| Metal detector coins are really no different than | | | | to get started. |
| other coins, except that at some point in the | | | | What kind of coins can be found with a metal |
| past, they were lost. As the technology of | | | | detector? |
| detectors has improved, so have these devices | | | | Again, almost any kind of coin that has ever been |
| become more available. Many a coin collector has | | | | made. Modern detectors are designed to |
| emerged from an afternoon of searching a beach, | | | | discriminate between different metals. And it is |
| an old playground, or even a backyard. | | | | possible to filter the feedback from the device to |
| So what kind of coins can I expect to find with a | | | | emphasize or exclude coins of one composition or |
| metal detector? | | | | another. |
| Depending on where you look, you could find | | | | Can I find valuable coins? |
| virtually any type of coin that has ever been | | | | Most of what you will find will be common rather |
| made. Remember that everyone has lost a bit of | | | | than rare. After all, most of the coins in circulation |
| pocket change along the way, and most of us | | | | now, as in the past, are common within their |
| have found some as well. | | | | historical context. |
| What kind of coins do you want to find? | | | | But don't forget, prior to 1965 dimes, quarters, |
| What would be more exciting to find - a modern | | | | and halves were made of 90 percent silver. And |
| dime or quarter made by the bazillions from a | | | | prior to 1933 gold coins were in use. |
| tough copper-nickel alloy, or a solid silver coin | | | | Won't they be kind of messed up from being in |
| made when your great grandfather was a small | | | | the ground, or underwater? |
| boy? | | | | Sure. |
| Think about it... coins are made to circulate among | | | | They'll be heavily tarnished and dirty for the most |
| people who earn and spend them. Coins have | | | | part. You'll be tempted to clean them, but don't. |
| been spent for almost anything, and anywhere. | | | | Collectors pay much less for coins that have been |
| With a bit of thought, you can imagine where | | | | cleaned. They like them undisturbed. And since |
| larger groups of people would have congregated, | | | | you may well be on the way to becoming a coin |
| what attracted them to that place, and what | | | | collector yourself, you will want to keep your |
| they would have spent their money on. | | | | coins as original as possible. |
| Was there an amusement park located near your | | | | Two final thoughts on coins found while metal |
| town in years gone by? When the circus came to | | | | detecting. First, these coins are acquired at no |
| town, where did it put up its tents? Is there a | | | | cost, other than what you've spent on your |
| lake with a beach that people have gone to for | | | | detector. (Don't count the value of your time - |
| years? What about schools, playgrounds, areas | | | | this is fun, not work!) Second, you are receiving |
| with older homes? (Be very sure you get | | | | each coin, not from a coin dealer or an auction, |
| permission to do your search. Metal detecting is | | | | but from the hand of the person who lost it. That |
| not a license to trespass.) | | | | connects you with people and events of another |
| Learning the history of your own community, | | | | time in a way rather different from reading a |
| speaking with older relatives and friends - mining | | | | history book. |
| their memories - can provide the clues you need | | | | |