OK so the metal detector thread got me thinking and I may consider buying one from someone I know if I can get a hold of him. Anyway, to find out if it would be worth it, I was wondering what everyone has found while metal detecting. Now don't say that it doesn't matter what you find all that matter is if you have fun, well this may be true but it won't be much fun spending a couple hundred bucks and not finding anything lol. I live close to the beach and have access to it whenever I want so this wouldn't be a problem. What has everyone found metal detecting post now
Bought a Radio Shack detector at a yard sale for $4.00 complete with brand new batteries. Took it out in the yard to find the property line pin. The machine started acting up when I got close to where I thought I saw the steel pin years ago. Dug down and found a rusty beer can. Next I randomly tossed a foreign coin within 6 feet of my front steps and tried to find it with the detector. Nope, the coin is still out there somewhere in the grass. I even cut the lawn short with the mower and raked the area. Nope, coin has vanished. Put the detector away. That's my total experience with metal detectors!
Victor: Buy a better detector. You will find stuff, believe me, I have. Unless you live on Long Island, then they suck, don't buy one..
Well, I got mine for $200 five years ago, and I've never really detected anywhere other than my back yard. I have detected at about 3 other sites and not found much (however I do have a promising lead). In the two back yards I've lived in, however, I found the following coins: 1 Walking Liberty half 2 Silver Washingtons 2 Silver Roosies 3 Silver war-time nickels 3 Buffalo nickels (two worn out, one 1916, and in extremely nice shape, other than the dark brown color it's gotten since it's been in the ground) about 18 wheat cents 1 1908 IHC 1 1935 dog license 1 1950's toy car (with the blue color still intact on the entire car) 1 1920's Fiancee brand powder compact Numerous modern coins So, the short version is, I recommend the detector. And don't make the same mistake I did. As soon as you get that great machine, do as some research as humanly possible. I did very little, which is why I haven't actively used my machine in several years. I plan to start again, though, and begin something of a detecting renaissance. I hope you get it, and if you do, good luck!
What has Long Island have to do with it? I think this four dollar Micronta 3001 deserves a few more chances. I downloaded and printed the instruction manual.
Since 2002 I have found over 20,000 coins with my detectors. Among them.... 1943S Walker,1894 IHC,1911 V nickel.
Let us know what happens. Any suggested areas to find stuff? I would think my yard and the beach would be good places. Where else? Edit: and nice finds everyone else!
Victor: Just kidding...I live there and there is enough competition. I prefer Whites, especially the DFX. But the Garrett 250 is a great machine for a lot less bucks. Stay out of Radio Shack.
Howdy all, Love the detector discussions. Long time collector and a history buff, but looking to retire next year and am thinking about taking up detecting. In addition to beaches, I would think old school yards, parks, old building sites, playgrounds would all be prime areas. I noted that Jim mentioned checking real estate mags for old houses for sale and calling the realtor for permission. Any other permissions you need to get for public lands? Any other recommendations or advice. thanks much, rono
rono: #1: STAY OFF OF FEDERAL LANDS! They are all off limits and you could get arrested. 2) Most state parks are okay, some require permits, just call them and ask. Most schools are okay, but, if asked to leave-- just go. When in doubt-- ask. Also: ALWAYS clean up and fill your holes. Good luck.
Thanks, Frank, What does everyone use for digging? I've got a small backhoe - would that work? ;-) Seriously, a garden hand trowel? Also, any good books on the subject? I know there are some magazines, but a book would be easier to digest. thanks again, rono
My finds have included about $2.00 dollars in change. All modern, I think the oldest is about 1960. I haven't tried any older sites yet though.
Try this book, by Michael Chaplin, The Urban Treasure hunter, available at Square One Publishers. http://www.squareonepublishers.com/titles_urbantreasure.html Also, check out: Lost Treasure (magazine) & Western & Eastern Treasures (magazine) American Digger (magazine).
I've found an Antique Sun Dial from the early 1900s in my back yard. Has 1910 stamped on the bottom. Havn't found any coins in my yard yet though. We have a ranch and my uncle found 2 $20 gold eagles on it from 1920s. He says he never detects out there much, but it's definitely a gold mine, because there used to be horse races on the ranch for a long time back in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Pretty wild. I've only detected on it twice and found scrap so far. It's a long ways from here, but I'm definitely planning to go out there again soon.
