Metal Detectors???

I really want to get a metal detector to maybe find some coins and things. But my delima is I dont want to spend tons of money but I want to get a good one. I looked at a few on ebay for 3-5 hundred dollars and I think thats a bit much I want to see if I can get one cheaper like $150 or under. I cant tell what the differance is between them all any info would be very helpful thanks.

 

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I can tell you from what my studies lead me to purchase. Like any tool, buying a good one will reap the benefits. I looked at many models and purchased a Whites DFX Spetrum E Series. Not exactly a low end model, but not the absolute top of the line model either. It offers many good options. But no tool in itself will ensure results. Do the research for your area, and choose the best tool for what it is that you are hoping to find.

 

Detectors

In the price range you have I would suggest The Tesoro Compadre. Good coin shooting machine. I have seen it for sale online for $159.

Here's a link... http://www.djsdetectors.com/Tesoro/Compadre/Compadre.htm

 

I started detecting a few years ago. Picked up a Bounty Hunty 202 from Walmart for about 200.00. Had fairly good results with it. Found lots of modern coins, a few wheaties, a silver dime, and lots of other interesting things such as keys and toy cars. (Along with enough junk and trash to fill a dumptruck!!) Pretty simple to operate. Found enough stuff to make me want to go out and buy a White's (can't remember the model off hand). Paid around $500.00 on sale. I will say that I prefer the Whites over the Bounty Hunter, but the results have been about the same. If you are just wanting to have some fun, I think the Bounty Hunter would be fine.

 

You will find no machine like a white's, I have used a spectrum for the last ten years, best machine Ive ever owned, you can buy lesser machines at lesser costs but all said and done you get what you pay for in electronics.

I have found wheat cents and other coins as deep as 12 inches with my spectrum,, with the VDI and graph combined with the possible target read out deciding to dig or not is a simple process.

 

1991 whites eagle spectrum here. You can find them for about 3-400 on ebay. Super durable, but heavy. Have to hip mount mine. I can tell penny, dime, quarter, etc and silver rings really easy. Youll almost always make gas money, unless you drive too far!!

 

I have never used a detector before, how can it tell the difference between a penny, dime, or quarter?

 

Some detectors have Target ID or TID, this will give you its best guess on whats in the ground. Many people when they have been at it for a while can tell just from the sound thier dectector makes but there is no way to tell for sure whats in the ground til you dig it.

 

Actually the model that I use will distinguish between copper and silver and nickel. Now some coins will show differently. YellowGold contains Copper, and White Gold contains Nickel.

Now the clad coins offer the same signature as silver.
While my model isn't always right when it is a dime or quarter or half, it has never failed to be in that group. Cents do not register as silver.

 

Not gonna get much of a detector for $150.00. I use a minelab explorer. I started with a mid range whites detector. I found some great stuff with it, Large cents, silver coins. Not many indian heads though.
I bought the explorer, a top of the line detector for $750 on ebay. Great price. They probably can be had for much cheaper now adays.
Anyway, the main thing to successful detecting is location, location, location. If your after old coins. You HAVE to do the research of your area and find old spots. Problem is people have already done this before you. More than likely.
I believe the best places to find untouched spots that produce great old coins are by far Old home sites. You can almost always find at least one cool old coin at old home sites. Some hold alot of neat coins and things.
You must learn your detector and what its telling you too. Its all in the signal not the graph or display. Once you learn what different coins sound like and at different depths. You'll be set to go get some cool old coins. If thats what your after. I am. Jim

 

my only dilemia is I like coins and all but im 16 and just wanted to maybe try metal detcting but 500 bucks is alot. And Im also in too cars so most of my money I have been spending upgrading my car 4600 dollars worth in addition to spending 16 grand on the car in the last year I havent had much money at all..

 

Ferrarii52,, Check the pawn shops and local auctions dont get in a hurry and you will find a deal, when you get your detector start in your own yard, I live in a house here in new mexico that was built in 1954 Ive taken over a hundred coins from my yard, with the oldest wheat cent dating to 1913 also taken mercury head dimes 1917, 1919 1923, and war nickles, silver quarters, silver roosevelts, and various other things to numerous to list,

Like has been suggested, do some research while your looking, for the detector, find where you want to go, and then just follow thru.

 

When you do pick a detector I suggest you try this. Take it to the closest wood chip playground. Lots of targets, easy recovery, you can get used to what the machine is telling you and start to guess what you've found. Zinc cent, copper cent, foil, nickel, etc. Good way to learn, pick up battery money and you just might find a good ring or two.

 

Used a Whites classic three for many years in the Vegas desert. 45miles out in the middle of nowhere, and still found dozens of detachable beer can rings and 22 cases...Look up whites metal detectors on the net, have them send you a catalog, you will like it..GOOD LUCK..

 

Some clarifications

Hi,
I have started collecting for the past few monts.
I have a few questions.
1) If we find any old coin, do we have to report it to some body like the government or we are free to take away what we find.
2) If we find an old coin in somebody's farm, what do we have to pay for the find ?
3) Is there any special web site or guide to choose the location?

Thanks for reading this and your reply.

Happy holiays.

 

1. Not under most circumstances. If you find a large amount, it really gets iffy.
2. You should always ask permission to hunt on someones property and reward them if you find something. Always check the local laws for your area also.
3. There are many sites for treasure hunting. Just do a quick Google site for lost treasures.

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14955&item=5738707699&rd=1#ebayphotohosting

just saw real cheap ones here

i guess there perfect to try out the hobby with.im tempted to get one myself

 

I doubt that.

I'm an avid road bicyclist, and I've seen people buy a cheap mountain bike to use on the road, then decide that riding is not for them because of the poor handling and other characteristics of the wrong equipment they were trying out. I've never used a metal detector, but from what I've read there are real differences of quality, and the same situation is likely to apply.

 

so do you guys just go out to fields and start walking around? or research for sites that might yield some goodies?

 

ive bid on anotherone thats going dirt cheap

i looked around sites to see if any reviews and found a couple of forums saying there decent enough.

it was cheap so i bid will wait and see.


you guys have got me all thinking about detecting now as a kid i did a little bit but very liottle me and my brother had a cheap viking make i think it is.still was fun.

and for where to go well i cant say for the usa but here in the uk anywhere will basically do place is steeped in history.