Ever wondered what treasures lie hidden beneath the soil of Arkansas? Unearth the secrets and join us on a thrilling journey of metal detecting discoveries in the Natural State!
If you are someone from Arkansas, you might have experienced the fantastic places for metal detecting in this beautiful state.
Among these beautiful locations, there are some frequently found objects or items in the state of Arkansas.
One of my friends in Arkansas invited me to visit him in the summer of 2015. Since he was also a metal-detecting enthusiast, we planned to explore the metal-detecting wonders of Arkansas together.
After arriving in Arkansas, I quickly met with my friend, and after spending about a day resting, we were off to the metal detect.
Then, after completing about three weeks in Arkansas, going from location to location and metal detecting in them, I gathered much information about the state.
I was surprised to see some common findings repeating everywhere in these locations. I wanted to educate our metal-detecting community about this so that someone interested in
Some information about the below treasures was collected by interviewing some local metal detectorists in Arkansas I met along the metal detecting journey.
So, here are the best metal detecting finds in Arkansas,
- Coins And Tokens
- Civil War Era Relics
- Military Artifacts
- Native American Era Relics
- Spanish Colonial Artifacts
- Religious Artifacts
But there’s a lot more to know!
So, in the rest of the article, I will explore the best metal detecting findings in Arkansas and I will explain how to metal detect each item and list some locations for you to search for these items.
At last, I have seen many of you asking me for tips and tricks that can be practiced in the field to get more results.
So, for those who read until the end, I will be sharing some of my tips and tricks from the bags and bags of tricks I have collected over the years.
So, without further ado, let’s jump into the article!
Best Metal Detecting Finds In Arkansas
So, let’s discuss the best treasures you have a high chance of collecting while metal detecting in Arkansas.
Just keep reading!
1. Coins And Tokens
Coins are one of the most common things that you can find anywhere in the United States of America. These coins can be categorized into different groups based on other criteria.
For instance, coins belong to different eras in any state, especially Arkansas.
Like the coins used by native American people, the coins used by early settlers of the lands, the coins used in war eras, and then the modern coins.
These eras of coins depict something unique to each generation by these coins.
Out of these types of currencies, only modern coins that fall into the category of not a hundred years old can be claimed when you detect them.
Other coins can only be claimed with special permission from some archeologist or the local government.
So, having a permit before you detect any of these findings in Arkansas is better.
Among the coins in Arkansas, I found some interesting ones: early American coins that belonged to trade in those eras.
As these are abundant in Arkansas, you can find them everywhere, mostly in old trade hubs and marketplaces.
Here are some of the locations where you could potentially uncover some of the old American coins from Arkansas,
- Downtown Hot Springs area in Hot Springs, Garland County
- River Market District in Little River Area in Pulaski County
- Historic Downtown area in Fort Smith Sebastian County
- Historic District in Eureka Springs in Carrol County
- Downtown area in Helena-West Helena in Phillips County
Another type of coin frequently encountered in Arkansas is a Civil War-era coin. There were significant areas for improvement during these times, and one of those was the money.
As money was scarce during these periods, local businesses started printing some coins with their logos and badges. These were then distributed among the soldiers.
Now, in some areas, especially where the battles took place fiercely, you can find some of these lost Civil War coins.
Here are some such locations where you would be able to find Civil War-era coins in Arkansas,
- Downtown area in Jonesboro in Craighead County
- Historical downtown area in Fayetteville in Washington County
- Downtown West Helena area in Phillips County
- Historic Downtown area in Fort Smith in Sebastian County
- River Market District in Little Rock in Pulaski County
You can find some interesting and exciting coins besides these trade and Civil War-era coins. I was only able to see these specific types of coins in Arkansas.
These are gold and silver coins. These might be associated with the rich historical mining background in Arkansas.
These are found most commonly in the historical mining district areas and some trade hubs.
Here are some locations where you would be able to find gold and silver coins,
- Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro in Pike County
- Near old mining towns in Ouachita National Forest
- Along the Buffalo National River in Boone County
- Near Historical mining sites in Clark County
- Along the Fourche La Fave River in Yell County
Most of these coins will have significant economic importance as well as historical importance as well. So, when searching for these coins, ensure you have a valid permit.
You will face severe consequences if you have a valid permit and unknowingly violate rules.
I suggest you have a metal detecting permit to avoid these consequences.
Check out the Best Places to Metal Detect in Arkansas!
2. Civil War Era Relics
Just like most other states in the United States of America, Arkansas was also hit hard by the Civil War. There are abundant ruins and artifacts belonging to that era in Arkansas.
These could mostly be found in areas with historical connections to the Civil War activities. Like the areas with battlefields, encampments, and routes troops moved.
The artifacts you will mostly find are bullets, buttons, and buckles relating to Civil War uniforms and some weapon parts, bullet parts, and other equipment-related artifacts.
These artifacts will mostly have sentimental, historical, and cultural value rather than economic value. But sometimes, some antique collectors will pay the big bucks for these items.
The local governments will preserve most of the areas where you will find these items.
So, to detect metal in these areas or the sites, you will need a valid metal detecting permit.
For example, here is the permit you required before metal detect in Lake Ouachita, DeGray Lake, & Lake Greeson in Arkansas.
Apart from that, as all these items are over 100 years old, you cannot claim them straight after metal-detecting them.
You might have to get permission from the authorities before claiming ownership over them.
Here are some of the locations where you can find these Civil War-era artifacts in Arkansas,
- Pea Ridge National Military Park in Garfield in Benton County
- Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Prairie Grove area inWshignton County
- Poison Spring Battlefield State Park in the Camden area in Ouachita County
- Marks’ Mills State Park in Fordyce in Dallas County
- Jenkins Ferry Battleground State Park in Leola in Grant County
If you’re interested in metal detecting in state parks, read to know the Best State Parks in Arkansas to Metal Detect.
3. Military Artifacts
Arkansas was home to several military forts and bases back in the day. These were used heavily during the multiple wars in the state and county during different periods.
Although now there is no use for them, you will be able to see people visiting these areas to witness the brilliance of the rich battle past of Arkansas.
By military artifacts, I meant other military-related relics except for the Civil War era, mainly from the Revolutionary War, the World War, and a few other significant battles throughout history.
These artifacts might include badges, bullets, buttons, weapons parts, and other military-related items.
These hold a cultural and historical importance rather than an economic importance. But some people value these items very highly.
If you are metal detecting in this area, as these are mostly preserved, you might need a valid metal detecting permit unless you face trouble with the authorities.
Here are some of the locations that you need to visit if you are interested in uncovering military-related artifacts in Arkansas
- Fort Smith National Historic Site in Fort Smith in Sebastian County
- Fort Curtis in Helena-West Helena in Phillips County
- Fort Davidson State Historic Site in Iron County near Missouri Border
- Fort Logan H. Roots in North Little Rock in Pulaski County
- Fort Southerland Park in El Dorado in Union County.
4. Native American Era Relics
Native American settlements were abundantly scattered all over the state of Arkansas. These native American settlements are primarily seen in riverbed areas and areas with natural resources like caves.
You can find items like metal badges, tokens, and items used in various day-to-day activities, like cooking and hunting, and be mentioned.
These mostly hold a historical and cultural value rather than an economic value.
But some of the antique hunters like these items so much, so by checking in with these people, you can turn some good money for these items.
But as these items are mainly in the preserved land mass of Arkansas, you should need a metal detecting permit to metal detect in these lands.
Here are some of the locations where you can detect abundant relics related to the native American era,
- Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park in Scott Pulaski County
- Parkin Archeological State Park in Parkin Cross County
- Hampson Archeological State Park in Wilson, Mississippi County
- Menard-Hodges Site in Portland area in Ashley County
- Lake Ouachita State Park in Mountain Pine Garland County
5. Spanish Colonial Artifacts
Spanish colonial artifacts are also found abundantly all over Arkansas. These items include coins and tokens used by them, everyday household items used by them, and other jewelry and adornments worn by them.
These items have a significant historical value rather than an economic value.
But some antique hunters are keen to get their hands on something like these so that you can exchange these items for a bit of money in your pocket.
But as most of these locations are under preserved conditions, you need a metal detecting permit from a valid authority to even metal see in these areas.
If the license allows you to remove the substances found, you can remove them and claim ownership, but if not, you cannot remove them or claim ownership over them.
Here are some of the locations where you will be able to find some Spanish colonial artifacts in Arkansas,
- Arkansas Post National Memorial in Gillett, Arkansas County
- Parkin Archeological State Park in Parkin Cross County
- Hampson Archeological Museum State Park in Wilson in Mississippi County
- Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park in Scott in Pulaski County
- Caddo Indian Mounds State Historic Site near Alto in Texas Border
6. Religious Artifacts
As there were multiple religious beliefs and the spreading of religion was heavily powered by the government, there are some severe religious artifacts you can find all over Arkansas.
These items primarily include crosses and medallions belonging to old churches.
These sites are mostly not preserved, but you need to have proper authority before metal detecting them.
These crosses and medallions could also differ according to the period they belong to.
Some crosses and medallions are made out of gold, which is high in historical and economic value.
However, some are made from bronze and copper, and even though they are less valued financially, they still have a rich historical background.
Here are some of the locations where you can search for these religious artifacts in Arkansas,
- Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs in Carroll County
- St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Little Rock areas in Pulaski County
- Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church in west Helena in Phillips County
- Christ Episcopal CHirch in Little Rock in Pulaski County
- St. Edward Catholic Church in Little Rock in Pulaski County
That’s it folks! Now you know the best metal detecting finds in Arkansas with the locations they can be found.
Now I’m going to share with you several tips that I’ve learned from my experience while metal detecting in Arkansas with my friendly local detectorists.
The below tips will help you to find the above-mentioned treasures easily without any confusion from the Arkansas grounds.
Some of the below tips were collected from local expert detectorists in Arkansas based on their stories.
So, just keep reading!
Tips For Metal Detecting in Arkansas
So these are the most common and the best metal detecting finds you can find from Arkansas.
For those who waited till the end, here are my promised tips and tricks to increase your overall metal detecting game.
Research
When planning a metal detecting session, it is essential to conduct thorough research. This research can be done online or offline means.
The amount of time spent on research will determine how much success you have in the field.
If you like to know more details about the hidden treasures in Arkansas, better to join a metal detector club in Arkansas and engage with the expert audience since they know many things most of us don’t about the buried treasures.
Metal Detector
There is a specific metal detector that works best for you. You must identify the conditions and abilities of metal detectors before going on a metal-detecting trip.
Ideal email detectors should be compatible with a wide range of environmental conditions.
Technique
When we talk about technique, technique is different from person to person. You cannot practice someone else’s style and must find the best method.
Once you have mastered that, you can succeed in the field.
In 2020, a man found a 9.07-carat diamond at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, making it the second-largest diamond ever discovered in the park’s history
www.arkansasstateparks.com
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
What types of historical artifacts are commonly found in Arkansas with metal detectors?
In Arkansas, metal detector enthusiasts often uncover a variety of historical artifacts, including old coins, Civil War relics, buttons, bullets, and tools, as well as Native American artifacts. The state’s rich history, dating back to its Native American inhabitants and its role in the Civil War, provides ample opportunities for discovering items of historical significance.
Are there any specific locations in Arkansas known for yielding great metal detecting finds?
Yes, some popular spots for metal detecting in Arkansas include old homesites, abandoned towns, along riverbanks, around old churches, and in public parks, though it’s important to secure permission and check regulations before detecting in certain areas.
Do I need a permit to use a metal detector in Arkansas? The requirement for a permit to use a metal detector in Arkansas can vary based o
location; for instance, state parks may have different rules than national forests or private property. It’s crucial to check with the relevant authorities or property owners before beginning any metal detecting activity.
Have there been any significant or valuable metal detecting finds reported in Arkansas?
Yes, there have been reports of significant finds in Arkansas, including old coins, Civil War artifacts, and other items of historical importance, though the specific details and locations are often kept confidential to protect the sites.
What tips do experienced metal detectorists have for beginners searching in Arkansas?
Experienced metal detectorists often advise beginners in Arkansas to do thorough research on potential detecting sites, understand and respect local laws and property rights, use proper equipment, and practice responsible metal detecting to preserve historical sites.
How can I ensure that I am metal detecting responsibly and ethically in Arkansas?
To metal detect responsibly and ethically in Arkansas, ensure that you have the proper permissions to detect on specific lands, follow all local laws and regulations, respect private property, avoid disturbing wildlife, and report any significant historical finds to the relevant authorities.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Metal Detecting Finds in Arkansas
In this article, I deeply discussed the best metal detecting finds in Arkansas with their historic value, and how to detect them with proper techniques.
Some of the best metal detecting finds in Arkansas include old coins, Civil War relics, buttons, bullets, and tools, as well as Native American artifacts. Popular locations for these discoveries are old homesites, abandoned towns, riverbanks, old churches, and public parks. Always ensure you have the proper permissions and adhere to local laws.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
I hope I have covered everything you wanted about the best metal detecting finds in Arkansas including experts’ tips.
Now it’s time for you to sort out your favorite items from the above list and go treasure hunting with your companion metal detector. Happy treasure hunting in scenic Arkansas!
