Ever walked past a historic site and wondered about buried treasures beneath? Discover how to unearth coins, no metal detector required! Curious? Dive in!
When I was a kid, I was keen on searching for old coins that are hidden in my garden. I guess this is what led me to become a professional metal detector in the present.
I never owned a metal detector in my childhood. But still, I figured out ways to detect metals and to find some metal objects including coins.
So, let’s find out, How to find coins without a metal detector?
To find coins without a metal detector, research historical sites, check old maps for activity hotspots, and visually search areas like riverbanks, beaches, and parks. Secure permissions, use tools like shovels and probing rods, and consider magnet fishing in waters, though not all coins are magnetic.
I have a few tricks and tips that you can use to detect metal coins without a detector. Want to know?
Keep reading!
Can You Detect Coins Without A Metal Detector?
Well of course yes! In some cases, you will be able to detect metals without using a detector. But you certainly cannot detect metal objects that are buried deep underground.
Practically, it is not possible to find metals that are deeper without a detector. You will have to guess and dig places if you need to find anything.
But that’s not going to work out at all.
But if there are objects that are in shallow depths, some parts of them might be exposed to the surface.
These will shine if you walk through them during the daylight or search for them with a torch.
Most of the coins can be close to the surface and they can be seen most of the time. And also there are some other ways that can be used to detect metals.
How To Detect Coins Without A Metal Detector?
Basically with a metal detector, you can easily find coins.
But in order to maximize your chances of detecting coins without a metal detector, there are some main steps that I recommend in order to make the detection more accurate and positive.
Believe me or not, even I followed these steps when I was little to make my detection more interesting and fun.
Here’s the procedure of detecting coins without a metal detector,
- Perform a research
- Get information from the locals
- Get permission
- Visual search
- Search with simple techniques
I will elaborate on these steps a little more for your convenience.
1. Perform a Research
This is a crucial step if you are about to detect coins without any technology. You are not able to randomly detect places if you don’t have a detector.
So the best thing is to do research on the specific area looking for clues that there are coins.
You can check for the history of the place to get an idea of what kind of a place it is. For example, if it was a market back then, it might probably have coins around.
Go for old maps, documents, logbooks, and even archives to get clues.
Almost all of these sources are available for free online or you can even visit the local library in your area to get these sources.
2. Get Information From the Locals
When you have decided on the location, pay a visit to the place.
Ask the locals about this place to get an idea of what kind of a place it was and how it got changed over time.
Try to find people who have been living for decades in the area.
They know well about what happened around the place.
These people can provide details on the history of the area and that will lead you into specific areas where coins can be found.
3. Get Permission
It is important to get permission from the authorities or the owners of the location before you perform any search. Most of the places don’t let in unauthorized personnel.
Some locations even have separate rules and regulations regarding treasure detection. So you have to get information on them and follow them.
You can ask the local authorities or the owners about this.
4. Visual Search
When you visit the search area for the first time, have a nice and focused walk around the premises. Cover up all the areas that can be used for coin detection.
There will be some visual clues leading you to places where coins might be located.
Look for areas that have broken pottery or glass containers, soil that is uneven and disturbed, old ruins of houses and wells, etc. These places can have coins sometimes.
And if the surface shines during the daylight, you have to consider checking that place. Because it might be a shiny part of a coin!
5. Search with Simple Techniques
Use what you already have with you. Eyes and hands are always a good solution when it comes to finding things.
You can scrape the ground with your hands that are covered by gloves.
A small shovel can also be used to lose the soil around the coins. But avoid digging deep as it will probably be worthless and also might harm the environment.
Dig very little holes to retrieve the coins. This needs a lot more patience than using a metal detector.
These are the main and basic steps to follow when you search for little objects like coins without any technical assistance.
I’ve tried each of the above steps and was able to collect awesome finds.
After finding, make sure to clean old coins correctly without damaging them.
Tools That Can Be Used To Find Coins Without A Metal Detector
There are some tools that can be used to detect coins when you don’t have a metal detector. These will make the search a little easier.
Let me explain briefly each of these tools.
Shovel
This is one of the basic tools that come in handy for digging the ground. If your hands cannot do the work, this will be the best tool.
Slowly dig the ground with the shovel and remove the soil from the trench using the shovel.
Place the soil as a pile next to the trench as you need it later on to close it.
Once dug, stop digging with the shovel and use your fingers or a small piece of stick to sift through the dirt. Look for any coins.
Once you have found it, replace the dirt back into the trench with the use of the shovel.
Probing Rod
This is a tool that is used to locate any obstacles underground. It has a long metal or plastic pole with a pointed end. This end can be entered into the ground.
If there is a hard object like a coin surface, the probe will instantly feel it once the point hits the coin surface. This can tell you the exact location of the coin.
Dowsing Rod
A dowsing rod is usually used to detect underground water resources, minerals or metal deposits.
There are two rods that have loosely branched pointers. Hold the two rods in a relaxing position with the two pointers facing forward.
Walk slowly over the area with the two rods in your hand. Pay attention to the movement of the pointers.
If the rods move upward or downward, it may indicate the presence of a coin.
This method is however not very practical and might mislead other sources such as underground water. So better think twice about using it.
Magnetometer
This can be an optional device that could be used to detect coins. It also works using magnetic fields.
The smaller objects that can create magnetic fields may be found by using this equipment.
The magnetic field of the magnetometer gets disturbed during the presence of a coin that has a magnetic field. This will cause disturbance to the magnetometer and the detector coil will be able to detect the difference. Then it will signal the digital converter which it processes into a reading.
This reading can be used to determine the strength and the direction of the external magnetic field.
Fishing Magnet
Well, I kept the best for the last. Fishing magent is the best too to detect cold coins when the metal detector is not in your hands.
If you are about to begin detecting coins without a detector and looking for an option, this is the best tool that you will ever have.
This is called the fishing magnet because it works exactly like a rod that is used for fishing.
Most hobbyists love to use this method as an initiative because it is more likely to find something.
Let’s look into the equipment that are needed to make a fishing magnet,
Magnet
This is the most important part of the tool. The grade of the magnet is important in selecting which magnet is more suitable for finding the objects.
There are two main magnets used for this tool: neodymium and ferrite.
Neodymium is a little expensive as it is so powerful and it is a permanent magnet. This is recommended for larger objects.
Ferrite, on the other hand, is cheaper and it is not a permanent magnet. Sometimes it can get demagnetized. This is weaker compared to the neodymium.
So it is the best-recommended magnet to use in search of coins.
Rope
Choosing a suitable rope that can pull the magnet easily is important. Usually, the type of rope that is used for fishing magnets is paracord.
This is lightweight and it is also durable.
The magnet will not be able to be pulled out or it might get lost if a rope that is not matching the pull force is used.
Eyelet
This is a metal ring or loop that is attached to the top of the magnet. This is used to tie the rope to the magnet.
It basically works as a connector between the rope and the magnet.
How to Use the Fishing Magnet to Detect Old Coins?
First, tie the rope to the eyelet of the magnet. Make sure the knot is tight and secure.
Lower the magnet on the ground or into the water. Drag the magnet along the surface carefully. The magnet will stick to the coin surface if there is a coin present.
Pull the magnet slowly and steadily. Don’t rush the pulling as it might dislodge the attached coins.
Then carefully remove the coin that is attached to the magnet. Use any other tools like gloves or pliers to pull it out without damaging yourself or the magnet.
Keep in mind that sometimes these magnets will be pulled by objects with strong magnetic fields.
And search the history of the area thoroughly before using this as it can even pull out explosives such as landmines.
Best Places To Use A Fishing Magnet To Find Coins
Basically, you can find coins everywhere if you have a good metal detector.
But here are some places where you can find coins without a metal detector by using a fishing magnet.
- River banks
- Beaches
- Old roads
- Parks
- Old buildings
- Fields
- Hiking trails
- Churches
- Castles and palaces
- Near the bridges
- Old walking paths
These locations are known to be used as landmarks of treasure burial.
So it is better to use these areas to find coins if you are not using a metal detector.
Read to know, Best Places to Metal Detect for Old Coins!
That’s it, folks! Now you have a crystal clear idea about, how to find coins without a metal detector with all the tips and techniques.
The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is a voluntary program in England and Wales that encourages the recording of archaeological objects found by the public
cpat.org.uk
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions s well.
FAQs
What’s the significance of doing research before searching for coins?
Researching an area’s history or checking old maps can provide valuable clues about where coins might be located, especially in places with past human activity like old markets.
Why is getting permission important before searching for coins?
To avoid legal complications and respect private property rights, always secure permission from landowners or local authorities before starting your search.
Is the fishing magnet method effective for all coins?
While a fishing magnet can help find many metallic objects, it might not attract coins made of non-magnetic materials like pure gold or copper.
How deep should one dig when searching without a metal detector?
Without a metal detector, it’s best to focus on shallow depths where coins might be close to the surface, as deeply buried items would be hard to pinpoint.
Do all coins produce a magnetic field?
Not all coins are magnetic. The magnetic properties of a coin depend on its metal composition, so not every coin will respond to methods like magnet fishing.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about How to Find Coins Without a Metal Detector?
In this article, I’ve explored how to find coins without a metal detector with all the methods you can try out.
The easiest way to find metal objects without using a metal detector is to use a magnet with a strong magnetic field. This method is commonly known as ‘magnet fishing’. This method can be used on land as well as underwater.
I’ve personally practiced each and every method that is included in this article and fact-checked by collaborating with metal-detecting experts.
I’ve included the best tools you can use to detect coins when the metal detector isn’t with you.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hope you got a clear view of the proper way of finding coins without a metal detector. Now you don’t need to worry anymore about purchasing a new metal detector!
Follow the given guidelines and go for coin-hunting like a champ!
