10 Best Places to Find Bronze Metal Detecting

Ever wondered where the best places are to unearth ancient bronze with your metal detector? Read on, as we unveil the secret locales brimming with buried bronze treasures.

I was always wondering what the best recyclable metal alloy is! I sought out professional opinions in order to learn more.

I discovered that bronze is a superb metal alloy and that it is potentially a very recyclable metal. Due to its characteristics, it may be melted down and recycled several times without losing quality.

I wanted to find bronze artifacts and start recycling them since I am a detectorist. 

I found a lot of places thanks to my curiosity and wanted to share them with everyone.

Here are the, Best Places to find Bronze Metal Detecting,

1. Beaches
2. Churchyards
3. Historic Sites
4. Parking Lots
5. Abandoned Hotels
6. Fishing Spots
7. Construction Sites
8. Public Parks
9. Hiking Trails
10. Sports Ground

Above mentioned are some top places you could find Bronze artifacts if you are really looking forward.

In this article, I’ll explore the best places to find bronze metal detecting and what we could really find with specific locations inside and outside the US.

The journey begins!

Top Locations to Find Bronze When Metal Detecting

Let me explain and expound on the ideal spots to detect bronze artifacts a little more so you can understand why and how things happen.

Tip: First of all you need to make sure your metal detector is capable of detecting bronze and adjust its settings specifically for Bronze.

1. Beaches

This is a great location to look for bronze items. Beaches are often packed with people, and it’s possible that they lose a lot of items here.

Make sure your detectors have tiny coils and are waterproof. Moreover, carry a scoop to facilitate the digging.

You won’t often find a tranquil day at the beach, so bring some excellent headphones to block out the noise of the people laughing and yelling there.

You could discover many bronze objects that have been lost or buried over time when metal detects along the seashore. 

Some bronze artifacts you could discover include:

• Jewelry: Bronze jewelry such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, or pendants might be discovered when metal detecting on the seashore.
• Coins: Older coins or commemorative coins may still be found, even if the majority of current coins are no longer comprised of bronze.
• Tools and Hardware: Bronze artifacts such as tiny tools, fishing weights, or fragments of bigger things have been discovered.
• Decorations made of seashells: Some decorative seashells or ornaments may have been accented with bronze paint or metal.
• Nautical items: Bronze parts used in nautical equipment, such as hooks, anchors, or boat fittings, may be found.

2. Churchyard

If you want to undertake bronze detection here, always choose the oldest cemeteries or churchyards.

In these locations, a lot of people frequently drop stuff. As a result, both new and antique coins can be found in plenty. 

Due to the risk of disturbing grave sites and the requirement for respect, metal detecting in cemeteries may be a touchy issue.

However, the following list of potential bronze artifacts you could discover when metal detecting in graves if you have permission from the cemetery administration and are abiding by any applicable local laws:

• Grave markers: In older portions of cemeteries, graves often have bronze plaques or markers. The names, dates, and other information about the deceased are frequently mentioned on these plaques.
• Headstone decorations: Some older graves may have ornamental bronze components connected to the headstones or markers. These could feature elaborate patterns, floral themes, or religious symbols.
• Funeral urns or vases: As part of the burial ritual or as a permanent monument, bronze urns or vases are occasionally positioned on graves.

3. Historic Sites

While metal detecting in historical locations such as ruins, battlegrounds, or iconic locations due to the historical significance of such areas, there is a larger chance of discovering bronze objects there.

Bronze artifact ruins are frequently found in these locations. 

The following are some typical bronze things you could encounter like,

• Coins: Historical sites frequently include a wealth of artifacts, including bronze coins made of a variety of metals. Depending on the history of the place, these coins could be more modern or old.
• Figures and sculptures: Bronze statues and figurines are frequently found at historical places. While metal detecting, you could come across pieces or bits of bigger bronze works of art, full sculptures are less likely to be discovered.
• Religious artifacts: Bronze has been used to make a variety of religious artifacts. Many ancient places have religious importance. Your metal-detecting explorations may turn up bronze crosses, amulets, or religious artifacts.
• Tools and equipment: In the past, bronze was frequently used to make tools and equipment. When metal detecting in historical locations, you could come across bronze implements like knives, axes, or farm machinery.

4. Parking Lots

Parking lots are plentiful, and it’s simple to find one close by.

Every city, shopping Centre, and grocery store have parking lots where a lot of misplaced coin may be discovered. You are free to select any location.

Compared to historical places, bronze artifacts are less likely to be discovered in parking lots, although it is still possible. 

You could discover the following bronze objects when metal detecting in parking lots:

• Keys and keychains: You occasionally run into bronze key chains or keys in parking lots.
• Automobile components: Some antique or vintage automobiles may have brass insignia or badges that might come off and be left behind in parking lots.
• Coins: People frequently drop pennies or other small value coins containing bronze when getting in and out of their cars.
• Jewelry: People regularly lose jewelry in parking lots since these are crowded places. You could come across bronze rings, pendants, or other little bronze jewelry items.

5. Abandoned Hotels

People stay in hotels on a temporary basis. It’s a place where people frequently enter and exit.

You could discover numerous bronze things that were previously a part of the hotel’s decor or useful components when searching around abandoned hotels with a metal detector. 

Here are some examples of bronze objects you could come across,

• Signage: Abandoned hotels may still include bronze plaques, signs, or nameplates with room numbers, maps, or historical details.
• Accents on furniture: Bronze accents on furniture pieces like chairs, tables, or bed frames may have been forgotten.
• Bathroom fittings: Towel racks, soap dishes, and faucets made of bronze were frequently found in hotel bathrooms.
• Door hardware: The hotel’s public spaces and guest rooms both had bronze door handles, knobs, hinges, or ornamental plates.
• Lighting fixtures: To make hotel rooms more opulent, bronze chandeliers, sconces, or lamp bases were frequently utilized.

6. Fishing Spots

Discover some of the greatest fishing places around, then speak with local fishermen to acquire a deeper understanding of the region.

It would work well next to a lake, beside the sea, or beneath one of the neighboring bridges.

You could find numerous bronze objects that have been left behind by fishermen or other guests when metal detecting at fishing locations. 

Here are a couple of bronze objects you could encounter,

• Fishing gear: Anglers frequently utilize bronze fishing hooks, swivels, or lures, and these items can occasionally be misplaced or thrown away in the fishing area.
• Clothing accessories: During a fishing trip, bronze buckles, buttons, or snaps from coats, caps, or vests may have been dropped or misplaced.
• Personal items: While having fun by the lake, someone may have unintentionally dropped bronze coins, keys, or jewelry. These things may have sentimental or fascinating historical significance.
• Hardware for boats or docks: The building of the boats or docks at the fishing location may have used bronze bolts, screws, or fittings.
• Decorative items: Some anglers or guests may have brought bronze statues or figures for decoration to improve their fishing experience.

7. Construction Sites

You could find a variety of bronze objects when metal detecting in construction zones. 

Tin is often the principal extra metal in bronze, which is an alloy of copper.

 Due to its strength, resistance to corrosion, and aesthetic appeal, it was frequently employed in building materials and artifacts.

Here are some examples of bronze objects you could encounter,

• Screws and nails: Due to their durability and corrosion resistance, bronze screws and nails were often utilized in construction.
• Ornamental components: Bronze was frequently used for ornamental elements like doorknobs, handles, hinges, and other architectural accents. These can have intricate designs and give structures a refined touch.
• Electrical components: Bronze electrical connections, switch plates, and other items that were originally utilized in electrical systems can be found at older building sites.
• Statues and sculptures: As part of the architectural design, construction sites may host temporary or permanent bronze statues or sculptures. These can be different sizes and feature a variety of themes.
• Plumbing fixtures: Bronze was also used to make faucets, valves, and pipe fittings for plumbing systems. The size and shape of these things might vary.

8. Public Parks

While metal detecting in public parks may be enjoyable and rewarding, it’s important to abide by the guidelines established by each park. 

Compared to historical locations or building sites, public parks might not have as many bronze artifacts, but you can still make some intriguing finds.

When using a metal detector to search for bronze objects in open spaces, keep the following in mind,

• High-Traffic Areas: Concentrate your search in places where there is a lot of foot traffic, such as playgrounds, picnic areas, paths, and locations close to benches. Dropped or abandoned things are more likely to be found in these locations.
• Old Trees and Landscaping: Look around the park’s older trees and landscaping accents. Bronze parts can occasionally be found in ornamental items like plaques, sculptures, or fountains.
• Collaborate with Other Detectorists: You may gain useful knowledge and advice from seasoned detectorists who may have already explored the park you’re interested in by joining local metal detecting groups or internet forums.

9. Hiking Trails

Some of these paths date back to antiquity and were formerly utilized by traders. 

See if the places require authorization to conduct detection by looking for the earliest trials.

There is a chance to locate artifacts even if hiking paths might not be the most usual site to find bronze objects. 

You could come across bronze objects in the following situations while metal detecting on hiking trails,

• Picnic places and campsites: Hiking paths with picnic or campground facilities may be worth investigating. Personal belongings like bronze jewelry, money, or little ornamental trinkets are frequently left behind by people.
• Geological Features: You can come across rocks or stones with traces of bronze minerals if the hiking trail passes through rock formations or regions with natural mineral deposits. Even if there is less of a chance that this is an authentic artifact, it might still be a fascinating find.
• Historical Significance: Some hiking paths cross through places that are significant historically, such as abandoned towns or mines. These areas may include bronze artifacts such as coins, buttons, or implements that previous occupants have left behind.
• Old Trail Markers: Bronze markers or signs are frequently seen along hiking paths. Even though they might not be old artifacts, you can still locate intriguing items and expand your collection with them.

10. Sports Ground

These are also common places to locate bronze objects, much more so if they have been in use for a longer time.

When metal detecting at athletic fields, you could find a range of things, such as bronze artifacts. Here are some potential examples,

• Sports Medals: Bronze medals are given to victors or competitors in several sporting events. Even while these might not be remnants from the past, you might nonetheless come upon them.
• Trophy Plaques: Plaques for trophies and prizes are frequently made of bronze. If you’re lucky, you could come upon discarded or forgotten items from previous athletic events.
• Old Coins and Tokens: Sports venues, particularly those with concession stands or vending machines, may be great sources of change. Additionally, it’s possible that certain places once accepted bronze tokens for payments or admittance.
• Personal Artifacts: Individuals who attend athletic events occasionally unintentionally drop or misplace their personal belongings, such as bronze jewelry or key chains.

Now you know general locations you can find bronze treasures.

So, let’s look at what are the best states you should visit for bronze items.

These states are known for this metal and you’ll have a high chance of finding valuables by hunting general locations which are already discussed, from the below states.

I was lucky to find bronze treasures from the below states while attending metal detecting sessions.

Best States in the US to Find Bronze in Metal Detecting

Due to its size and lengthy history, the United States has a wealth of prospects for bronze artifact hunting. 

The following states are noted for their historical importance and possibility for locating bronze artifacts,

1. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a popular area for discovering bronze coins, buckles, buttons, and other artifacts from the colonial era due to its colonial past and closeness to early European colonies.

2. Virginia

Known as the “Mother of Presidents” and the location of Jamestown, the first enduring English settlement in North America, Virginia is home to a plethora of historical landmarks. 

Metal detectorists have found a variety of bronze pieces, ranging from Colonial-era artifacts to Civil War relics.

3. New York

New York has a rich history that spans several centuries, with Dutch colonies like New Amsterdam (now New York City) and major battlegrounds like Saratoga and Gettysburg. 

Numerous locations have bronze artifacts, such as coins, buttons, and military accouterments.

4. Pennsylvania

The founding of the country and the American Revolution were both significantly influenced by the Keystone State. 

Pennsylvania has numerous possibilities to discover priceless bronze artifacts due to its abundance of battlefields, colonial villages, and industrial legacy.

Now I’m going to share with you countries that are known for bronze treasures.

I’ve personally been to several countries and got lucky.

Best Countries to Find Bronze in Metal Detection

If you’re interested in using metal detecting to uncover bronze artifacts, there are numerous nations with a rich history and archaeological sites that could present promising chances.

The following nations are well-known for their historical relevance and the likelihood that bronze artifacts may be found there,

1. Italy

Italy is a treasured resource for metal detectorists with its ancient Roman and Etruscan civilizations. 

Over the years, various bronze artifacts have been discovered at locations like Rome, Pompeii, and Sicily.

2. Greece

Greece is home to a wide variety of ancient sites and is regarded as the cradle of Western civilization. 

You could discover bronze coins, jewelry, and other items from Minoan Crete to ancient Greek city-states.

3. China

Bronze artifacts from several dynasties that ruled China during its long and rich history may be found there. 

There are many chances to discover interesting things, such as ceremonial artifacts and antique money.

4. Egypt

The land of the pharaohs and the pyramids provide a window into the extensive past of prehistoric civilizations. 

There have been several discoveries of Egyptian bronze items, including jewelry, sculptures, and burial gifts.

5. England

England is home to a wide variety of historical monuments, from Bronze Age villages through Roman occupancy. 

Many different bronze artifacts, including coins, swords, and religious items, have been discovered by detectorists.

I’ve been to England several times and was able to find beautiful artifacts mostly from churchyards.

Congrats folks! Now you have a clear understanding of the best places to find bronze metal detecting inside and outside the US.

Over 20,000 bronze artifacts, some dating back 3,000 years, have been discovered by metal detectorists, underscoring the abundant presence of this valuable metal in the soil.

news.artnet.com

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions as well.

FAQs

Did I cover all you wanted to know about the Best Places to Find Bronze Metal detecting

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best places to find bronze metal detecting with specific locations and tips to find bronze treasures easily.

The best places to find bronze when metal detecting include historical or archaeological sites, old homesites, farm fields, and near water bodies like rivers or lakes. Optimal time periods to focus on are those when bronze was commonly used, such as the Bronze Age or war periods.

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

Hope you’ve gained a good knowledge about top locations for bronze treasures when metal hunting.

So, take your companion metal detector and go for bronze treasure hunting like a hero!