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🏆 DIGSTOCK V – The Largest Metal Detecting Event the World Has Ever Seen

Updated: Aug 13

In March 2023, Digstock V made history. Hosted on over 9,000 acres of private farmland in Leggett, North Carolina, this event shattered records and redefined what’s possible in the world of metal detecting.

With well over 1,700 participants, the final headcount was impossible to tally. Friends, families, sponsors, media, and guests from around the world converged for what became the largest metal detecting event in recorded history—surpassing every known event globally.


As one can probably imagine an event this size leaves quite the footprint! Check out the image below where we took up just over 2 acres of just set up!


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🌍 A Global Community Comes Together

For the first time ever, all 50 U.S. states were represented, along with participants from nine countries and multiple Canadian provinces. Attendees traveled from as far as Australia, Singapore, Poland, and Turkey to take part.


This wasn’t just an event—it was a global celebration of history, community, and the thrill of the hunt.



🕯️ A Landscape Rich with History

The Leggett property boasted sites ranging from early 1700s homesteads to Civil War encampments, layered with centuries of untold stories waiting to be uncovered.


🧭 Notable Discoveries Included:

  • A War of 1812 military button

  • Spanish silver Reales

  • A rare Virginia 1-piece Civil War button

  • Dozens of colonial and large cent coppers

  • Hundreds of early silver coins



But that’s not all—Native American artifacts dating back over 13,000 years to the Clovis period were found in abundance. Thousands of stone tools, projectile points, and ceremonial items were brought to light, telling stories long buried beneath the surface.


So many treasures were discovered that we filled nine full 8-foot tables with Riker cases and finds boxes, showcasing just a portion of what was uncovered during the multi-day event.



🌙 A Night to Remember: Sponsored by Minelab


✨ Minelab Night Hunt

As darkness fell, lighting-up wristbands and pin-pointers led the way. Without full detectors and only with glowing wristbands, participants raced to unearth thousands of dollars in silver, relics, and tokens, racing against the moon lite sky. Hidden across the field were thousands of dollars in silver, tokens, and relics, creating a nighttime adventure filled with laughter, strategy, and adrenaline. It was unlike anything ever attempted at a detecting event before.



🎸 Live Music, Cornhole & Camaraderie

Before the official kickoff meeting, attendees gathered under the open skies for a live music performance and an epic cornhole tournament, where teams competed for cash prizes and bragging rights.


From morning to night, the sense of community was powerful. Whether you were an experienced relic hunter or a first-time participant, everyone felt welcomed and inspired by the atmosphere.



🍔 Food, Drinks & Distilleries

To keep everyone energized, the event featured multiple food trucks serving hot meals and snacks throughout the day.


Adding a festive touch, not one but two distilleries were on-site:

  • Weldon Mills Bourbon

  • Tarboro Brewing Company


Their offerings kept spirits high (literally and figuratively) and provided the perfect complement to long days of exploration.


🤝 Sponsors & Vendors: A Who’s Who of the Industry

Digstock V brought together the biggest names in the industry alongside passionate small businesses. This wasn’t just another trade show—it was a full marketplace and knowledge hub for the detecting world.


🏆 Major Brands Onsite Included:

  • Minelab Metal Detectors

  • Garrett Metal Detectors

  • First Texas (Fisher, Teknetics, Bounty Hunter)

  • Nokta Metal Detectors

  • XP Metal Detectors

  • Sunbelt Equipment Rentals

  • Sig Sauer Firearms

  • American Digger Magazine

  • GPAA & LDMA Gold Associations


Yes, Sig Sauer Firearms was officially on site—not just sponsoring, but actively engaged with our community.


🛍️ Supporting Small Businesses Included:

  • Gone Fishin

  • Rebel Iron

  • Sidney Dive Team

  • Rum Runner Dive Shop

  • Mississippi Prospecting

  • And many more!


💬 Final Thoughts: More Than a Hunt

To say Digstock V was just a metal detecting event would be an understatement. It was a historic gathering, a festival of exploration, and a testament to what our community can accomplish together.


From the depth of the finds to the diversity of people, from ancient artifacts to modern friendships, this event set a new global standard.


📍What’s Next?

We’re not slowing down. Digstock V was just the beginning of what’s to come. Bigger digs, new locations, and fresh surprises await.


📣 Subscribe to our mailing list or follow us on social media to be the first to know about future events.


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