20 Best Places To Find Silver Coins Metal  Detecting

Are you a treasure seeker looking for the thrill of unearthing valuable silver coins? Dive in as we reveal the best locales for your next metal-detecting adventure!

Best Places to Find Silver Coins metal detecting

When I first started working on metal detecting, silver coins became one of my favorite findings. 

Most of the time, these coins were so valuable and some of them actually tipped me back for finding them with a lot of money on trading. 

There was a time that I was specifically focused on finding coins. 

Because of that interest, I knew exactly where I can find silver coins when metal detecting.

Let me share with you the best places to find silver coins metal detecting,

  1. Old homesteads
  2. Cemeteries and churchyards
  3. Beaches
  4. Foreclosed homes
  5. Abandoned hotels
  6. Fairgrounds
  7. Parking lots
  8. Public parks
  9. Alleys
  10. Fishing spots
  11. School premises 
  12. Pool areas
  13. Old mailboxes
  14. Under the clothesline
  15. Hiking trails
  16. Old battlefields 
  17. Campgrounds
  18. Construction sites
  19. Sports grounds 
  20. Backyards

These are some of the best places to search for precious silver coins using a metal detector.

I’ll be sharing some of my experiences on the above locations and how to exactly detect silver coins. 

You’ll have a really good chance if you read these tips and tricks well and use them.

So, let’s move forward!

Silver coins collected by metal detecting
Silver coins collected by metal detecting

Top Locations To Find Silver Coins In Metal Detecting

Let me explain and elaborate on the best places to detect silver coins a bit more for you to understand why and how things happen. 

Tip: Make sure your metal detector is capable of detecting silver before heading into the locations.

1. Old Homesteads

Find the whole plan of the homestead by walking around and figuring it out. Looking for a foundation is the best option. 

Search along the foundation as well as the walkways around it. 

Just make sure that you check whether the owners are still around or someone is still taking care of it. If so, ask for their permission. 

Old homestead areas are great for silver coin hunting
Old homestead areas are great for silver coin hunting

2. Cemeteries and Churchyards 

Always go for the oldest cemeteries or churchyards if you are planning to do silver coin detection here. 

Many people drop coins a lot of times in these areas. So you will find a lot of coins which are old and new.

Before detection, get permission from the church and avoid the days that the church is busy.

If you find any valuable coin, inform the church, and in case if you sell it, be generous to contribute something to the church.

Old cemetery for silver coin detection
Old cemetery for silver coin detection

3. Beaches

This is another excellent place to hunt for silver coins. Beaches are busy with people all the time and there’s a probability that they lose a lot of coins here.

Apart from that, old coins can also be found which are washed ashore from the sea. 

Make sure that your detectors are waterproof and have small coils. And bring a scoop to make the digging easier. 

Bring a good headphone set to avoid the distractions of the people who are shouting and having fun at the beach because you’ll hardly find a calm day at the beach. 

Beaches are great for silver treasure hunting
Beaches are great for silver treasure hunting

4. Foreclosed Homes

Foreclosed homes might bring a fair profit by detecting silver coins. These properties are observed by many people and they have lost coins on the way.  

You have to get permission from the landlord before doing anything. You can also get permission from the municipality office of the area. 

Do proper research before stepping into such grounds. 

Foreclosed home area for silver coin hunting
Foreclosed home area for silver coin hunting

5. Abandoned Hotels

Hotels are places where people temporarily stay. It’s somewhere that people always move in and out. 

They also deal with a lot of money around the premises and therefore, a high chance is there in finding precious silver coins.

Again ask for permission from the owners before you detect anything.

Abandoned hotel I found in Mexico was great for silver coin hunting
Abandoned hotel I found in Mexico was great for silver coin hunting

6. Fairgrounds 

A huge amount of lost coins can be found in both state and country fairgrounds. 

People come to the fairs all the time and it’s a place where mostly the purchasing happens. So definitely there’s going to be a huge amount of lost coins.

Fairgrounds will need permission from its organizations or the committee. Better to ask them first and do the detecting.

Fairground area for silver coin hunting
Fairground area for silver coin hunting

7. Parking Lots

There are a lot of parking lots everywhere and it’s so easy to find one nearby!. 

Every city, every mall, every supermarket, all of these places have parking lots where a lot of lost change can be found. You can choose wherever you want.

Just make sure that you inform the owners or the municipality before you detect and find anything.

Parking lots for silver coin hunting
Parking lots for silver coin hunting

8. Public Parks

People during the weekends or sometimes even during the weekdays come to free parks all around and enjoy a time of relaxation. 

They also celebrate moments, have gatherings and even family reunions happen here.

With all that enjoyment going on, there’s no doubt that some of them might lose a few coins.

A lot of parks do allow metal detecting. Check with the state if a permit is needed to do so.

You can ask the superintendent at the park to get further details. 

Public parks are great for silver coin hunting
Public parks are great for silver coin hunting

9. Alleys

Alleys in towns will be another good spot to detect for silver coins. As many people walk through these, there’s no doubt that they will lose coins.

Alleys are famous for businesses.

So if the detection can be done either in the morning or at night would bring some extraordinary findings.

Alley area for silver coin hunting
Alley area for silver coin hunting

10. Fishing Spots

Find some of the best fishing spots around and talk to the people who do fishing around that area to get a better idea.

Nearby a lake, near the sea or under the nearby bridges would be a fit. 

It’s a popular place for precious finds including old silver coins.

So enjoy the time there without causing disturbance to fellow detectors or anglers. 

Fishing spots are great for silver treasure hunting
Fishing spots are great for silver treasure hunting

11. School Premises 

Imagine how many students as well as others in the staff would lose coins at the school premises. 

This will be a jackpot if the school is a little bit old.

You probably might want to talk to the principal as well as the other heads of the school in order to get permission.

Avoid school times as it might be disturbing in both ways.

School premises for silver coin detection
School premises for silver coin detection

12. Pool Areas

It is a popular place among detectors because they know that a lot of coins will be lost here by people who visit.

They change their clothes, move here and there around the pool, and do stuff. So there are a lot of chances of finding silver coins.

Ask for permission from the authorities before you start any detection.

Pool areas for silver coin hunting
Pool areas for silver coin hunting

13. Old Mailboxes 

No one would imagine that the area around old mailboxes will have coins left behind.

Money exchanges happened back then through mailboxes. 

So there’s a lot of chances of finding silver coins which are old and precious around these mailboxes.

Old mailboxes for silver coin hunting
Old mailboxes for silver coin hunting

14. Under the Clothesline

Are you a person like me who always forgets changes in your pockets and leaves them behind?

Clotheslines are better places as these leftover coins might fall on the ground and lie there until someone finds them. So it’s a good place to do a search.

Clothesline area for silver coin hunting
Clothesline area for silver coin hunting

15. Hiking Trails 

Some of these trails are old and used by merchants back in the time.

These areas can have a lot of coins around that might be old which were lost by the merchants.

Look for the oldest trials and see whether these locations need permission in order to do detection.

You might find silver coins while hiking
You might find silver coins while hiking

16. Old Battlefields 

During civil wars and other revolutionary wars, many things including coins have been reported to be lost.

These places are good for detecting silver coins. But you might want to get some permission.

Old battlefield grounds are great for silver coin hunting
Old battlefield grounds are great for silver coin hunting

17. Campgrounds

Campgrounds that have been used for decades that had so many visitors around can have a lot of coins.

Plan a trip to this ground and take your detector with you!

Camping areas for silver coin hunting
Camping areas for silver coin hunting

18. Construction Sites

These sites also involved a lot of workers most of the time. They must have lost some coins out of their pockets.

It will be a good place to spot some silver coins if permitted.

Construction sites are great for silver treasure hunting
Construction sites are great for silver treasure hunting

19. Sports Grounds 

These are also popular locations to find silver coins. Especially if they have been used for a longer period.

You might find silver coins while sporting or walking with your detector
You might find silver coins while sporting or walking with your detector

20. Backyards

Who knows that your backyard holds some historically valuable silver coins? Actually, some backyards do!

Do it for fun. I really mean it. Also, try the backyards of your family and friends. You might be surprised. 

Backyards are great for silver treasure hunting
Backyards are great for silver treasure hunting

Let’s see what areas in the united states you have a high possibility of detecting silver coins based on geography and historical incidents.

Best States in the US To Find Silver Coins in Metal Detecting

Metal detecting is a fantastic pastime across the United States, where history and nature have combined to provide a rich tapestry of hidden treasures.

But certain states stand out as hotspots for enthusiasts to potentially discover silver coins.

Here are some of those:

1. Virginia

Virginia is an ideal state for metal detecting, with its rich Civil War history.

Battlefields and encampment sites are often teeming with relics, and you may be lucky enough to discover a Seated Liberty dime or a Barber quarter.

Be sure to get the required permissions before metal detecting on historical land.

Liberty dime found from Virginia
Liberty dime found from Virginia

2. Nevada

The Silver State is rich with old mining towns and trails where you can find silver coins dating back to the wild west era.

From towns like Goldfield to the outskirts of Las Vegas, there are places aplenty where a keen detectorist might uncover a Morgan dollar.

Goldfield town in Nevada
Goldfield town in Nevada

3. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s history dates back to colonial times, and the state has seen significant Revolutionary and Civil War action.

Many detectorists have reported finding old colonial Spanish pieces of eight, early American cents, and even silver three-cent pieces, often known as “trimes.”

Silver coin found from Pennsylvania
Silver coin found from Pennsylvania

4. California

The Gold Rush state also had its share of silver, and detecting enthusiasts often find Barber dimes, Seated Liberty quarters, and other old coins.

Beaches in tourist-heavy areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles are also lucrative spots, with modern jewelry and coins frequently lost in the sand.

Year 1907 Barber Dime Coin found in California
Year 1907 Barber Dime Coin found in California

5. Florida

Florida is a treasure hunter’s paradise, especially if you’re searching along the coastline.

Spanish galleons carrying silver coins often wrecked off the coast, leading to the discovery of many Spanish Reales.

Modern beach-goers also tend to lose a surprising amount of valuable items.

Beach-goers in Florida
Beach-goers in Florida

6. Texas

From old Spanish missions to battlegrounds of the Texas Revolution, the Lone Star State is a treasure trove of metal detecting sites.

Spanish colonial coins, Republic of Texas currency, and even Confederate money have been discovered here.

Silver coin found in Texas
Silver coin found in Texas

Remember, finding silver coins is often about doing your historical research and being patient.

Always make sure you are following local laws and regulations, and respect private property.

What if you’re not from the US or you need to know the best countries with good historical value to hunt silver coins? Don’t worry! I got you covered.

Best Countries To Find Silver Coins in Metal Detection

Metal detecting for silver coins is a globally popular hobby, and some countries are known for their rich historical heritage that increases the chances of finding valuable items, including silver coins.

In these nations, relics of old times still lie buried, waiting for treasure hunters to unearth them.

Here are some of the best countries for silver coin hunting:

1. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has a rich history spanning thousands of years, with countless civilizations leaving their mark on this land.

Metal detecting in the UK can yield silver coins from various eras, such as Roman coins, Celtic hoards, Medieval silver pennies, and Victorian shillings.

The UK also has a fantastic Portable Antiquities Scheme, which encourages hobbyists to report their findings for archaeological recording.

Roman silver coins found from UK
Roman silver coins found from UK

2. United States

The US is an incredibly diverse place to metal detect, from Civil War battlefields in the South to the old Western mining towns.

Silver coin enthusiasts often find Mercury dimes, Barber quarters, and even the cherished Morgan dollars.

Just ensure you’re abiding by local laws, particularly when detecting on historic or public lands.

3. Australia

Australia’s colonial history and gold-rush era make it a fantastic place for metal detecting.

You might come across the famous Australian Shilling or even the Sixpence, both containing a good deal of silver.

Plus, Australia’s vast beaches are known to hide many modern lost treasures.

Australian Shilling from 1952
Australian Shilling from 1952

4. France

With a rich history dating back to the Gauls and Romans, France has lots of potential for finding silver coins.

From the medieval deniers and douzains to more recent francs, silver coin detectors have a lot to explore here.

Remember, though, France has specific laws about metal detecting, so make sure to adhere to these regulations.

Old french silver coin 1874, 5 francs
Old french silver coin 1874, 5 francs

5. Spain

Spain, with its fascinating history of invasions, battles, and trade, is also an excellent place for detecting silver coins.

Coins from various eras like the Roman Empire, Visigoths, and the famous Spanish Real can be found here.

Be aware, Spanish law requires permits for metal detecting, particularly at historical sites.

Roman silver coins from Spain
Roman silver coins from Spain

Remember, successful metal detecting isn’t just about the country; it’s also about researching the area, understanding the history, and being patient and persistent in your search.

If you’re interested in sterling silver, Don’t worry! Sterling silver also triggers metal detectors and is able to find in the same locations where you can find silver treasures.

How Deep Can A Metal Detector Detect Silver Coin?

The maximum depth that a metal detector can detect a silver coin depends on several factors. Such as,

  • Size and thickness of the coin
  • Type of soil
  • Type of ground 
  • Sensitivity of the detector 
  • Detector technology 

A detector that is in the middle range can detect a silver coin that lies 6-8 inches underneath. 

Advanced detectors are able to detect coins that are in greater depths up to 12-18 inches or more. 

Higher levels of experience and expertise can make the work more easy.

What if you don’t have a metal detector or your metal detector is broken? Don’t worry! read my comprehensive guide to Find Coins Without a Metal Detector.

Hunting silver coins near a lake
Hunting silver coins near a lake

Best Recommended Metal Detectors For Detecting Silver Coins

Since now you know well about the best places and how to find them, let me tell you what are the best detectors to detect silver coins.

  • Minelab Equinox 800- this is a metal detector that is designed specifically to search coins that lies up to a depth of 12 inches. It is operated by multi-frequency technology.
  • Garrett AT Pro- this is also another detector that accurately finds silver coins. It includes both manual and automated ground balance. Can detect coins upto 10 inches.
  • Fisher F22- it’s a beginner-level detector that is affordable and easy to use. It can detect silver coins that lie underneath up to 9 inches.
  • Teknetics T2 classic- this metal detector is well known for its incredible power of detecting small silver coins in great depths. Mostly up to 14 inches. 
Did you know fact about silver metal detecting
Did you know fact about silver metal detecting

How Deep Do Silver Coins Usually Buried?

With my personal experiences and findings, I’m giving a brief idea about the depths where the silver coins can be found.

Most of the time, I detected and found out that silver coins commonly lie between 2-8 inches deeper from the ground. 

The highest depth a metal detector would detect for a silver coin is about 12 inches. 

Sometimes treasures can be buried so deep to hide silver items from metal detectors.

Advanced detectors are capable of finding silver coins that are in deep ground. 

If you have no idea how deep your metal detector is able to detect silver coins, read my comprehensive guide about understanding How Deep Can a Metal Detector Detect?

Ways To Make Sure The Coins Are Actual Silver

This is something that I wasn’t aware of for a while. I thought that every coin that looks silver is actually silver. Surprisingly, it’s not! 

I came across some amazing facts on how to tell that the coins are actually silver. 

  • In a real silver coin, the sides also have to be shiny. If it is blunt, it’s not silver at all.
  • A silver coin will make a clinking sound when it is tapped on a piece of metal. Other coins will make a sound that is much louder.
  • Silver coin usage ended in 1964-1965. Any coin produced after that is most probably not silver. 
Tip for detecting silver treasures
Tip for detecting silver treasures

Are All The Silver Coins That We Find Valuable?

Not necessarily. There are various factors that should be determined to measure the value of a silver coin.

The below factors can be used to value a silver coin,

  • The condition of the coin
  • The rarity of the coin
  • Historical significance surrounded the coin
  • Demand for the coins among collectors 

It is important that proper research and consultation are done by a consultant before a silver coin is valued and marketed. 

That’s it, folks! Now you know all about the best places to find silver coins metal detecting.

Tip for detecting silver
Tip for detecting silver

The largest single silver coin ever discovered with a metal detector was a 1947 Mexican 50 Peso piece, measuring a whopping 37mm in diameter

coinweek.com

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

FAQs

How pure are silver coins?

Silver coins are made of 99.9% pure silver.

Do silver coins rust?

No, silver coins don’t rust. But it can tarnish.

My silver coins have become yellow. Why?

Silver coins become yellow because they have been exposed to the air for a longer period. 

How to preserve silver coins?

Store them in a plastic container as it can react with other materials. Keep them away from water.

How can I tell if the coins I find are real silver?

Genuine silver coins typically have shiny sides, produce a distinct ‘clink’ when tapped on metal, and are most likely minted before 1964-1965.

Is metal detecting permitted in public parks and other public spaces?

While many public parks do allow metal detecting, it’s essential to check with the local authorities or the park superintendent for any necessary permits or guidelines.

Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best Places to Find Silver Coins Metal Detecting

In this article, I’ve deeply discussed the best places to find silver coins metal detecting including the general areas, and states, and finally, I even took it to the international level by explaining the best counties you should try out to hunt silver coins.

The best places to find silver coins while metal detecting are old historical sites, former trade routes, beaches, and parks. Internationally, the UK, France, and Australia offer ample opportunities, while in the US, states like Virginia, Nevada, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, and Texas are notable hotspots.

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

I think that’s all in ‘best places to find silver coins in metal detecting’. I hope I covered most of the parts for you. 

If you found something knowledgeable in these details, I’m so glad that I wrote it. There’s no need to stress out. Just start it simple. You’ll find the way as you go. 

Hoping that you’ll share the experiences too!. 

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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