Coin shooting (hunting for coins) can be a highly enjoyable and profitable pastime.
Detecting a single valuable coin is certain to off-set the cost of investing in a high-performance metal detector. A great variety of low-value coins are certain to be located on a beach or in the park, but with practice a more valuable fine is a certain possibility. A metal detecting tool is quite straightforward to use and the technology continues to evolve.
Below are some common tips for working the metal detector in the most efficient way of locating the metal artifacts and coins:
Learning to operate the metal detector
A detector is a high performance device designed to generate an alternative current to produce a pulse to the detecting coils. A metal detector pulses an electric current in a downward direction which enters the ground surface. On detecting buried objects a magnetic field is generated and a result of this is a pulse which signals the control box and emits the beep or tone noises. Practicing in the back yard is certain to help get a better understating of the operation of the device including reading the monitor screen, determining the different tone IDs, and audio discrimination.
Get Must-Have Supplies
A quality selection of metal detector supplies is certain to include high-tech headphones to filter out background noise. Many of the detectors are designed to detect metal objects at a depth in the region of 12-inch. A dime or nickel is detected at a depth of 4 – 8 inch, while a quarter is detected at greater depths of 6 – 12 inch. For locating buried object a trowel is highly beneficial and should include a blade at 12-inch. A quality set of gloves give the ideal grip for handling the metal detector. A pointed, sharp knife is perfect for digging a small sized hole for checking for buried treasure.
Have knowledge of coins
Read up on articles and catalogs to get an appreciation of values and coin collecting in general. Walking Liberty half-dollars, Buffalo nickels, and Indian pennies are likely to be more valuable. A coin dated pre-1965 is certain to contain more silver.
Knowing where to Treasure Hunt
Prior to starting out with metal detecting it certainly helps to research the prospective search sites, such as those relating to ghost towns, battlefields, and historical areas. Search near old properties for a variety of potential finds. A battlefield is likely to offer old coins, buttons, uniform insignia, and bullets. Picnic areas, camp sites, fairgrounds, old ball fields, and secluded beaches are certain to offer a perfect spot for metal detecting. A camp site or woodland trail is certain to offer the chance of locating rare coins. Elsewhere, old ponds, river banks, and lake shores are perfect for metal detecting.
Obtain prior permission before detecting
Make certain to read up on local rules and regulations relating to metal detecting. Certain areas are prohibited in relation to searching for buried objects. If hoping to search on private property, it is necessary to first get permission from the land owner. And when digging on private land it helps to abide by basic rules like making certain land is repaired after holes are dug.
Use the metal detector properly
Aim to sweep the metal detector in front of you and gently swing side-to-side as you are walking forward. Make certain to sweep the entire trail and avoid missing areas. And get to know how to use the pin pointer. A detector will start to emit a LOUD beep with the coil is directly over the top of a potential object. Avoid digging recklessly by using the full benefits of the pinpointing device.
Retrieve objects with care
If a metal detector emits a beep make certain to dig the area to avoid scratching the coins or similar hidden objects. Using a knife it is possible to cut out a semi-circular plug close to the area to help with unearthing the object. A detecting helps with searching any loose plugs or earth. Once an object is found, it makes sense to replace the plug and dirt.
Identify objects prior to cleaning
Invest in a reference guide or catalog to identify hidden coins or similar metallic items. Avoid using abrasive cleaners on recently retrieved coins since this can devalue or damage them.