Metal Detecting in Ivanovo Region, Central Russia (Story 16)
This was a "fish scale" - an early Russian wire money. Because this silver hammered coin was struck twice on both sides, I could not decipher the lettering on the reverse to determine the Tsar's name, therefore, I could not identify the coin.
Still it was a great find probably dated back to the 16th century.
When I recovered the handle of a modern aluminum spoon, I decided to take a break and bring my good news to the party table.
The party was in full swing, but when I showed my finds, there was a minute of dead silence. I took advantage of the moment and drank a shot of vodka to get a little warmer after having been out in the open with cold night winds.
Whoever could hold a metal detector, they got up and ran to grab their machines and shovels. But before we went back to my hot spot, someone took a picture of us, the "happy campers," each happy in his/her own way.
At least four people left the food and spirits at the table and joined me for a night hunt. They spread around my hot spot, and I was curious if this spot, 25 square meters in size, was the only productive spot at this location. Now, with a few more people metal detecting, it was the time to find out.