I recently bought a metal detector and would like to know if any of you can advise me on how to detect old coins in the desert. Old house foundations, specific geographical features, ect. that would increase my luck in finding something.
Don't know about your neck of the desert, but in mine I detect around old military bases where I can see barracks were located. I like the beaches along the river, as tourists lose everything you can imagine. And, if your city will allow it, any local parks...just be sure to fill in any hole you might dig or they might not let you come back. Parks have been the best for me, and we have several that are over 100 years old. Good luck!
If you can identify the path that some one might have taken from the drive way to the front door is always a good path and if they had a clothes line search between the poles. Sound goofy but try it!
I've been going out into the desert right off of Hunt HWY in Florence, AZ. Way out, there are foundations from old houses. And a giant wash. Looking around the foundations seems like a waste of time. Hundreds of nails, brass rifle casings, and other junk is all over the ground. The bullet slugs I found were neat. I'll check the wash. I might find gold nuggets or something else. If I knew more about the history of the area, I'd know where to search.
Search by where the porches would have been and the path to the outhouse. If there are wooden fence posts, search around those too. Rest area trails can be nice as well.
Look for landmarks that were visible from the kitchen or bedroom windows, eg. an old tree, stone wall etc.. People would bury things away from their residences but like to keep an eye on them from home.
I think trying around your own house to start with is a good idea. I don't use metal detectors but houses and the surrounding yard are good. In fact several years ago my dog decided to dig a hole next to a fence post at my previous home and dug up a standing liberty quarter, and I have found older wheat cents around some older homes of friends of mine. People loose stuff all the time.
