5 Best Places to Find Copper Metal Detecting

Ever wondered where hidden copper treasures lurk beneath? Dive into history’s copper-rich locations and unleash your detector’s potential!

In my metal detecting journey, I’ve discovered numerous valuables and artifacts made of copper. Many individuals inquire about metal detecting tips and the types of valuables one might find in specific areas.

Recently, my brother, who is new to metal detecting, asked me for the best locations to find copper.

I provided him with a list of places I’ve visited where I successfully found copper treasures. If your metal detector can detect copper, I’d recommend visiting these locations as well.

 So, here’re the Best Places to Find Copper Metal Detecting,

1. Beaches
2. Abandoned House
3. Historical sites
4. Alleys
5. Hiking Trails

But that’s just a quick snapshot of the question.

Above are the best places you could go for Copper Metal Detecting. Join me in this journey as I spit more facts about them.

I’ll tell you all the areas that I have personally explored and found copper treasures inside and outside of the United States.

Just keep reading!

Top Copper Detecting Locations

Let me elaborate on the best locations to look for copper artifacts a bit more so you can comprehend why and how things work.

1. Beaches

A great site to look for copper-related wares is here. People frequently lose a lot of things on beaches because of the constant crowds of people there.

Additionally, artifacts that have been washed up from the sea in copper are also common.

There are a few situations when you could come across copper items near the seashore, even though they are not frequently utilized in beach-related products and are therefore not frequently seen on beaches. 

Here are some potential examples,

• Lost Jewelry: While having fun at the beach, individuals occasionally lose jewelry like rings or necklaces. These jewelry items occasionally have copper components or are made completely of copper.
• Fishing Gear: Copper is occasionally used in fishing gear, including wire leads, lures, and hooks. Although it is uncommon, you can come across abandoned or misplaced fishing equipment that has copper components.
• Weathered Coins: Older coins made of copper or copper alloys may eventually acquire a bluish-green patina. A copper coin that was dropped or misplaced at the beach might perhaps wash up on the coast.

Read to know, How to clean copper coins that are found in metal detecting!

2. Abandoned Houses

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

They deal with many different things in the area, therefore there is a good potential of discovering valuable copper artifacts.

Copper objects are not typically found in all abandoned hotels, but there are a few areas where you could discover them. 

Here are a few copper valuables that can be found from abandoned houses,

• Plumbing Fixtures: Due to its ability to resist corrosion, copper is frequently utilized in plumbing systems. Copper pipes, fittings, or valves that were utilized in the plumbing system of defunct hotels may still be there.
• Electrical Wiring: Due to its superior conductivity, copper is also often used in electrical wiring. Copper wire may be visible or in the walls of historic hotels that have been abandoned.
• Ornamental Accents: Copper may have been used in the architectural designs of certain older hotels as ornamental accents, statuary, or even as copper artwork. These components could still be present in a deserted hotel.
• Kitchen Utensils: For better heat distribution in hotel kitchens, some pots and pans and cooking utensils may be constructed of copper or have copper bottoms. Even though these things are more frequently discovered in occupied places, it’s feasible that an abandoned hotel may include some of them.

Once I found copper compression socks from one of those abandoned houses and I tested it with my metal detector.

But unfortunately, compression socks do not set off metal detectors., same goes for the detection of copper medical items like IUDs.

3. Historical Sites

Due to their historical relevance, there is a higher likelihood of finding copper artifacts while metal detecting at historical sites like battlefields, ruins, or famous landmarks also copper nuggets could be found.

These places commonly have copper item ruins. 

The following are some common copper items that you could see,

• Copper Coins: In certain former mining sites, wages were paid in copper tokens or coins, which were then exchanged for goods. These little disc-shaped artefacts should have marks identifying their worth or place of origin.
• Copper Tools and Implements: Copper picks, hammers, chisels, and even pieces of lanterns or lights were frequently utilized by miners. These things could be dispersed around the area or left in abandoned mining shafts.
• Copper Accessories or Jewelry: Bracelets, rings, and pendants made of copper were occasionally worn by miners. Watch out for tiny ornamental pieces that could have been misplaced or thrown away by employees.
• Copper Nuggets: Copper nuggets are still found in some mining regions, but less frequently than gold. These nuggets often have tiny, atypical shapes. A careful search is required since they could be hidden in the soil or mixed together with other minerals.

4. Alleys

Town alleyways will also be a wonderful place to look for copper objects. There is little question that people will lose goods when they pass through them in great numbers.

Businesses are well known in alleys. It would thus result in some astonishing discoveries if the detection could be carried out either in the morning or at night.

Here are some examples of copper products you could come across,

• Scrap Metal: People frequently discard scrap metal, particularly copper scraps, in alleyways. Look for damaged copper artifacts that have been left out for trash pickup, as well as abandoned appliances, discarded machinery, and other items.
• Copper Utensils or Containers: If copper pots, pans, or containers have been upgraded or damaged, they may occasionally be discovered in alleyways. These supplies may have been utilized in kitchens or dining establishments.
• Ornamental Items: When homeowners change or renovate their outdoor decor, copper sculptures, plaques, or other ornamental items may end up in alleyways. Watch careful for broken copper ornaments.
• Plumbing Fittings: During renovations or repairs, copper pipes and fittings like elbows, couplings, or valves may need to be changed. These outdated copper components can occasionally be found abandoned in alleyways.

5. Hiking Trails

Some of these paths are ancient and were once used by traders. Many items that may be ancient and that the merchants misplaced may be present in these regions.

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

It’s possible to stumble and find some copper objects when trekking on paths. 

Here are a few illustrations,

• Trail Markers or Signage: Some hiking paths include copper plaques or markers that serve as markers for crucial information such as distances or instructions. On the path, keep an eye out for them.
• Campfire Pots or Pans: Due to its superior heat conductivity, copper is a preferred material for cookware. Near camping spots, some hikers may unintentionally abandon or throw away copper pots or pans.
• Relics from the past or antique objects: Depending on the area and history of the hiking trail, you can come across antique copper objects. Old coins, buttons, buckles, and other tiny metal artifacts may be among them.
• Mining Remains: If the hiking trail is located in a region with a mining heritage, you can come across abandoned copper mining machinery or relics. This could contain outdated equipment, tools, or even mineshafts. Please use caution and avoid going into any dangerous locations.

Now I’m going to share with you states that I’ve visited and found lots of copper treasures. I’ve gathered some of the below information from the local detectorists.

Best States in the US to find Copper Metal Detecting

The United States offers a variety of opportunities for copper artifact hunting due to its vastness and extensive history. 

The following states are chosen because they are significant historically and have a chance of having copper relics there.

1. California

In my Metal Detecting journey, I’ve traveled to California and found many valuable artifacts. Copper has been one of them. 

There are several valuables I’ve found and I’d like to list some of them for you all to know.

• Artifacts from the mining industry: California has a long history of mining, particularly during the Gold Rush. I could come across copper mining tools, machinery, or relics when trekking in places where mine activities formerly occurred.
• Antique Coins and Tokens: Trade and commerce have a long history in California. I came across antique copper coins or tokens that were originally used as money or trading tokens when trekking in specific places.
• Native American artifacts: Numerous Native American tribes with extensive cultural histories reside in California. At historical Native American settlements or archaeological sites, copper jewelry, artifacts, or even old copper tools were able to be discovered.

2. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is my hometown and I frequently go metal detecting here. 

I could find a variety of copper objects when metal detecting in Pennsylvania because the state has a long history of producing and mining copper. 

Here are a few instances,

• Copper Coins: I was able to find different copper coins, such as the big cent (minted between 1793 and 1857) or the Flying Eagle cent (minted between 1856 and 1858). A minor proportion of copper can also be found in Indian Head cents (issued between 1859 and 1909) and Lincoln Wheat cents (issued between 1909 and 1958).
• Trade Tokens: In the past, companies and merchants utilized these tokens as a type of money. Copper trade tokens were occasionally discovered in Pennsylvania when metal detecting.
• Tool components: Especially in earlier times, copper was frequently utilized to make tools. While exploring locations with a history of industrial or manufacturing activity, I could discover traces of copper tool components, such as axe heads, chisels, or pieces of gear.
• Decorative things: Copper was frequently utilized in the manufacture of ornamental things like jewelry and home furnishings. I could discover copper candlesticks, jewelry, and other ornamental items when metal detecting that were dropped or lost over time.

3. Alaska

I’ve been to Alaska for metal detecting and found many valuables. 

Even though Alaska’s history of copper mining and production may not be as long as that of other places, there are still some copper objects that I could stumble across when traveling the state.

Here are a few artifacts I would like to address,

• Native Alaskan artifacts: Native Alaskans utilized copper for a variety of things, including making tools, jewelry, and ornamental objects. While I was examining old towns and archaeological sites, I came across copper artifacts like knives, spear points, or jewelry.
• Mining Relics: Despite the fact that mining for copper has historically been less common in Alaska than mining for other minerals like gold or zinc, there are still traces of previous copper mining activities in some areas I could really look into.
• Artisan Crafts: Copper is a popular metal used by local craftsmen in Alaska, a state noted for its thriving arts and crafts industry. While browsing local markets and craft fairs, I could discover copper jewelry, sculptures, and other beautiful items manufactured by skilled craftspeople.

In addition to these states, there are some other states too you could possibly go for copper detecting,

• Arizona
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Mexico

Best Countries to Find Copper in Metal Detection

If you’re like me and interested in using metal detecting to discover copper artifacts, numerous countries with a rich history and archaeological sites can provide intriguing prospects.

The following countries’ historical relevance and the possibility that copper artifacts there may be found, 

1. Australia

Australia has a rich history of copper mining and manufacturing, so there were various copper items I could come across while exploring the country.

• Heritage Monuments: Copper has been used as a roofing material on several Australian historic structures because of its durability and resistance to the weather. I discovered that Heritage buildings have copper roof shingles, gutters, downpipes, and decorative elements.
• Aboriginal artifacts: Prior to the arrival of European immigrants, indigenous Australians used copper. I could nevertheless discover antique copper tools, jewelry, and decorative items in museums, cultural institutions, or archaeological sites even if they are less common than artifacts made of other materials like stone or wood.
• Themed Souvenirs: Many different souvenirs and collectibles created in Australia use copper. This covers copper sculptures, key chains, coins, and other collectibles with designs honoring Australian flora, history, and geography.

2. United Kingdom

I discovered that copper mining has played a significant role throughout the history of the UK, especially in areas like Cornwall and Wales. 

Former mining locations, coastal regions, even local museums, and historical sites might be explored for copper artifacts.

• Coins: Throughout its history, the UK has produced copper coins. I could encounter several copper denominations when metal detecting, ranging from the farthings and halfpennies of earlier ages to the contemporary copper-plated steel coins.
• Antique decorative objects: Copper has long been used to create decorative items like vases, candelabra, dishes, and sculptures. It’s possible to find beautifully worked copper things by perusing antique shops, flea markets, or even historical sites.
• Industrial Relics: Copper was used in a variety of industrial purposes over the UK’s long history of industrialization. Copper pipes, machinery pieces, or tools used in copper mining and processing may still be present after previous industrial sites, factories, or mining locations have been explored.

In addition to these countries, there are some other countries too you could possibly go for copper detection,

• Chile
• Greece
• Egypt

That’s it, folks! Now you know all the best places to find copper metal detecting including the general locations, the best states in the US, and also the countries known for copper treasures.

Chile was the world’s largest copper producer, accounting for over 25% of global copper production.

www.mining-technology.com

So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Did I cover all you wanted to know about Best Places to Find Copper Metal Detecting

 In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best places to find copper metal detecting with general locations, states, and countries.

The best places to find copper when metal detecting include historical sites, old homes, battlegrounds, and former trading spots. Always prioritize areas where copper was historically prevalent in coinage or artifacts. Ensure you have permission and check local regulations before starting

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

Now you have a crystal clear idea about where should go for copper hunting. 

So, Champ! Grab your loving detector and go for copper treasures hunting. Make sure to ask for permissions where needed! Happy hunting!