From Business Trip to Gold: My Once-in-a-Lifetime Find in England

In February 2024, I traveled to Nottingham, England on business for my company, John Deere. Little did I know this trip would become a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A few months earlier, I had joined the Midland Detecting Days Facebook group, organized by Tony Cummins, known for their weekly digs. On Saturday, February 21st, 2024, I set out for Staffordshire — my first time driving on the “wrong” side of the road and navigating endless roundabouts. Upon arriving, I was greeted at the gate as “The Yank.”

There were over 70 people detecting that day, and I was fortunate to meet John McGimpsey and his brother David, who kindly loaned me a spade.

Back home in Iowa, I rarely get to detect for a full day, especially in land so rich with history. At 9:05, Tony gave a brief overview and released everyone to hunt. I got started fast with my Manticore, digging as many holes as I could. Within the first two hours I had found a few coins but didn’t stop to study them — I wasn’t very familiar with UK coinage.

Later, while detecting near a stone wall beside an old tree, I hit a root and broke the borrowed spade. I debated heading back to get a replacement but decided to dig 1 or 2 more holes first.

On the very next dig, I held the broken spade awkwardly and pulled the plug. In the hole, I noticed a yellow cast to the dirt. I’d never found gold before, so I didn’t think much of it at first — until I held the coin. The density felt different, and I saw a beautiful angel on one side and a shield on the other.

Moments later, David stopped by and asked if I had found anything. I replied, “I think I have, but I have no idea what it is.” He immediately called out for John, and when they saw it, we all celebrated together in disbelief — I had just found a gold hammered coin!

John called Tony and I’ll never forget hearing him say, “The Yank’s found a gold coin!” I brought it to the finds table, where Lee Davis and others helped confirm and explain what I had unearthed: a Henry VIII Gold Angel, minted between 1509–1526.

The broken spade, the gold Angel, and over 15 coins and relics are now proudly displayed in my home.

It’s going to be hard going back to detecting in the U.S. after this, but I’ll never forget the friends I made and the unforgettable hunt in Staffordshire.