Metal Detecting — Collectors Universe

My 2026 metal detecting diary

Göttinger — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 12:05:07 +0000

In this thread I would like to document all my finds of 2026, the good ones and also the bad ones.

Currently we are inbetween two cold and frosty winter storms, so I took advantage of the one day the ground was only slightly frozen and not rock-hard and impenetrable.

The local sports field yielded just a few better finds and plenty of trash - about 45 pieces of bottle caps, nails, screws and canslaw went straight to the garbage bin.

So here are my 5 keepers - a mid-1800's bullet, a flat button, a spendable 2 Cent coin and a 50 Pfennig coin from the 1970's. The best find for the day was a pretty damaged brass jeton from the mid-1500's.

A Confession, a "What the Heck is That?", and Further Adventures.

CharlotteDude — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 14:37:50 +0000

First, the confession. I've been detecting since the Fall of 2020, after the wife gave me a Garret ATPro for my birthday - (little did she know what she was creating!). The ATPro is a good detector, and I've learned a lot using it, but decided to expand to the Minelab Equinox. Fast forward to recent times, and I'm probably approaching 100 hunts. During all this time, I've read the updates on the metal-detecting forum with much interest, privately enjoying the "finds" many of you have experienced, yet I’ve never posted anything... until today. While I've found many hundreds of items, coins - mostly clad/copper cents, I've been very fortunate to find many silver pieces as well - a few Barber Quarters & Dimes, Standing Lib Quarters, and many silver Merc/Rosie dimes and Washington Quarters, jewelry/rings, etc... So I wanted to thank you all for the insight and stories you've provided that have helped me hone my rudimentary skills over a short period of time.

Now on to the "What the Heck is That?"

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to hunt an old farm site (circa 1825). After a few hours of sifting through numerous clad and copper hits in the front & side yards, (the copper was all Memorial cent-era), I decided to shift over to the back yard. I was happy to hit a couple of silver pieces near a large pine tree (Rosie dime & Washie Quarter), which got the adrenaline pumping, but after an hour or so, I just kept hitting on more clad dimes & Memorial cents. It was like someone had at one time simply flung a roll of dimes & pennies into the yard back in the 70's for a kid’s “change hunt”. Keeping the momentum going, I hit on a target that was ringing up just like the multiple Memorial cents I'd already pulled from the ground. I even said to myself as I prepared to dig the hole "Ok, let's go get that Memorial cent!" Once I pulled the plug, a large clog dropped into the hole - about 6-7 inches deep. After pinpointing the target within this clog, I pulled it out and broke it in two. Upon turning the "hot half" over, I saw this...

I immediately thought... "What the heck is that... a foreign coin?"... until I pulled it from the layer and turned it over... I immediately recognized it, and have to say I was blown away.

After getting it home and giving it a rinse, here 'tis - along with the Rosie & Washie. I'm surprised given the amount of its remaining detail - most of the Barber dimes I've found have been well-worn, nearly wafer-thin. I'd give it an XF? grade with a few hairlines, which is to be expected from spending decades in the ground. It's definitely the oldest silver (I've uncovered several large cents) and the first and only Seated Liberty coin I've yet to find.
The wife likened it to finding a "little silver unicorn".

I have permission to metal detect 5 acres.

Olympus620 — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 19:51:42 +0000

I have been given permission to metal detect 5 acres of wooded property from a close friend and his gf. She actually owns the property and stated several times her grandfather would bury money instead of using the bank. My question is if I was to find something valuable what is a normal price to pay the land owner? We have not discussed sharing any finds at all.

Buying a metal detector for the first time

sanjoseslug — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:24:47 +0000

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to go about selecting my first metal detector? I'm retired and would like to pick up the hobby, and see that Amazon and other online companies have things at all different price levels, but could use some help in finding out what to look for when selecting one to purchase?

My metal detecting finds: 2014 to the present

Bayard1908 — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 18:56:48 +0000

I went to one of my favorite parks today to see if it was clear enough of snow to do some detecting. When I got there, a father and son were already metal detecting. I stopped and talked with them. The father said that it wasn't possible to dig much more than an inch deep because the ground was frozen.

I went to the other side of the park and started detecting. I got some good deep hits, but, couldn't dig deep enough to recover them. I was about to quit and go home when I decided instead to turn down the sensitivity on my machine. I turned the sensitivity low enough that the machine would only detect shallow targets.

I dug up about $3 of shallow clad. Normally I would consider this to be a dud of a hunt; however, this winter has been so long and harsh that I was happy to find anything.

1914 D cent!

GeorgeB — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 18:59:45 +0000

I found this the other day metal detecting. Should I have it cleaned and graded? If I do go that route, how much would it cost?

been a while since ive seen one of these in the dirt

ebaybuyer2 — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:33:57 +0000

back at the old school house where i learned my equinox 800 - in an area where the grass is usually waist high

a BETTER picture ... of a good find

ebaybuyer2 — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 02:38:18 +0000

youre a long way from home barbie !!!

My finds November 2025 and on

MtW124 — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 02:35:23 +0000

I’m starting this so I don’t keep starting new discussions. There not as good as most on here but I’m going to share what I find.

Merry Christmas and Happy NEW Year

nooraden1 — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 23:41:55 +0000

Wishing you Merry Christmas & happy New Year

$107.56 Detecting Today

pocketpiececommems — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 01:37:23 +0000

Of course when I do my find totals I don’t count my paper finds. I made sure that I walked the fence line but no more paper Best weather for detecting this year so far

Finding Arrowheads

rooksmith — Tue, 26 May 2026 19:46:56 +0000

Does anyone have advice on using a metal detector or something like it to look for arrowheads and bone fragments. I have no idea. So I am just throwing it out there.

Thanks

My finds - 2026 : A small park in an even smaller town (5-16-26)

Boosibri — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:44:40 +0000

Went to a park in a very small town which is situated next to a general store from 1868. The store now is a bit of a Frankenhouse, built on and added to over the years, but the storefront façade remains clear

The historical aerials show the park having a ballfield in the same spot which one is today. I searched around the area near the dugout and stands with two notable finds, an 1846 Large Cent and a very nice 1944 Mercury dime.

On the books for the year and running out of places to hunt!

WHY WOULD A 1980P QUATER WEIGH 6 GRAMS :)

Sonnydew420 — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 22:43:40 +0000

Hi i was weighing out quarters an came across a couple of 1980 p an was weighing them one came out to be 5.6 for second then to 5.5 mine doesn't do the hundredth.. Then i throw the second one on an its 6.1 an drops to 6 theres nothing wrong with the coin looks in good condition.. Its also looks a whole lot thicker an it has more crisp looking edges instead of rounded..

PICTURES:

https://www.facebook.com/thayneslovson

Thanks,
Girlfriend

F A head stamp identification

MtW124 — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:22:20 +0000

I’m am having difficulty identifying this cartridge. I found it today at an old park. Thanks for any help.

1st hunt of 2026

threefifty — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 19:28:30 +0000

Broke out the old CTX and hunted some areas where dirt had been moved at a favorite local park. Got very lucky and ended a 15-year long drought on Standing Liberty quarters, I hadn't found one since 2011! Found a Washington quarter and a few wheats also, was a really nice day to detect.

Which series are the hardest to find?

Boosibri — Sun, 18 May 2025 21:59:42 +0000

Putting aside coins pre-Seated period and the dollar denominations which are all obviously extremely rare to find, how would you rank the coins in order of hardest to easiest to find?

The Contestants:
Seated Half
Seated Quarter
Seated Dime
Seated Half Dime
Barber half
Barber quarter
Barber dime
Walking lib half
Franklin half
Standing Lib quarter
Washington quarter
Merc dime
Roosie dime

Best/Favorite Finds of 2025

CharlotteDude — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 20:35:00 +0000

It seems like many are having to take an extended break (at least everyone on the East Coast) from detecting due to all the recent snow and ice events, plus sub-20 degree temps. Since new-find posts have been far and few between, and we’re still in January, I thought it would be a good opportunity for everyone to post what they consider their best and/or favorite finds from 2025.

I’ll get things moving with a recovery from back in August… a Spanish 1 Reale - and a first for me:

A close 2nd was this tough date 1919-D Standing Lib. I find an avg of 5-6 “Standers” every year, but none have compared to this date/mintmark combo.

Detecting finds from an old farm house.

MtW124 — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 19:53:00 +0000

I had a few hour the other day and here is what I found. I like the old nails. Also, a couple of inches above the 1925 P Indian Head nickel were some nails and a 1947 P nickel. I learned from an old timer to always swing back over the dig just in case something was masked from whatever sat above.

Found one, please delete

rte592 — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 21:22:52 +0000

Delete, thanks

I finally went detecting again

Göttinger — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 11:52:09 +0000

After I could not go metal detecting for almost 3 months due to my work schedule, yesterday I went to a local park again. Unfortunately I did not find anything good, just a few Euros, 2.11 Deutsche Mark, a totally destroyed 2 Pfennig coin from the 1870's and a 1862 kingdom of Hannover 2 Pfennig coin.

Anyone ever try magnet fishing?

kevinstang — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 17:57:29 +0000

I've been watching a lot of videos this winter on people doing this (especially love the ones in Europe where they pull out old helmets and sub machine guns etc..) thought I might give it a try this summer. Bought a neat little magnet off ebay- sucker will lift a 12 pound cannon ball or two foot section of train rail like nothing. There are a lot of old bridges and small streams in my area of upstate NY, who knows what might be in them. (I've also got a Garrett GTpro if I need to explore further I guess).So anyone here have any tips or success stories?

a recent find

ebaybuyer2 — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 02:06:20 +0000

looks like a belt plate / buckle

Parking lot finds

pocketpiececommems — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:48:39 +0000

Not much detecting going on here as I've been doing a lot of subbing. I've stopped by the High School on the way home and walked the student parking lot three times and found $1.86 in change. No bills yet but it does happen there at times.

Silver Mechanical Pencil found in an old park

MtW124 — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 23:55:49 +0000

This was about 8” deep.

Farm barn find

johnny9434 — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:47:50 +0000

Found this in an old barn years ago. I have no idea what the farmer was doing with it. Anyway I gave it a good home 🏡
Note: i dont know what the $6 is either, I dont remember

Metal detected this cartridge a month back and can’t find the maker

MtW124 — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:25:10 +0000

If anyone can help I would appreciate it. Thanks.

My metal detecting finds from 2020 to present

pcgs69 — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 16:05:53 +0000

Gotta say I like the idea of having all of your finds in one thread so will try it going forward!

Got out yesterday to a spot I’ve hit several times in the past. Was hoping to squeeze out a war nickel or something small as a keeper. Ended up getting a walking liberty half!

Italian gold find

johnny9434 — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:12:45 +0000

Got this at a school yesterday

Where are you located

gene2393 — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:04:35 +0000

Wondering with all the people still active on here where are you located. I am in se Idaho

Your most interesting coin spills / pocket spills

Göttinger — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:07:17 +0000

I always have been interested in coin spills, especially with a nice variety of different coins in them. They show you wich different coins actually circulated side by side, even if they belong to totally different coin series or even different currencies (for example a early 1800's coin spill in the USA could simultanuously contain US, British, Spanish and probably even other foreign coins).

What were your most interesting coin spills? Either because of the large variation of coins (or lack of variation) in it, the large date span between the individual coins or other aspects wich are interesting to you.

Some Finds from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan Copper

TLivingston — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:35:06 +0000

I went up to Houghton Mi in the upper peninsula and found what I think is called float copper. Has anybody else hunted for this type of copper? It was a lot of fun!
Tim

Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector, Garrett Pin Pointer, Bag, Gloves, Knife, Coil Protect

raiderguy10 — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 21:04:18 +0000

I know this isn't directly coin related, but I have an Ace 250 metal detector with all the accessories you need to begin metal detecting as a hobby. It comes with a Garrett pin pointer, carry bag, Garrett edge digger to dig up the objects, coil protector, etc.

The Ace 250 is largely regarded as the perfect beginner metal detector. This detector is roughly 6 years old and has roughly 15 hours of use on it. The condition I would say is excellent (almost like new), and I was able to use the pin pointer on the machine and successfully dig items within about 20 minutes of use. It is EXTREMELY user friendly, accurate, and fun.

The campgrounds I go to are no longer allowing digging, and therefore I no longer have a use for the machine.

Asking $250 delivered on everything, and retail value is close to $400 with everything you'll receive.

A new discovery that surf metal detectorists know well

Barberian — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 21:17:41 +0000

Concretions on rusted metals and slag. Somebody showed an old coin covered with concretions I believe on this board once.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/industrial-waste-is-turning-into-a-new-type-of-rock-at-unprecedented-speed-new-study-finds/ar-AA1GTf04?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=9f9b9128f66c4215921ab41408c5d767&ei=52

Coal mining town finds

mr1931S — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 04:43:13 +0000

Most of the silver coins we're finding are Seated Liberty pieces. Halves, quarters, and dimes all found. This is just the tip of the iceberg. One detectorist found these in a few hours time. The dime is an 1877-CC. I'm thinking there is a gold coin or two waiting to be found at this location...

Find more stashes.......

AUandAG — Sat, 24 May 2025 19:13:30 +0000

When conflicts strike or wars are near. Or even in rowdy camps; miners and owners did not keep their money in their homes or such.
What they did was bury the "stash" outside but in plain view from the bedroom window. That way they could keep an eye on it from the relative safety of their house.
If attacked and ransacked the stash was safe.
So, when looking at old cabins, foundations, use your imagination and detect where it's visable to the structure but not visable to a raider or thief.
Just a hint.
And may you be the first to post a real find here!! Good luck!!

Any idea what this coin is?

Boosibri — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:55:14 +0000

Silver found deep at an old site in Michigan. Size of an half dime. Only other image can find of it is of a similar circumstance from a site in PA. https://www.coincommunity.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=72667

Any ideas?

Found on the highway

1630Boston — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:20:27 +0000

Working surveying and reconstructing a roadway here and stumbled upon this treasure.

Advice

Tyromancy — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 03:40:05 +0000

I'm mostly a collector a silver coins that I happen across in the day to day, and I thought metal detecting might be lucrative. I'd love to be able to collect enough silver to exchange for gold or even find gold one day. In this economy, I can't afford gold, but I can afford to maybe find it with a metal detector. I planned on spending 300 on a detector. What do you all think? Is it worth it?

vintage Shotgun Headstamp Identification

MtW124 — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 13:09:33 +0000

Hi all, I was out detecting last Tuesday for my first outing on a farm house built in 1923. I uncovered two of these within a half of a foot apart. they were about 8" deep and under an old dead walnut tree. If anyone can tell me a range of years, I would greatly appreciate the help.

Spring has sprung for me

Namvet69 — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:56:35 +0000

Pretty nice day along the Delaware River. First dig of this season
Very satisfying finds for me. The IHCs are nothing to write home about but the 1807/6 large cent and a 1864 2 cent piece are decent. All were 5-6" down in loamy soil. The 7/6 is the large 7 variety which is cool. The 2 c "WE" is clear so that's good too. Enjoy the pics. Peace Roy

How do I clean corroded 90% silver coins?

Göttinger — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 20:27:19 +0000

Hello fellow detectorists,

usually silver coins and relics come out of the ground pretty clean. But sometimes the soil is pretty harsh wich can lead to the formation of a nasty crust on the silver (I'm not talking about the natural silver sulfide patina). Depending on the conditions sometimes iron oxides (rust) from the soil form a additional layer of crust around the corroded silver item.

I am looking for a way to remove such corrosion spots and encrustations without damaging the coin underneath. Do you have any tipps or suggestions for me?

Shipping a detector

jfoot13 — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 22:07:53 +0000

I wanted to ship a Garrett GTI 1500 to the factory in TX for a repair so I took it to the UPS store and they quoted me $45 to package it and $170.00 to ship it ????? It's going from Pittsburgh PA to Garland TX How do you guys ship these things?
Thanks
Ken

ive been searching for evidence of a long gone homestead that is on an 1860 map

ebaybuyer2 — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 05:47:52 +0000

after five trips to this area, and no luck, map overlay shows its right here, but im not finding anything ... then the sound of a moderately deep coin, i dig into the dry powdery soil, about 6" and out comes a brown disc roughly 26mm in diameter, i found a large cent !! heart beating i splash on some soapy water, rub the thick dirt away for a better look and no ITS a sacagawea DOLLAR .. no picture because i threw it as far as i could

any of you hard core detectorists have a CLUE what this is ?

ebaybuyer2 — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 02:24:14 +0000

found years ago and every so often i look at it and wonder what the heck it is.
its made of lead, backside is blank, about an 1/8" thick
google lens shows jack. cant be the only one that exists

DELETE

bennybravo — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 19:39:21 +0000

End of season for me...

gene2393 — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:24:10 +0000

I'm counting this as my end of the year unfortunately it's getting to cold for me to get out and the ground is getting hard quickly. The following are my totals for the year. Not many trips out this year but still did well.

Quarters- 103
Dimes- 169
Silver- 1948s
Nickels - 78
Silver- 1943p
Buffalo - 1935 p
Nodate
Pennies- 311

Wheats-
1944s
1946
1946s
1848d
1956d
1957d
1946d
1941d
1919s

Total- 45.85

Jewelry
Bracelet - 1
Rings-7

Finally......

gene2393 — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 17:18:21 +0000

I finally dug my first buffalo nickel out of the ground, I've found a couple over the years in change but never dug one until last night. Top it off there's a date 1935...

My first finds of Nov 2024

MtW124 — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:17:03 +0000

Went out this morning and found some great finds. Here they are enjoy.

WHAT DID I JUST FIND????

The_Quarter_Hoarder — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 23:05:58 +0000

Okay so i was metal detecting and found a large cent with a small hole in the middle and a line down the center and across the face WHAT IS IT?