Do you ever wonder what secrets the lands beneath your feet hold? Historic coins, lost jewelry, forgotten artifacts - it could all be part of your next camping adventure. Metal detecting is a hobby that combines the excitement of exploration, the love of history, and the love for nature.
Combining camping and metal detecting is not only fun, but also extremely convenient. Due to nature you can reach places that for centuries have never seen a human hand, and a metal detector turns an ordinary camping trip into a real adventure. And, of course, don't forget to take along the Coin ID Scanner app (https://coin-identifier.com/), which will become your assistant for instant coin identification, so that each of your finds tells its own story.
So let us explore together how to take your first steps in the world of metal detecting, what tools to choose, how to prepare for your search and turn an ordinary camping trip into a fascinating journey into the past.
The Basics: How to Start a New Hobby
Step 1: Start with the Basics of Metal Prospecting
Metal detecting is not just waving a device around on the ground looking for a “beeping” sound. It's an activity (or if you'll allow us to put it that way, even an art) that requires patience, attention and knowledge. And before you start, it is important to understand how a metal detector works and how to handle it.
How does a metal detector work?
The device creates a magnetic field that interacts with metal objects underground. When the field collides with the metal, the metal detector gives a signal - that's when you start digging.
With a metal detector you can find:
Coins: from modern coins to antique coins that have historical value.
Jewelry: rings, chains, bracelets lost years ago.
Household items: buttons, knives, pieces of equipment.
Surprises: at times you can even find old ammunition - with such finds you need to be extremely careful.
Interesting fact: In the UK a “Hoxne hoard” - more than 14,000 Roman coins hidden in the ground about 1600 years ago. This hoard was discovered by a farmer with a metal detector!
Step 2: Choose the Right Places to Find
Camping is more than just an outdoor vacation, it's also a great opportunity to explore places that people might have inhabited or visited in the past. To make your search successful, choose areas that are rich in history and traces of human activity. For example, the shorelines of lakes and rivers, old trails, early settlers' camps, or areas where trade routes were traveled are all real “gold mines” for metal detecting lovers.
Prepare yourself in advance: before your trip, study the history of the area. Check if there were any fairs, battles or gold prospecting expeditions nearby. This will help identify the most promising areas to search.
Where to look:
Shorelines of bodies of water - people often left their belongings here.
Ruins of old buildings and bridges - these may have been places of habitation or trade.
Local areas with historical significance - look in local archives or check maps of old settlements.
Tip: map out your chosen locations in advance so you don't waste time searching and can get straight to the point!
Step 3. Prepare the Required Equipment
Metal detecting is a hobby that is fun but it also requires some preparation. So, below you will find detailed recommendations for selecting and using basic and optional equipment to make your trip as productive as possible.
Basic equipment
Tool | Selection tips |
Metal detector | Choose models with a clear interface and basic functions (e.g. metal discrimination) for beginners. Popular brands: Garrett, Minelab, Fisher. |
Shovel and trowel | Pay attention to the compactness and strength of the material (steel or aluminum). Look for folding or telescopic models. |
Gloves | Choose durable gloves with water-repellent coating. Preferably models with good ventilation. |
Headphones | Choose noise-canceling headphones that are compatible with your chosen metal detector. |
In addition to the tools above, it will not be unreasonable to use additional tools. For example, you will find the Coin ID Scanner application very useful for identifying any coins you find. It will help you quickly identify the coins you find, learn their history and value so that you always know the specifics and historical background of your finds.
Step 4: Master the Search Technique
The right search method is the key to a successful find.
Movement of the metal detector: Slowly move the device from side to side, tilting it to the ground at a slight angle. Do not rush - patience is more important than speed.
Adjusting the sensitivity: Adjust the device to a certain depth to ignore shallow modern metals and focus on deeper historical finds.
Digging: As soon as you hear the signal, carefully mark the spot. Use a shovel to avoid damaging the object.
Lifehack: Set the discrimination mode on your metal detector to ignore unwanted signals such as iron or foil.
Step 5: Caring for the Finds
After a successful search, the most exciting part is working with the finds! Everything from proper handling to storage, every detail is important to preserve the historical value and uniqueness of the finds.
Cleaning the finds
The first thing to do is to start with a gentle cleaning. You can use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently remove dust and dirt from the surface of the find. If the dirt is dense, soak the object in warm water for a few minutes before cleaning. Remember, when cleaning, do not use harsh chemicals, abrasives or stiff brushes so as not to diminish the value of the coins.
Tip: If a coin has a green or brown patina, it is best to leave it untouched. This surface often adds historical value to the item.
Storing your finds
Take care of quality storage areas. Store coins and small artifacts in individual plastic containers or soft bags to prevent scratches and damage. By the way, you can also record the location, date, and conditions of discovery. Do it for easy systematization of your collection but also to add interest to the history of the items. For coins, you can buy special albums with transparent pockets. This is convenient for storing and quickly viewing your finds.
In Search of the Past
Metal prospecting is a way to turn camping into a true journey through time. Every find carries a mystery waiting to be uncovered. Even if you don't uncover treasure in the millions, every item you find will give you a story, an experience and the joy of discovery. Sometimes it's not the finder's riches but the process of finding them that is the real gold!