someone else?  They won't.  Afterall, no one else will have memories of hunts or the excitement of making the find.  They won't know what it meant to you to find your first whatever.  They can't.  They will have their own firsts, their own experiences and discoveries.  

But on the other hand, sometimes your finds mean more to others than you know.  Among the few items that I have passed on at this point, some have gone into books, fine collections, and even museums.  So there can be times when items are actually better appreciated in their new home.  And they don't have to be the biggest or most valuable finds.  Sometimes something that doesn't' seem all that impressive to you, can be just the piece that was needed to do a job somewhere else.  Maybe it fills a gap, or provides a new bit of information, or becomes part of an educational activity for others.

I don't think I've ever sold any coins, and I don't intend to very soon, but I have sold some other things.  I was very happy to discover something I sold on ebay years ago went into a display in a museum up north.  It was something that I didn't highly esteem at the time, and it wasn't real value, but it was something that fit the needs of the museum and became a major part of a display.  That was a delightful surprise.  That item found a better home and was more valuable somewhere else than with me.

I often think that someday some of my finds will be buried for someone else to find.  I'll let those items provide some fun for somebody else the same way they surprised and delighted me.

===

Good hunting,

TreasureGuide@comcsat;net

11/27/22 Report - Authenticating A Sponsian Gold Coin. Suggestions On How To Inspect Finds For Clues. Another Front On The Way.

 

Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.

Sponsian Gold Coin Find.
Source: See msn.com link below.

Today I'm going to discuss some ways you can inspect and learn more about finds.  I'll refer to a study of a coin that raised important questions.  It seemed to show an emperor who was not known from written historical records.

The Sponsian coin (shown above) was found over 300 years ago in 1713 in Transylvania, or present-day Romania. Sponsian has barely a footprint in history and was deemed fictional by historians long ago, Pearson said.

According to Pearson and his team of researchers, the coins contain elements that match authentic Roman coins, suggesting Sponsian was a real emperor after all.

"We know absolutely nothing about the emperor Sponsian from any sort of historical record," said Pearson. "The only evidence that someone of that name ever existed is the coins, which bear his image and name and title."

Here is that link: For years, experts said a Roman emperor wasn't real. Scientists say a coin could prove otherwise. (msn.com)

So it was originally thought that the Sponsian coin was a fake because they didn't know about an emperor, and a study was conducted to try to determine if the coin was indeed a fake or not.  The report of that study was published under the title, Authenticating Coins of the Roman Emperor Sponsian.  Here is the link to that study: Authenticating coins of the ‘Roman emperor’ Sponsian | PLOS ONE.  And immediately below is the abstract of the study.

The ‘Roman emperor’ Sponsian is known only from an assemblage of coins allegedly found in Transylvania (Romania) in 1713. They are very unlike regular Roman coins in style and manufacture, with various enigmatic features including bungled legends and historically mixed motifs and have long been dismissed as poorly made forgeries. Here we present non-destructive imaging and spectroscopic results that show features indicative of authenticity. Deep micro-abrasion patterns suggest extensive circulation-wear. Superficial patches of soil minerals bound by authigenic cement and overlain by oxidation products indicate a history of prolonged burial then exhumation. These observations force a re-evaluation of Sponsian as a historical personage. Combining evidence from the coins with the historical record, we suggest he was most likely an army commander in the isolated Roman Province of Dacia during the military crisis of the 260s CE, and that his crudely manufactured coins supported a functioning monetary economy that persisted locally for an appreciable period.

So when the coins were studied carefully, using a variety of technologies, evidence was uncovered to suggest the coins authenticity.  Some of the techniques used are not generally available to most detectorists, but some of the techniques are.  Microscopic photography can be helpful, as can photography with UV lighting, which I've shown and discussed in previous posts.  See for eample, The Treasure Beaches Report Direct From Florida's Treasure Coast.: 9/16/15 Report - Old Rare Treasure Coast Treasures. Using Black Light On Sea Shell Fossils and Artifacts. Outer Banks Videos.  Anyone can purchase a UV light and it can be useful in a variety of ways to analyze finds.

I won't get into all the details of the study but highly recommend reading it.  It provides some good ideas on artifact investigation and authentifcation.

I was recently looking at some musket balls and other lead bits found by a local detectorist at one of our 1715 Fleet beaches and noticed one musket ball that showed little surface oxidation, unlike most of the others.  Lead that is buried so that it is not exposed to much oxygen will not get the same kind of white patina of many other lead objects.  Simply looking closely at metal finds can sometimes provide clues.  

In the case of the Sponsian coins, the various stages or wear, mineral attachment, and then oxidation were observed, which led to the conclusion of the coins being circulated, buried for relatively long periods and then exhumed

Here are a couple more sentences excerpted from the same study.

Talking about faked aging on coins, the authors said, The motivation for our study was that modern imaging and analytical techniques should be able to detect such treatment, especially when questionable coins are compared with genuine pieces of the period. If the coins proved to be fakes, they would make a particularly interesting case study in antiquarian forgery; if authentic, they would be of clear historical interest.

My general point today is that you might enjoy and learn more about your artifacts if you study them closely. That can lead to important clues about their history, which might help you to find more.

Back to the musket balls.  One of the musketballs was mangled.  It looked like it was "chewed" up.   It was suggested that some musketballs were chewed by pigs.  

On careful inspection without the aid of technology, there were some small marks that were repeated on the surface of the lead musket ball.  The marks were rectangular and showed what appeared to four stripes or striations.  These marks were small and were repeated but were only a small percentage of all the marks on the surface.

It so happens that I once found a pig jaw with most of the teeth intact while hunting bottles.  Although it makes a lovely (though primitive looking ) necklace when suspended from a cord around my neck, it came in handy.

Found Pig Jaw.

So I wondered if the small rectangular marks with striations could be the marks of pig teeth.  After inspecting the pig teeth, I saw nothing that would make a similar mark, although I do not have the front teeth, which might be the most likely candidates for a match.  My impression, though, is that the rectangular marks repeated on the cannon ball were probably not from pig teeth, although the other marks were not similarly excluded.  

Here is the crown of a pig molar.  

Pig Molar.

If I could find the front teeth or even good closeup pictures of the front teeth I could probably determine if the small rectangular marks were made by pig teeth or not.  So far I would say probably not.

So what made the small striated marks on the musket ball?  The question has not yet been answered, but could provide some useful clues when the question is answered. 

If I had the mangled ball in hand, I might be able to determine if the other marks were made by chewing or not.  The marks could also be matched with other types of teeth.

I summary, I highly recommend closely examination finds.  For me, it is both fun and educational.

---

Here are some photos of Turtle Trail which DJ took yesterday.

Turtle Trail.
Photo Taken by DJ Saturday.

Turtle Trail As It Appeared Saturday.

Photo by DJ.

DJ said the beach is taking on more of the look of a summer beach.

Dj also brought up the subject of wave refraction, which I'll try to address some other time.

Thanks DJ.

---

We are still having high high tides, and there is a front on the way that might produce some higher surf.

 

Source: MagicSeaWeed.com.

Good hunting,

Treasureguide@comcast.net

11/26/22 Report - A Very Cool Find and A REALLY Old Find. Digital Currency.

 

Written by the Treasureguide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.

Silver Pistol Grotesque Found by Cynthia B.
Photo by Cynthia B.

I received the above photo and following email message from Cynthia B., who provided excellent comments on my Thanksgiving Day post, which I won't include now.  She recommended the movie, Idiocracy, which I haven't seen.  I shortened that part of her email to focus her find.

Just a quick note on this day of Thanksgiving, to thank YOU for your excellent blog that I look forward to and read each day.


I so enjoyed your post today. It is so difficult these days to watch the recent “sweep of history“dragging western civilization back to darkness. I don’t know if you ever saw the movie “Idiocracy” but if not, you may enjoy it, it encapsulates the direction we are heading perfectly.,,


Since you are a fellow detectorist I know you won’t mind if I share with you my greatest find. I doubt I will ever find anything I love more. I was detecting a pasture along the Connecticut River, and finding many wrought iron tent stakes about 10 to 12 inches long and I knew they were old, also tractor bits and a couple oldish coins. Then I found a very badly corroded counterfeit pewter 8 reale. I was thrilled with that even though that coin was in such terrible shape. Then before I headed for home I got a beautiful signal and out came this. It’s roughly an inch and a quarter in diameter. I didn't even know what it was until I posted pics of it on a metal detecting forum online and someone said it looks like a “pistol grotesque”. I did a bit of research on pistol grotesques and yes, it definitely is a decorative silver “grotesque” that adorned flintlock pistols from 1760 to about 1780 or so. It must have popped off someone’s pistol! This pic was snapped before I got it cleaned up. Pretty ferocious looking! Not quite a lions face, but not a mans face either. So anyway, that’s my favorite find. Well, best of luck to you and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

That is a great find Cynthia.  Anyone of us would like to see that coming out of the ground. 

Thanks for sharing.

---

If you like to find old stuff, this one is VERY old - like hundreds of millions.

It was found in a Pennsylvania creek bed.

Coral Head Found by Rob G. In Pennsylvania Creek Bed.

The geologic column of Pennsylvania spans from the Precambrian to Quaternary. During the early part of the Paleozoic, Pennsylvania was submerged by a warm, shallow sea. This sea would come to be inhabited by creatures like brachiopods, bryozoans, crinoids, graptolites, and trilobites.

Thanks Rob.

---

A centrally controlled digital currency is being discussed aby some governments and could become "the" money of planet earth.  Wouldn't it be nice if all money was digital and controlled by a central bank?  I don't think so either.  If you want all of your wealth and transactions to be in the hands of a central agency, you'll love this.   Here is a link for more about that.

What Is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)? (investopedia.com)

I've written for years about coins and physical money being replaced and the effects that would have.   It goes way beyond the disappearance of coins in circulation and on the beach.  That does not even scratch the surface. in

Here are some of the issues described by investopedia in the article.

Issues a CBDC Creates Explained

• The financial structure of the U.S. could drastically change. How a change would affect household expenses, investments, banking reserves, interest rates, the financial services sector, or the economy is unknown
• The effects a switch to CBDC would have on a financial system's stability are unknown. For example, there may not be enough central bank liquidity to facilitate withdrawals during a financial crisis.
• Central banks implement monetary policy to influence inflation, interest rates, lending, and spending, which in turn affects employment rates. Central banks will need to ensure they have the tools they need to positively influence the economy.
• Privacy is one of the most significant drivers behind cryptocurrency. CBDCs would require an appropriate amount of intrusion by authorities to monitor for financial crimes; monitoring is also important because it supports efforts to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
• As has been witnessed on several occasions, cryptocurrencies have been the target of hackers and thieves. A central bank-issued digital currency would likely attract the same crowd of thieves, so efforts to prevent system penetration and theft of assets and information would need to be significant.

I'm sure that would help solve a lot of problems, such as preventing unwanted transactions, making collection of fines and fees automatic, accomplishing reparations, funding political parties and projects, etc. etc. 

---

There are some big high tides now, but the surf is only around three feet.

Good hunting,

TreasureGuide@comcast.net

11/25/22 Report - More Finds Coming In From Eroded Post-Nicole Beaches While Some Beaches Continue to Build.

 

Written by the TreasusreGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.

Finds by Joe D.

Joe sent these photos along with the following email message.

... I found one of those beach spots; that I've only read about; this week!!

Spent about 6 hours (so far) in a 50 x100 foot area digging coin after coin! Unfortunately all clad, which I thought was odd! Oldest coin so far was 1966! But what was amazing was that I could barely take a step, without hitting another target! Even setting down my detector, it would be on other targets!! Trash was light, and I also dug 4 rings and a necklace in this same area! Two were gold, one gold plated! Necklace, I believe is silver! Coin count was 156; mostly clad!!

The other interesting thing about this spot, was how many coins were wedged, in and under the cracks and crevices of the sandstone! First day, I had no tools with me to get to them, but the next morning, when I returned in the rain, I brought a large screwdriver, and a rock hammer, and recovered ALL the previous targets I couldn't get to the day before! Plus still more sand targets, as the spot had eroded about another foot overnight!

Overall, an amazing experience!! And one I would love to repeat...

Rocks At Joe's Hot Spot.

Black Sand At Joe's Hot Spot.

Joe sent a follow-up email, which follows.

   Forgot to mention the obvious black sand, above and around that spot! It took several targets to get the nack of recovering them under the "tree ring" like layers! But my Coiltek 5x10 did a fantastic job overall, as I was hitting targets well over a foot deep, and with zero fatigue on my arm!
I've dug in that black sand before, but one thing I noticed was that it didn't stick to my magnets on my scoop! Though if it was magnatite based, it would be all over both magnets! But it did still interfere with target recovery, once I began to dig the hole! So now I'm curious as to it's properties! Learned really quick to trust my initial signal pinpoint location, and my PI pinpointer, which ignored it!!

Holes by Joe.

Congratulations Joe. Those are the kind of spots I love to detect.

Thanks for sharing.

---

Pepper Park Friday Morning.

Pepper Park shows the effects of Nicole, but it looks like it was the newer dunes that eroded.  The front of the beach has filled in like many other beaches.

Pepper Park Friday Morning.

Pepper Park Friday Morning.

---

We are having some high high tides, but the surf is not big.

Source: MagicSeaWeed.com.

Good hunting,

Treasureguide@comcast.net

11/24/22 Report - Happy Thanksgiving. Comparative Mythology and Today's Myth System.

1.  

Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.

An article from the Smithsonian Magazine declares, "In truth, massacres, disease and American Indian tribal politics are what shaped the Pilgrim-Indian alliance at the root of the holiday."  That is some slippery phrasing that carefully avoids mention of anything posttive. The article continues as follows.

In Thanksgiving pageants held at schools across the United States, children don headdresses colored with craft-store feathers and share tables with classmates wearing black construction paper hats. It’s a tradition that pulls on a history passed down through the generations of what happened in Plymouth: local Native Americans welcomed the courageous, pioneering pilgrims to a celebratory feast.

But, as David Silverman writes in his new book This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving, much of that story is a myth riddled with historical inaccuracies. Beyond that, Silverman argues that the telling and retelling of these falsehoods is deeply harmful to the Wampanoag Indians whose lives and society were forever damaged after the English arrived in Plymouth...

I bet it would be difficult to find a school pageant featuring children dressed in headdresses these days.  Any such child would be quickly shamed for act of violence.  

The 21st century mythology is adores victims - not hero's.   Self-loathing hopeless souls cannot bear the presence of heroes. It makes them look bad, so they have to turn them into villains.   

The woke mythology provides no possibility of redemption or transformation.  The victim is perfect, blameless, and importantly, devoid of any power.  The primary virtue is being wronged, which makes the victim automatically better than the accused.  

The idea that the Wampanoag Indians were "forever" damaged, as the article suggests, shows the hopelessness of the new mythology.  It denies the possibility of redemption, forgiveness and transformation.  That is unlike the great and enduring universal myths, which inspire and lift the soul. 

Joseph Campbell said, “It is by going down into the abyss that you recover the treasures of life. Where you stumble, there lies your treasure.”  One treasure sets you on the perilous journey, but what you discover in the process is a deeper experience of the mystery of being.  The seeker is transformed, and the real treasure is found deep within.  

Whether the Pilgrims and Indians gathered to ate turkeys and potatoes or rats and clams, I'd bet they were glad to have something to eat and happy, in spite the deaths they suffered and the challenges they endured, to survive another day, and gave thanks. 

My wish for you is to have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday appreciating the awe and mystery of life itself.

---

You might find studying comparative mythology helpful for interpreting history and artifacts.  While mythologies might not be entirely true in one way, they reveal much about the human psyche and cultures.

TreasureGuide@comcast.net

11/23/22 Report - Shipwreck Found. Orientalization of the New World. More on Mystery Object. How To Find More.

Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.

Deep Water Shipwreck Discovered.

... For centuries, ships and boats have travelled these waters. Diving archaeologists have registered around 20 wrecks in shallow water. But the lake has never been examined beyond scuba diving depth of around 20-30 metres...

At 410 metres, the autonomous underwater vehicle Hugin from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, found a shipwreck...

Here is the link for more about that.

Shipwreck discovered at the bottom of Norway’s largest lake – possibly 700 years old (sciencenorway.no)

---

Did you know that about the Asian influence in the New World at a very early date?

Here is the abstract from a great article.

This article examines the totality of Asia’s influence on New Spain that resulted from the conquest of Manila in 1571 and the regularization of transpacific trade – more widely known as the Manila Galleons or naos de China – between the Philippines and Acapulco. In its wake, a steady stream of Asian immigrants, commodities, and manufacturing techniques measurably impacted colonial society and economy through a process the author concept of “Orientalism” because of New Spain’s uniquely intimate historical relationship with Asia in the early Modern era.calls “Orientalization.” However, “Orientalization” should in no way be equated with Edward Said’s concept of “Orientalism” because of New Spain’s uniquely intimate historical relationship with Asia in the early Modern era.

Here is the link to the article.

Redalyc.Orientalizing New Spain: Perspectives on Asian Influence in Colonial Mexico

Warren D. has been researching the influence of New World Asian craftsmen on 1715 Fleet artifacts.

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Yesterday I posted the identity of a recent mystery object that was determined to be a Tingsha meditation bell.  DJ found an exact match.  Here is the link.

DOBANI 3" Timsha Bell Embossed Brass Mantra TSB300 C | Reverb

The item is listed as follows: DOBANI 3" Timsha Bell Embossed Brass Mantra TSB300 C

I then found the following information.

The timsha Bells are a ritual artifact by Buddhist Monks, as well as in the Shamanist traditions... These timshas are embossed with the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum in Tibetan. This is the mantra of the deity of compassion, Avalokitesvara, and loosely translates "Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus Blossom."

The funny thing is that I was familiar with that mantra but not the written form and had no idea what type of characters were displayed on the bell.  Thanks to those who tracked it down for us.

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It is not qn accident that some people routinely find more than others.  Back in the day when I was hunting hard and heavy I often said to myself, "If you don't want to do it, do it."  What I was really telling myself is work a little harder and go a little farther.  I didn't really mean to do absolutely anything.  There were limits.  I didn't mean to do things that were illegal or that would do harm to others, for example, but in treasure hunting, you will often benefit by doing the more difficult or inconvenient thing.  My advice to do go beyond your comfort level, does not apply if you take treasure hunting as a leisurely hobby rather than a hardcore pursuit.  If you are out for a little sun and exercise, there is no need to push yourself, but if you really want to find more, you will have to do some things differently, and they probably won't be easy, otherwise you would probably already be doing it.  Below are some of the things that will help you find more, if that is what you really want to do.

First, spend more time hunting.  I remember one day that I started detecting at sunrise and being determined to find a gold ring before quitting, it wasn't until dusk that I finally accomplished the goal and quit for the day.  It was a very small gold ring, but it took me all day to find it, and I didn't stop until I found it.  I doubt that I would have actually hunted all night if that is what it took, but I did keep at it all day.

Walk or drive a little farther than the average detectorist.  When you limit how far you are willing to go, you limit the areas you will work, and one of the most important things for increasing finds is accessing the best areas when they are productive. 

Hunt when the weather keeps other detectorists off the beaches. Be willing to hunt when it is hot, cold or rainy, or whatever.  Remember, though, I am not telling you to do this, set your own limits, but you will find that those who find the most hunt will under difficult or uncomfortable circumstances.

Gain access to areas that keep other out.  Sometimes all it takes is walking a little farther, as I described above, but sometimes all it takes is asking the right people.  And sometimes all it takes is trying.

Do your research.  That might involve reading or it might involve networking.  Or it might mean spending time in the field looking around.

Learn to techniques for dealing with difficult conditions and purchase or invent equipment for dealing of with challenging situations.  That might mean learning to detect in rough water, as just one of many examples.

Take the time to scout around and test and find new good detecting locations.  A lot of detectorists just follow the crowd to the most well-know and popular detecting locations which they hunt all the time.

I didn't provide a complete list but I believe it will give you the idea that there are reasons some people find more than others.  There is little mystery to it.  It is mostly hard work and determination.  If you do the minimum or the average, for whatever reason, you will get minimum or average results.  That is true in most areas of life, including metal detecting.  

I am not telling anyone that they should do these things.  I no longer go at it like I used to when I really wanted to find out what was possible.   At this time in my life, there are other things that are more important in my life and finding a lot is no longer a high priority.

When pushing yourself, be safe , stay within the rules and regulations, and do the right thing by others.

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The tides are still pretty high.

Good hunting,

Treasureguide@comcast.net

11/22/22 Report - Gold Rings and Chain and Diamond Finds. Mystery Item Solved More Quickly Than I Expected.

Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.

Diamond Ring Found by John H.

People are still making finds.  There will usually be some spots that remain productive for a decent period after a storm.  Of course, it depends upon how the particular beach fills or develops after the storm.  

John H. sent these find photos and the following email message.

First of all thank you for the Treasure coast beach reports, I anxiously await each day. I know you put a lot of time, love of the sport and energy into it, much appreciated ! I found a piece of an aircraft on the beach and don't know if it is important or not. I hate to bother people and if it's not a significant find please go no further. It was found the day after the storm on Virginia Forrest beach in Stuart. It's about 20 inches long. Today I found my first gold chain. marked 14k Italy. 36 inches long. I also found my 20th ring ever, also marked 14k "super stoked" along with 5 dollars in clad and several pounds of fishing lead. All in a very small area on Tiger Shores beach.... In the pouring rain. I wish I had something as fabulous as a Spanish coin to show but none have found their way to me yet. Again thank you for your valuable knowledge gifted to your readers and updates on beach conditions. sincerely john h., stuart florida.

14K Gold Chain Found by John H.

Congratulations on the finds John. And thanks for sharing.

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A few readers sent me the link to an article describing a $40,000 ring being found and returned.

$40,000 Diamond Ring Found and Returned.
Source: See FoxNews link below.

A man was searching through sand on a Florida beach when he discovered a $40,000 diamond ring buried below. 

Joseph Cook was combing through the sand on Hammock Beach in St. Augustine, Florida, in October when he found a gem: a diamond ring set in platinum. 

Cook posted videos to his social media, saying he was shocked at his find...

Here is the link to that article.

Diamond ring worth $40,000 is found on a Florida beach — and returned to owner just miles away | Fox News

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My readers come though again.  Glen S. identified the mystery item I posted yesterday as one half of a set of Tingsha meditation bells.  An example of such bells is shown below.

Tingsha Meditation Bells.

I think that is right.  

After Glen got it, Mitch King and DJ got it too.

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I conducted a poll years ago and found that when a detectorist finds one cob there is better than a 50% chance that they will find more than one.

You might have noticed that two of three of those who found their first reale after Nicole found multiple reales.

When you find one, keep looking.

Also after a storm that turns up some old stuff, even if conditions deteriorate some, there is still a good chance that there will be some old stuff found still a week or so later.

We are still having some pretty high tides on the Treasure Coast.

Good hunting,

TreasureGuide@comcast.net

11/21/22 Report - Fascinating Mystery Object That Will Test Your Problem Solving Skills. Some 1715 Objects Still Being Found On T.C. Beaches.

Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.

John Brooks Beach Monday Morning.

I took a look at a couple beaches this morning.  The water had been up pretty high, but not nearly as high as during Nicole.

Above is John Brooks beach as it appeared this morning.  Notice the sand getting piled up in front of the beach.

John Brooks Beach Monday Morning.

There were some musket balls being dug this morning.  IF you find the right spot, there are still a few post-Nicole finds being made. 

 

Turtle Trail Monday Morning.

There was more erosion control bag material visilbe today than yesterday, but not much at all.  You can see some of the material in this photo.

Not many detectorists were out this morning, but there were a few.

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Here is a fascinating mystery object for ID.  It is a small disk with some kind of characters which I haven't identified.  Maybe someone can identify the language.

Two Sides of The Mystery Object.

TM sent photos of his find, and said it is 3 inches across and weighs 3 oz.

Notice the marks on both sides.  On the side shown on the right (above) is what appears to be a hexagon with writing or symbols at three points.  The marks on that side aren''t as clear as those on the other side, which has a dome with some kind of decorative marks. 

I hope someone can make out the characters or symbols.  This one mystery object makes a great project.

Any and all thoughts would be appreciated.

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Source: MagicSeaWeed.com.

No big changes in surf predicted, just a little decrease over the week.

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Does it seem right to you that among the top five biggest donors for the 2022 elections are citizens of other countries that influence U.S. elections more than U.S. citizens?\

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Good hunting,

TreasureGuide@comcast.net