6 Best Metal Detecting Finds in New Jersey 

Ever dreamt of unearthing hidden treasures in New Jersey? Let’s embark on a thrilling journey together!

Best metal detecting finds in New Jersey

I recommend doing thorough research on things that you can find and what are the hotspots of them before you start metal detecting in any state of the USA.

I had to struggle in New Jersey by going without any pre-searches and inquiries. 

And I only ended up finding a few old coins after finding them in so many places. I have plans to visit New Jersey again to do a proper metal detection.

I did my research by going through a few books, and internet forums and by asking from a few fellow local detectorists and found out details about treasures in New Jersey that can be detected.

As a result of that, during my next trip to New Jersey,I was able to gather lots of valuable items from different locations.

Here is a list of the best metal detecting finds in New Jersey,

  1. Revolutionary War musket balls
  2. War bullets 
  3. Colonial coins
  4. Jewelry 
  5. Military dog tags
  6. Artifacts from Native American settlements 

These are the main objects that you will be able to find from around the state of New Jersey. 

I will tell you where to find these and a few more important things. You will have to keep reading the rest if you need to know.

Keep scrolling through! 

Treasures found in New Jersey
Treasures found in New Jersey

Best Metal Detecting Finds In New Jersey 

All of these findings can be found in different locations in New Jersey. 

Now I’m going to give you a brief idea of each find and where you can find each based on expert metal detectorists and my own experience. 

Just keep reading!

1. Revolutionary War Musket Balls

Revolutionary musket balls are a common find in New Jersey. It was a crucial battleground during the Revolutionary War. 

So the relics from the conflict including musketballs can be found around the state. 

There are some places that are popular where you can find musket balls. 

But you have to obtain permission or a permit in order to search these areas.

Old Revolutionary War musket ball found when metal detecting in New Jersey
An Old Revolutionary War musket ball was found when metal detecting in New Jersey

Here are some places where you can search for war musket balls.

Read to know the Best Places to Metal Detect in New Jersey!

Monmouth Battlefield National Park

This area was one of the major battlefields of the battle between the Continental Army and the British. It took place in 1778. 

It offers multiple trails where you can metal detect.

Focus on there for part of the park as it was the place where the battle took in. 

Monmouth Battlefield National Park New Jersey great for metal detecting
Monmouth Battlefield National Park New Jersey great for metal detecting

Morristown National Historical Park

General George Washington and his troops created their winter camps at this location during the period of 1779-1780. 

So this area can yield so many war musket balls. 

There are a few trials around the park that are allowed to metal detect and these places will likely give you a positive result.

Morristown National Historical Park New Jersey great for metal detecting
Morristown National Historical Park New Jersey great for metal detecting

Washington Crossing State Park

This is a famous location where Washington and the troops crossed the Delaware River in 1776. 

There is also a farm area that was occupied by the continental and British forces. 

So this whole area is a great location to find musket balls. 

Washington Crossing State Park New Jersey great for metal detecting
Washington Crossing State Park New Jersey great for metal detecting

Jockey Hollow

This was a significant location for the Continental Army at the time of the Revolutionary War. 

This area gives a lot of opportunities to detect musket balls and other artifacts.

Jockey Hollow New Jersey
Jockey Hollow New Jersey

2. War Bullets

Since a lot of battles took place around New Jersey, a lot of troops and military camps were located within the state. 

So there are high chance that a detector is able to yield war bullets.

Old War bullet found when metal detecting in New Jersey
Old War bullet found when metal detecting in New Jersey

Fort Mott State Park

This was a defense site at the time of the Civil War. 

This park is located on the Delaware River and it has a lot of beach areas. 

There were several gun batteries and fortifications. 

Read to know the Best Beaches in New Jersey to Metal Detect!

Sandy Hook

This area was used as a military campsite during the Civil War. So it has some better locations in order to make the detection perfect.

Sandy Hook New Jersey great for metal detecting
Sandy Hook New Jersey great for metal detecting

Princeton Battlefield State Park

This was the site of a battle during the Revolutionary War. During the Civil War, it served as a training ground for Union troops. 

This park consists of walking trails and other areas that are good for metal detecting.

Princeton Battlefield State Park New Jersey great for metal detecting
Princeton Battlefield State Park New Jersey great for metal detecting

Allaire State Park

This area was popular for ironwork in the 19th century where it supplied the Union with weapons. 

This park also has hiking trails and other areas that are allowed for metal detecting.

Allaire State Park New Jersey great for metal detecting
Allaire State Park New Jersey great for metal detecting

Red Bank Battlefield Park

This park is located on the Delaware River and it was a site of the Revolutionary battle. It also served as the camping site for the Union Army during the Civil War. 

This park is open for metal detecting and several detectors have found bullets in this area.

3. Colonial Coins

New Jersey issued its own coins during the colonial period. They were used as a medium of exchange for different goods and services. 

Some common coins include copper coins issued by the British and other colonial coins specifically issued for use within New Jersey. 

These were used a lot by merchants and traders. 

All of these were a huge part of the economy and now these are highly valued by historians and collectors.

Old colonial coin found when metal detecting in New Jersey
Old colonial coin found when metal detecting in New Jersey

Here are some of the specific locations in New Jersey where you can find coins.

Cape May Point State Park

This park is located on the southern tip of New Jersey and it has sandy beaches and sand dunes. 

It is believed that several ships that carried colonial coins may have sunk off this coast. 

So it is a detect-free area that is popular among beachcombers and detectors.

Cape May Point State Park New Jersey great for metal detecting
Cape May Point State Park New Jersey great for metal detecting

Washington Crossing State Park

This park is located in Mercer County near the Pennsylvania border. 

There are so many incidents recorded in this place including the crossing of the Delaware River by General George Washington and his troops. 

A few detectors have claimed that they found copper pennies from this area and therefore it is popular among the detectors.

Washington Crossing State Park New Jersey
Washington Crossing State Park New Jersey

Old Economy Village State Park

Old Economy Village State Park is located in Woodbridge, New Jersey. It is a restored colonial village. 

Visitors can see the historic buildings, gardens, and farm areas within this park. 

With permission and a permit, metal detectors are also allowed to search for objects including colonial coins.

Tip for metal detecting in New Jersey
Tip for metal detecting in New Jersey

Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park has been popular as a site-seeing location among people for more than 100 years. 

This means that people have been visiting this place since the colonial era. So there’s a probability of finding ancient coins from this place.

The detectors are free to explore this place and find precious coins. If it is more than 50 years old, the object should be informed to the archeological authorities. 

Liberty State Park New Jersey
Liberty State Park New Jersey

4. Jewelry

Finding ancient jewelry in New Jersey is sometimes challenging. But with a plan and a good detection, it will be possible.

Some promising areas to find ancient jewelry will be trade routes, Native American settlements, forts, and villages from the ancient periods.

Old Jewelry found when metal detecting in New Jersey
Old Jewelry found when metal detecting in New Jersey

Island Beach State Park

The park is located on a barrier island and offers miles of beaches and natural trails. It has a rich maritime history where trading and commerce took place. 

Visitors have claimed to find ancient jewelry pieces from this area.

With permission, detectors are able to detect this beach area. 

Island Beach State Park New Jersey great for metal detecting
Island Beach State Park New Jersey great for metal detecting

Allaire State Park

Allaire State Park was once the site of an iron-making village in the 19th century. It is located in Monmouth County. 

This location is open for visitors to explore the ancient lifestyle. 

This place is open for metal detecting with permission from the park management. I have been there twice and I was able to find a small piece from an old necklace. 

The management allowed me to bring it home and as my archeological friend from a club explained, the jewelry belongs to the 19th century.

Read to know Best Metal Detecting Clubs in New Jersey!

So this is a great place for someone who is interested in detecting ancient jewelry.

Tip for metal detecting in New Jersey state
Tip for metal detecting in New Jersey state

Batsto Village

Batsto Village is also an 18th-19th century iron-making village. Visitors are allowed to tour this area and explore. 

Detectors might also be able to detect ancient jewelry in the surrounding areas with permission.

Batsto Village New Jersey great for metal detecting
Batsto Village New Jersey great for metal detecting

Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park is one of the busiest parks in New Jersey as it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

The park also has a rich history as a former railroad terminal and therefore, this location might yield old lost jewelry.

Liberty State Park New Jersey great for metal detecting
Liberty State Park New Jersey great for metal detecting

5. Military Dog Tags

The concept of modern military dog tags dates back to the ancient Civil War era. 

The ancient soldiers wore a disc or pendant on their neck that contained names, units, and other important information. 

Military dog tags found during a metal detecting session in New Jersey
Military dog tags found during a metal detecting session in New Jersey

Fort Mercer

This is located in the Red Bank battlefield park. Fort Mercer was the site of a Revolutionary War battle. 

So it is a good location to detect dog tags that belonged to the soldiers.

Sandy Hook

This was the home to Fort Hancock which was installed by the military back during the Civil War. 

It is now a national park that is allowed for metal detecting in some designated areas. 

There is one record that a military dod tag in a circle shape with some lettering found from this area.

Did you know fact about metal detecting finds in New Jersey
Did you know fact about metal detecting finds in New Jersey

Cape May

During World War ll, this location was a training ground of the American soldiers. 

So there is a probability of finding military artifacts including dog tags.

Cape May New Jersey great for metal detecting
Cape May New Jersey great for metal detecting

Princeton Battlefield 

This is located in Princeton, New Jersey. It’s a revolutionary battlefield which is another location that can be detected to find military dog tags. 

Princeton Battlefield  New Jersey great for metal detecting
Princeton Battlefield New Jersey great for metal detecting

6. Artifacts from Native American Settlements 

Native American artifacts from around New Jersey can include arrowheads, spearheads, tools, and jewelry. 

These are metal-based and can be found with a metal detector. There are a few specific places that can be detected to find these objects.

However, if you find anything it should not be taken home and you must report it to the park management or the relevant authorities.

old Artifacts found when metal detecting in New Jersey
old Artifacts found when metal detecting in New Jersey

Kittatinny Valley State Park

This park is located in Sussex County. It covers over 5,000 acres of land. 

The park contains the parts of the Pequest and Wallkill rivers where Native American tribes went hunting and fishing for thousands of years.

With permission, detectors can explore this area and if something is found, it should be handed over to the park management.

Palisades Interstate Park 

A part of Palisades Interstate Park is located along the Hudson River, New Jersey. It covers more than 2,500 acres of land. 

The park contains evidence of Native American settlements that date back thousands of years. So the area might contain Native American artifacts.

Palisades Interstate Park New Jersey great for metal detecting
Palisades Interstate Park New Jersey great for metal detecting

Musconetcong Gorge Preserve

This is located in Warren County and covers more than 370 acres of land. 

This place has been identified as one of the most important Native American sites.

With permission, this area can be detected and any found objects should be handed over to the authorities.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located along the Delaware River and covers more than 70,000 acres. 

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area New Jersey great for metal detecting
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area New Jersey great for metal detecting

It was home to several Native American tribes and therefore it contains several archaeological sites.

You need a permit and permission from the archaeological authorities and only some of the parts are open for metal detectors. 

How to find treasures when metal detecting in New Jersey
How to find treasures when metal detecting in New Jersey

Now I’m going to share with you some tips that I personally follow when metal detecting in New Jersey to find awesome treasures.

Tips For Metal Detecting in New Jersey 

Here are some tips that can be used to metal detect around New Jersey.

Check Local Regulations 

Before you metal detect around New Jersey, make sure you check their local regulations and obtain any necessary permits or permissions. 

Some areas are completely prohibited from metal detecting and others have specific rules and restricted areas that should be taken to youth account.

Respect the Historical Site and the Environment 

When detecting, make sure you leave the area neat and clean after your work. Fill any holes to avoid damaging the ecosystems. 

And it is also important to be respectful of the historical sites. Follow the rules and the regulations of the location and report any of the findings to the relevant authorities. 

And never remove the artifacts from the location without permission.

Use Proper Equipment 

Make sure that you are using the correct equipment and tools to make the detection more accurate and hassle-free. 

Most of the places don’t allow any shovels. So bring a small scoop to dig the holes. 

And bring a good headphone to identify small signals so that you will not miss anything valuable. 

Also bring water, first aid, caps, and other necessary items for your own safety and convenience. 

Congrats folks! Now you know all the best metal detecting finds in New Jersey recommended by treasure-hunting experts.

Things you should consider when metal detecting in New Jersey
Things you should consider when metal detecting in New Jersey

New Jersey, with its rich history dating back to the colonial period, is home to numerous sites where enthusiasts have uncovered relics and coins from the 17th and 18th centuries through metal detecting.

www.dailyrecord.com

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Where can I find Revolutionary War musket balls in New Jersey?

You can potentially find Revolutionary War musket balls at sites like Monmouth Battlefield National Park and Morristown National Historical Park, which were significant locations during the Revolutionary War period.

Can you suggest any locations for finding colonial coins in New Jersey?

Yes, places like Cape May Point State Park and Washington Crossing State Park are known hotspots where you might stumble upon colonial coins while metal detecting.

Are there specific areas where I can find ancient jewelry in New Jersey?

Certainly, you may find ancient jewelry at places like Island Beach State Park and Allaire State Park, which have histories of trading and ironwork respectively.

What tips can you give for metal detecting in New Jersey?

Before you start, ensure to check the local regulations, use the correct equipment, and respect the historical sites and the environment by adhering to the rules and guidelines set by the respective areas.

Do I need any permission for metal detecting in New Jersey?

Yes, it’s important to acquire necessary permissions or permits as per local regulations before you start your metal detecting adventure in New Jersey.

What should I do if I find something while metal detecting in New Jersey?

If you find any artifact, particularly if it’s over 50 years old, you should report it to the archaeological authorities or park management as stipulated by the rules of the specific location in New Jersey.

Can I take home the artifacts I find during metal detecting in New Jersey?

No, especially in the case of Native American artifacts and items found in historical sites, you should report your finds to the relevant authorities instead of taking them home.

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Metal Detecting Finds in New Jersey

In this article, I deeply discussed the best metal detecting finds in New Jersey and where to find them based on the research I’ve done.

The best metal detecting finds in New Jersey include Revolutionary War relics, colonial coins, ancient jewelry, military dog tags, and Native American artifacts, mostly discovered in places like Monmouth Battlefield Park, Cape May Point, and Kittatinny Valley State Park. Always adhere to local regulations and report significant finds.

Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.

Hope you learned everything you wanted to know about the best metal detecting finds in New Jersey in detail.

Now it’s time to take the metal detector and travel to te specific locations thata are described in this article for treasure hunting like a pro!

Hi! I’m the treasure hunter and adventurer behind DetectingTreasures.com. I'm here to share my knowledge, inspire your adventures, and provide practical guides to help you succeed in your own treasure hunting journey. Read More...

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