First time detectorists who are coining it in
ATREASURE hunter venturing out with a metal detector for the first time stumbled across an historic find uncovering a half penny that dates back before World War I.
Jake Parr, 30, from Reddish, was exploring the air raid shelters above the Stockport M60 when his brand new detector began beeping. the number one on the other - which leads Jake to believe it could have also been used as a ration token.
He said: “The metal detector said it was 5 or 6cm down so I dug down through the mud. It was the first thing I’d ever found metal detecting, it’s crazy.
“It was a great way to start metal detecting, it is a pretty rare find from before World War I. That coin must have travelled a fair bit and passed through hundreds of hands before ending up in a tunnel in Stockport.
“I had an inkling to go to that spot. I’ve always liked history and anything to do with the Army as I think they do a great job and this combines them both.”
Jake, who works as an actor, is also an urban explorer - venturing into built up areas’ less welltrodden areas.
So he decided the air raid tunnels burrowed into the red rocks above Stockport centre was a perfect place to start his metal detecting career.
He now plans to donate the coin to the Stockport Air Shelters tourist Attraction on Chestergate.
But he is also appealing for anyone with information about the coin or its engravings to get in touch with him.
Jake said: “The other things I found in there were just ring pulls and bits of glass but the coin has motivated me to keep metal detecting.
“There must be a story behind it, particularly with it having a stamp on both sides and I would like to know more about it.”
Anyone with information can contact Jake via his Exploring With Jake Facebook page.