Metal Detecting Tips

What is the best metal detector?
The best metal detector is the one best suited for the job! If you are primarily a coin shooter, you should be looking for target ID and depth indication. If you are primarily a relic hunter, then you should be concerned about how well the detector will compensate for ground minerals. If you are both relic and a coin shooter, then a multi-purpose detector is what you should be focused on.   Once you have made your decision and purchased your new detector, READ YOUR MANUAL!  The best metal detector is also the one you know how to use.


Where can I buy a metal detector?
There are a variety of places to purchase a metal detector.  I personally buy detectors from  Kellyco Metal Detector Distributors.  Kellyco can be found on The Links Page. Don't forget to check the Yellow Pages (metal detector) of your nearest dealer. They can be extremely helpful to new treasure hunters. You might want to check out ebay! for detectors. Just type in "metal detector" or "white's metal detector" in the search field.  I have noticed on ebay that "whites metal detector" makes a difference (no apostrophe).


What accessories will I need while metal detecting?
The basics should consists of gloves, probe, knife, gator digger, (trowel) 18"x18" ground cloth, and a two pocket apron.  Tool belt pouches are a good choice that will hold all of the above to include your finds and trash.


Should I use headphones?
This is purely a personal preference. They do not drain the battery as much as a speaker. In high auto traffic areas they are a must to drown out the background noise. If you use headphones in a suburban area you will not draw attention to yourself as compared to a speaker blasting out. Do I use headphones? ALL THE TIME!  I use Pioneer model SE205 headphones and any of the cheaper ultra-lights.  When using my V3i I use the White's wireless headphones with the updated ear muffs...they are really comfortable and you can wear them all day.


How do I pin-point once a target is detected?
"X" the target area. Swing the coil from left to right and from top to bottom over the target area. Loudest point is center of the target. If the target appears too large, then raise the coil further away from the target. You can also de-tune your detector by rapidly depressing the pushbutton as you swing the coil over the target area. This will make the target appear smaller and easier to pin-point.


How do I retrieve the target from the ground?
Once the target is pin-pointed, use a knife to cut a "half round" plug. Cut straight down into the grass, never at an angle. Hinge it up and over to one side (kind of like a flap). This will keep the grass roots intact. Run the coil over the plug and the hole. It will be in one of them. If it is in the hole, remove the dirt and place it on the 18"x18" ground cloth. This will make clean up easier. Once the target is retrieved, pour the dirt back into the hole, hinge the plug down and tamp it down with your foot. You should not be able to see any evidence of your ground disturbance. Of course, out in the woods or in a field, one does not have to be as meticulous as digging in a nice lawn. 


Do you recommend using a hole plugger?
NO!!! Unless you are a golf course groundskeeper.  Using one will certainly create a "brown" spot (dead grass) and could be pulled up by a lawnmower.  It is best not to use a hole plugger OR cut a round plug.


Where should I start metal detecting, treasure hunting, or coin shooting?
In your backyard! It is a good place to practice the techniques after reading your manual. Once you gain some confidence in using the detector, head on over to the nearest elementary school (with permission) and put your newly acquired skills to work. Why an elementary school? Because kids tend to lose money on the playground. Finding new coins will get you use to how your detector responds and sounds, plus you can practice your digging techniques.  Once you are confident in using your detector, read the article "Where to go Coin Shooting".


Do I need a special metal detector for relic hunting?
Only if hunting for relics is your number one priority, then purchase a detector that is specifically made for relic hunting.  The White's V3i, DFX, DFX300 and the XLT are excellent relic hunting and coinshooting machines.  White's TDI and TDI Pro are manufactured specifically for relic hunting.


How do you clean coins?
You shouldn't clean coins, but if you must, then read the article entitled "Coin Cleaning...To Clean or Not to Clean".  When you dig up a silver coin NEVER ever rub the dirt off to check for the date.  Doing so will lower the value of the coin because of the scratches caused by the dirt.  You may not see the scratches, but when you take it in to a dealer I guarantee that he will inform you that it is scratched and offer a much lower price.


Where can I find out the value of my coins?
On The Links Page is a link to Best Coin which will aid you in determining the value of your coins.  When you sell your coins to a dealer you can expect to receive about 40-50% of retail.  Sometimes a dealer will offer more if it is a coin that will sell faster.


How do I write a permission letter?
Click here for information on permission letters.


How do I identify a coin, token or other metal detecting find?
There are a lot of ways. The internet has opened up an unlimited amount of information for identifying metal detecting finds. There are books and magazines devoted to just about anything that is collectible. If you have exhausted all of your research avenues then try Mark Parker of Western and Eastern Treasures magazines. Over the years he has identified several items for me. The name of his column is "Ask Mark Parker".


How can I find a metal detecting club or treasure hunting partner?
The easiest way is to visit the Lost Treasures web site.  Most metal detecting forums have either a page devoted to finding a partner or you could post that you are looking for a partner in a specific area.


How deep do coins get?
This is a very touchy subject and I will give out information based on my experiences. Coins can get very deep at the beach due to wave action. Coins on land can also get very deep because they were covered over. I would venture to say that 95% of my coins were found in the 3" to 5" range. Some were found a little deeper, mostly in fields that were plowed. A good example: The year was 1984 and I was hunting an old church built in the late 1700's. I found two large cents almost side by side that were only three inches deep. One was an 1797 and the other an 1810. Fast forward to the year 2000. I was hunting an old ball field that use to be a corn field. I received a signal that indicated a dime at 7". Sure enough, it was an 1874 seated Liberty dime.

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