Many people use recreational metal detectors to look for coins beaches and parkland. Most metal detectors are capable of detecting metal to a depth of about a foot dependent on several factors. The detection depth depends on the type of metal detector, type of metal in the buried object, size of buried object, type of mineralisation in the ground, and other nearby buried objects.

Detecting

You might have heard a number of names describing Metal Detecting activities.
At WHRADA we tend not to make any distinction, other than abiding by the NCMD Code of Conduct

Coin shooting

Coin shooting is generally an American term looking for coins after an event involving many people, like a fair, an outdoor concert, or simply looking for any old coins. If you are serious about this specialisation you can spend many hours, days and months doing historical research to locate long lost sites that have the potential to give up historical and collectible coins.

Relic hunting

Relic hunting is very similar to coin shooting except that the relic hunter is after any type of historical artefact, relic hunters are usually very determined and dedicated not only to the research and hunting that they do but also to preserving historical artefacts. This term is often used to describe Detectorist’s searching for Coins, Minié balls, buttons, and buckles, lost from the US Civil War.

Beach combing

Beach combing is hunting for coins or jewellery lost on a beach. Beach hunting can be as simple or as complicated as one wishes to make it. Many detecting machines which perform well on farmland, can struggle with the increased problems of mineralisation and the effect of salt water on the tuning stability. Waterproof submersible detectors are available these are popular in warmer waters for detecting up to chest deep on popular tourist beaches. These dedicated beach hunters have to familiarise themselves with tide movements for the best finds and for their own safety

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