Metal detectors are a fun way to search for gold and other precious metals. However, you won’t find much if you search any old place. Certain types of areas are popular places for metal detecting for a reason, and we’ll use this post to briefly explore some. Remember, the differences between metal detectors are largely irrelevant; it’s how you search that makes the biggest difference.
A favorite among metal dectectorists is the beach, not only a beautiful place to search, it’s bountiful as well. The beach itself can be divided into two distinct search areas: the sand and the shallow water. Each area can have different yields, depending on the beach. Typically, the sand contains more coins and the like, but little precious metal. As people run, roll, and play on the beach, stuff falls out of their pockets – which makes up the majority of what you will find.
The shallow water is a different story. Lubricating suntan lotion, finger-shrinking cold water, and crashing waves combine to knock loose all types of jewelry. As such, gold, silver and other precious metal style jewelry are more likely to be found in the water.
The other major locations for metal detecting are fields. However, not all fields are created equal. To figure out where you are likely to find the most precious metals or artifacts, you need to bone up on local history. Former campsites, settlements, trading routes, and other areas are more likely to have treasures long forgotten. Many of the biggest finds in metal detecting occurred in areas with history.
The two greatest attributes of metal detectors are patience and thoroughness. If you keep at it, who knows what you can find!
