What can a metal detector find? How do you look for gold? - check
Metal detectors are devices that are used by both professional prospectors and amateurs. Thanks to their advanced technology, they accurately detect metal objects and precious metals hidden in soil, sand and water.
In this guide you will learn what you can find with a metal detector, how to set up a metal detector for gold and which coin detector to choose. We will also give you tips on where to look for lost items with a metal detector.
Metal detector - what can you find with it?
Objects detected with metal detectors can be divided into several groups, depending on their size and historical, archaeological or cultural value. Detectors are capable of detecting both smaller and larger objects.
Examples of groups of items that can be found using metal detectors, to:
Coins and jewellery
One of the most common discoveries made by enthusiasts using metal detectors is coins. With metal detectors, they are relatively easy to detect and locate. Different metals can be present in the coins found, such as copper, silver, gold and other metal alloys.
The metal detector can also find jewellery with metal elements, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets or cufflinks.
Military decorations
Detectorists often find military decorations and medals of various kinds, which can be of great historical significance. Such finds most often come from the communist and World War II periods.
Ammunition and weapons
Detectors are also effective in detecting munitions. Although the historical or cultural value of such items may be limited, it should be remembered that this depends on the period from which they originate. Often, weapons dating back to World War II, for example, can also be found using detectors.
Attention! Remember that if you find ammunition or weapons, it is necessary to notify police officers, as such finds can be dangerous. Reporting your find to the relevant services is not only a duty, but also a guarantee for your own safety and that of others.
Tools
Items such as axe blades, horseshoes, sharpeners, pincers or hammer heads were widely used for many generations and are still used today. Due to their widespread use and popularity, they are not regarded as objects of special historical or cultural value. Therefore, they can often be found in various areas, especially in places where people worked, built or performed various craft activities.
Historical artefacts
The use of metal detectors plays an important role in the discovery of historical artefacts. Metal detectorists have found and continue to find many valuable items such as ancient coins, buttons and buckles.
Does the metal detector detect gold?
Metal detectors are often used in gold prospecting. Historically, prospectors have relied mainly on traditional methods such as panning and digging, but the invention of metal detectors has brought about a breakthrough, enabling more efficient and effective exploration.
How to set up a metal detector for gold? To set up your metal detector to search for small pieces of gold, you should consider the following steps:
- Choose a high-frequency detector — gold has poor electrical conductivity, so it is advantageous to use a metal detector with a high frequency, such as 18 kHz or 20 kHz. The higher frequency increases the chances of detecting small pieces of gold.
- Use the discrimination function — activate the discrimination function on the metal detector to exclude other types of metal, such as iron or aluminium. Focusing only on gold will increase detection efficiency and reduce false signals.
- Set high sensitivity — by increasing the sensitivity of the detector, even the smallest pieces of gold can be detected. However, be aware that too high a sensitivity can cause interference and false signals. Adjust the sensitivity enough so that you are able to detect small pieces of gold, but at the same time avoid excessive interference.
- Use the Pinpoint function — if your metal detector is equipped with the Pinpoint function, activate it. This function will help to pinpoint the exact location of the detected signal, making it easier to find gold particles.
- Adapt the detection mode to the terrain — if you have a choice of detection mode on your metal detector, pay attention to the type of terrain in which you will be prospecting for gold. For example, if you are dealing with beach terrain, select the beach detection mode if available. Adapting the mode to the type of terrain can improve gold detection performance.
Which coin metal detector to choose?
Next to caps, coins are one of the most common finds. They can be buried deep underground or found directly on the ground. Explorers find both modern coins and those from other historical periods.
Which coin metal detector should you choose? First of all, pay attention to the special functions that the detectors offer. Regardless of where you are looking, a detector with a function to distinguish between non-ferrous metals (gold and silver from iron and steel) will be useful for finding coins.
Recommended detectors include Garrett brand metal detectors, which are known for their excellent coin detection performance. They have useful features such as sensitivity adjustment, metal discrimination and a graphic indicator to accurately identify and signal the presence of coins in the field. Garrett detectors are able to discriminate metals from other objects, allowing you to focus on finding just the coins. Simply switch on the appropriate mode to set the metal detector for coins.
Among the recommended metal detectors are also models from the Nokta brand, which stand out for their attractive value for money. Most models offer several modes of operation designed specifically for different types of terrain and searching. For example, if you want to search for coins in urban environments and parks, then Nokta is equipped with a specialpark mode that discriminates against iron and aluminium foil. This means that it rejects any unnecessary objects such as nails, wires or commercials.
Where to look with a metal detector? - recommended sites
The best places to search are those where life was once vibrant. It is worth looking on former battlefields, abandoned villages, old trade routes and riverbanks. Agricultural areas, beaches and forests where settlements once developed are also worthy of consideration.
Explorers particularly recommend searching in places such as:
- Beaches — is a very popular spot for detectorists, who often find personal items and coins lost there every day by beachgoers. To increase your chances of success, it is worth using a metal detector equipped with a waterproof coil. Such equipment will allow us to search both the sand and underwater areas where there is the potential to find coins.
- Arable fields — after heavy rainfall, farmland can become a real paradise for hidden object hunters. The level of soft farmland soil can drop and uncover previously buried valuables.
- Scrub, scrub and hillocks — due to difficult access, many people avoid these areas. However, they can conceal many valuable items.
- Paths (especially forest paths) — ancient paths can lead to places where human activity once took place and valuable objects remain there.
- Water reservoirs and rivers — for centuries, people have settled near rivers. There may be artefacts under the water that have remained unnoticed for years.
- Isolated trees — due to their distinctive location, could have been an easy place to remember where valuables were buried.
Metal detectors on offer at Militaria.pl
Militaria.pl offers advanced metal detectors that are suitable for both professionals and amateurs. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and special detection modes, our devices make it possible to accurately distinguish metals such as gold, silver, copper or iron. They are also equipped with interference cancellation functions that allow you to concentrate on searching for specific items and ignore unwanted signals.
We offer products from reputable brands such as Garrett, Quest or Nokta, which are often equipped with metal discrimination functions, different operating modes and depth indicators to help find coins and other valuables with precision.
Militaria.co.uk's range includes both large, advanced models of metal detectors and portable pinpointers. We also offer accessories, such as the original vanes, headphones and other accessories that support the use of the detectors.
