Jessica’s Story

I was welcomed into the Quarter Hoarder group around 2022, shortly after discovering historic metal detecting. As an avid angler and naturalist, who enjoys the local history, I was drawn to detecting as a unique way to combine my love of the outdoors with "dirt fishing”, real-life treasure hunting! I was hooked! (Pun intended).  I found a square nail on my first day swinging a detector, and haven't looked back since. I then quickly connected with others in the community who helped me learn the ropes with my first detector, a Nokta Simplex, before upgrading to a Minelab Equinox 800.

Beyond the thrill of discovery, I value the camaraderie of detecting with friends and researching my finds after a day in the field. For me, the best part of the hobby is uncovering centuries-old relics alongside fellow detectorists. The friendships and connections made through the hobby have been incredible. If only the fields could talk! In addition to detecting, I enjoy the historic research that often precedes detecting of new sites. Some of my favorite finds include a scored 1792 2 Reale, a "Linked States" George Washington Inaugural button, a Vermont volunteer militia Civil War infantry button, a Confederate block I infantry button, and my first Reale, a 1732 1 Reale in near-mint condition, right to the right here! In addition to detecting, I enjoys arrowhead hunting, which is always a thrill when swinging a plowed field! When I’m not hunting with the Quarter Hoarder crew, I detect with the Boyertown PA Historical Society's metal detecting club and a few local friends.

I’m incredibly thankful to have the opportunity to partake in such a fascinating hobby, with amazing detectorist friends, in one of the most historically-rich areas of the country. While our history is young compared to other parts of the globe, there's no better feeling than pulling a 300 year old coin or relic from the ground, which tells the history of the land. In addition to a comprehensive shadow box cataloging system that I maintain for my best kept-finds, I also enjoy sharing the finds and history with the landowners. It’s a great joy and accomplishment in sharing finds with the homeowners who have literal and figurative roots in the ground! 

With a detector in hand, I’d like to think I’m known for: 1.Being the muddiest in the group by days' end, even when there's no mud to be found, 2. Wandering off to befriend every resident farm cat in sight, and 3. The last to leave after a long day, always searching for that last signal! I’m so thankful that detecting has become such a big part of my life and I cherish the friends I’ve made along the way! Outside of metal detecting, I work full-time for a governmental environmental protection agency and hold a B.S. in Environmental Science from Penn State. I resides in Green Lane, PA with my husband and our two cats, Cheddar and Colby Jack, and I enjoy fishing, running, traveling, horseback riding, and volunteering with a cat rescue as well as a teacher in her role as a therapeutic riding instructor for people with disabilities. 

Happy hunting!