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Using Metal Detectors Will Grow Your Coin CollectionUsing metal detectors as a companion activity to coin collecting is fairly common. Some start as “detectorists”, then become coin collectors (or even numismatists!) Others do it the other way around.Whatever way you experience the connection between old coins and your metal detector, you will more than likely expand your coin collection. There is no one on earth who hasn’t lost some pocket change along the way. Think of the places near to where you live, or at least within an easy drive… Now think of the amount of time that people have frequented those places… think of the years, the decades – even the centuries of human occupation. What was the coinage of long ago like? What were the common coins used by people during each of those periods? Although you will find plenty of modern coins, remember that coins have been in use for a long time, by many people. Lost coins are like inadvertent calling cards from the people of the past. Finding these will be fun. And often, what you find will be a complete surprise. Bringing an old coin into the light for the first time since its loss -- somehow connects you with another time. And one more thing… you just can’t beat the price of coins found using metal detectors and a little research. So… how do you get started?First, learn a bit about today’s metal detectors. There are several technologies represented in the marketplace. Learn the advantages of each, and what they will cost. Think about the places you will visit. Will you be on dry land? At the beach? Underwater?Talk with suppliers, and then make a purchase decision. You may even be able to rent a detector, just to get your feet wet. Once you have your detector…Learn everything about it. Read the manuals. Test it in your backyard. Who knows? Your first big find could be a few steps out your own door.One way to get to know your detector and what it will find is to bury some objects in your garden or yard. Then “find” them with your new detector. For instance, you could bury common coins at different depths, within the published capability of your device. After you are familiar with the basic operation and capabilities of your detector you are ready to go “coin shooting”. Well, almost. Three things to do before you jump in…
Now… Go do it.As you begin your search, notice the things -- coins and other items -- that you are finding. If you have a detector with the ability to “discriminate” between objects, try using that feature.Next, go over the same area without discrimination feature enabled. You want to get a feel for what you can detect using, or not using, this capability. Bear in mind that discrimination can make your searches go faster – insignificant items like pull tabs and nails are skipped over. But also, there may be valuable items, like gold rings, pins, and so forth that you may be missing. It’s something you will decide over time… Finally…Keep a log of each metal detecting excursion – when and where you went, and of course, what you found. In time this will be a valuable resource for suggesting the kind of new places you should be using metal detectors. And, since no one ever finds everything there is to get in any single outing, your log will tip you to where you should return.Good Hunting!
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