Metal Detecting
Metal detecting is a recreational hobby where individuals use metal detectors to locate buried metal objects, which can range from coins and jewelry to historical artifacts. The activity gained popularity in the 1960s, largely influenced by advancements in detector technology and the post-World War II interest in treasure hunting. Detectorists are often classified into various groups, including prospectors, coin shooters, and relic hunters, each searching for different types of treasures.
The hobby not only appeals to individuals looking for valuable finds but also fosters a sense of community through local clubs and competitions. Specific techniques and technology, such as discrimination settings in detectors, help enthusiasts filter out unwanted signals and enhance their search efficiency. Legal considerations play a significant role in metal detecting, as detectorists must adhere to regulations regarding the recovery of valuable items and the protection of archaeological sites.
Moreover, the trend has seen a rise in family participation and increased interest among women, reflecting a broader cultural engagement with the hobby. Online platforms and social media have further enriched the metal detecting community, allowing enthusiasts to share their experiences and discoveries.
Subject Terms
Metal Detecting
Metal detecting is a popular hobby in which a person uses a metal detector, a piece of equipment that alerts its user to the presence of metal, to find valuable and/or interesting materials and objects beneath the surface of the ground. In the early twenty-first century, the high price of gold and the global economic downturn have increased the popularity of this treasure-finding hobby.
Metal detectorists include prospectors, who look for naturally occurring precious metals such as gold and silver; coin shooters, who search for coins; and relic hunters, who search for historically significant artifacts. Other detectorists search specifically for objects such as meteorites or jewelry.
Recreational metal detecting began during the 1960s, when the detectors were first manufactured for, and marketed to, the consumer. The technology was developed for military purposes, and most of the early hobbyists had gained experience detecting and clearing mines during World War II. Soon after the new market formed, two of the most popular magazines for detectorists began publication: Lost Treasure (originally True Treasure) and Western & Eastern Treasures.
Divers were among the first recreational detectorists. Some went on to achieve international notoriety, including Sir Robert Marx, an archaeologist who wrote dozens of books and articles on undersea shipwrecks and sunken treasure, and Mel Fisher, who discovered several Spanish ships off the coast of Florida, each carrying millions of dollars worth of bullion, jewelry, and other artifacts. While divers discovered treasure from under the sea, inland relic hunters have uncovered valuable Civil War and Spanish War artifacts, silver from the American Colonial period, and many other important items, some of which have been purchased by museums.
Interest in the hobby sparked the formation of many local and regional clubs. In 1984, the Federation of Metal Detector and Archaeological Clubs, Inc. (FMDAC) was founded to support the clubs and to offer educational programs and legislation that recognized the value of metal detecting.
While metal detection is often considered to be a solo hobby, sometimes enthusiasts come together to compete for prizes at events sponsored by detecting organizations or detector manufacturers. Treasure hunting has also become a popular family pastime and has seen increased popularity among women.
Things to Look For
Most metal detectors feature two coils inside the search coil, which is the round loop that is held closest to the ground. One of the coils transmits and the other receives. The transmitting coil produces a magnetic field by means of an electric current. As the magnetic field swoops across a metal, such as gold, silver, or nickel, it creates eddy currents on the metal's surface. The metal also produces its own magnetic field, in a polarity opposite the detector's magnetic field. The receiving coil picks up on the eddy currents and the magnetic field and causes the metal detector to "beep." Many detectors will also display specific information about the object's composition and location.
Certain soils contain more minerals than others, and can give off false readings. Pull-tabs from aluminum cans have also tricked many detectorists into thinking they have found treasure. To combat these and other problems, many detectors feature "discrimination," or the ability to select certain types of metal and disregard others.
The best times and places for metal detecting include land that has been freshly plowed or bulldozed, areas that have recently experienced rain or hurricanes, and places where a large gathering of people has dispersed, such as a park or sports field. In addition, ghost towns, old homesteads, and riverbeds often contain unusual finds.
The principle of "finder's keepers" does not necessarily apply to metal detectorists. In the case of valuable jewelry or other property, one is required to make a reasonable attempt to find the original owner before selling it. Archaeological sites are strictly off-limits and the digging and removal of artifacts of historic significance on public lands is illegal without a special permit. Guns, hand grenades, and other potentially hazardous objects should be left untouched and reported to authorities.
Trends
Group competitions and conferences provide new social outlets for what used to be a solo hobby. The ability to interact online with other detectorists, especially to blog about one's valuable finds, has also generated more enthusiasm for the hobby. Furthermore, advancements are frequently made in the technology used for metal detecting, including in coil construction, to allow detectors to locate targets more precisely and to identify them accurately. Detectors are increasingly able to filter out certain types of metals and make detections at greater depths.
Sales of metal detectors in all price ranges have remained steady, but especially those mid-priced and high-end models, attributed to the large number of retirees who have the time and financial resources to invest in equipment.
Metal Detecting for Fun vs. Profit
Many detectorists have found valuable rings, coins, and other items that have easily paid for their equipment. A few high profile cases attest to the possibility of finding a real treasure trove. The internet has increased the ability of detectors to try to sell items of value after having attempted to find the original owner, including on auction sites such as eBay. The average detectorist, however, should be happy to collect an occasional reward for locating lost keys or a wedding band.
An expert may find work with local law enforcement agencies or conduct private searches for a fee. Those with diving skills or special knowledge may find additional professional opportunities. Detector manufacturers also hire enthusiasts for customer service, marketing, and retail sales.
Learning More
Organizations
Federation of Metal Detector and Archaeological Clubs, Inc. (FMDAC) <http://www.fmdac.org/>
Gold Prospectors Association of America (GPAA) <http://www.goldprospectors.org/>
Books
Chaplan, Michael. The Urban Treasure Hunter: A Practical Handbook for Beginners. Square One Publishers, 2004.
Garrett, Charles. How to Find Lost Treasure. RAM Publishing.
Migliore, Vince. Metal Detecting for the Beginner. Blossom Hill Books, 2009.
Schofield, Jay. Beach Detecting in Surf and Sand: 270 Tips to Improve your Metal Detecting Along the Treasure Line. PatJay Productions, 2007.
Magazines
American Digger
Western & Eastern Treasures