All posts by metaldetectingman@gmail.com

The most valuable metal detector finds in history!

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​I found an interesting article in Love Money written by Danielle McAdam. It lists some of the top discoveries found with a metal detector. The article is summarized below. If you want to read the full article and see some pictures, click here.

Throughout history, metal detector enthusiasts have unearthed remarkable treasures that offer profound insights into ancient civilizations and have fetched substantial monetary values. In 1992, Eric Lawes discovered the Hoxne Hoard in Suffolk, England, comprising approximately 14,865 late Roman gold, silver, and bronze coins, alongside 200 items of silver tableware and gold jewelry. This significant find was valued at £1.75 million in 1993 and is now housed in the British Museum. Similarly, the Stirling Torcs, a collection of four gold torcs dating between 300 and 100 BC, were found in 2009 near Blair Drummond, Scotland. Acquired by the National Museums of Scotland for £462,000, these artifacts underscore the rich cultural heritage of the Iron Age.​

Other notable discoveries include the Mojave Nugget, a 156-ounce gold nugget unearthed in California’s Mojave Desert in 1977, which was later sold for $400,000 and donated to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. In 2001, the Ringlemere Cup, a crushed gold chalice dating back to 1700-1500 BC, was found near Sandwich, England, and subsequently purchased by the British Museum for £270,000. These extraordinary finds not only provide invaluable insights into historical societies but also highlight the potential rewards awaiting those who engage in metal detecting.

I Love My Hobby!

 

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In a Rush to Beat a Snow Storm

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Eric was rushing to put away his Christmas decorations before our first significant snowstorm of the year. The next thing he knew, his wedding ring was missing. 

To read the full story, click here. 

Some people think the busiest time of year for lost items is the summer when people lose items at the beach. I find that the winter, with ice and snow storms, is just as busy. People shovel and scrape windows with no gloves on, sledding, and other winter sports. Their fingers shrink when they get cold and then go their rings.

If you find yourself in this situation, check your gloves first. Many times, I have found rings in the finger of the glove. If it is not there, take pictures of the area you are in or mark the area somehow. Call a professional as soon as possible. If you wait until the snow melts, someone else might find it. 

The best advice is not to wear your jewelry out in bad weather. 

I Love My Hobby!!

 

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What Am I Going To Find Today?

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When you go out with a metal detector to search, you never know what you might find. What am I going to find today? That is the first question I ask myself before going on a hunt. The story summary below is not about me; it is about a fellow detectorist across the pond.  Read the full story here.

In June 2020, Hartlepool resident Shaun Cameron discovered a Second World War mortar round on Seaton Carew beach. Initially mistaking it for a rusty pipe, he uncovered its true nature upon closer inspection. Cameron promptly alerted the police, leading to the beach’s temporary closure. The Royal Logistics Bomb Disposal team determined the mortar was inactive and safely removed it. Cameron, a member of the North East Searchers metal detecting group, typically searches farmland but had been exploring local beaches more frequently due to restrictions on large gatherings. His previous discoveries include coins from the 1100s and a Saxon burial site.

I love my Hobby!!

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Lost Keys? Here’s How I Helped Joe—and Tips for When You Lose Something

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After a referral from my nephew Jasen, I received a message from Joe late one evening about losing his keys. It was 9:30 p.m., but since he had a spare set, we arranged for me to come out the next morning. Despite the rain, I headed over to help him out.

It didn’t take long—just a little work in the mud—and I was able to locate his keys. You can read the full story here.

What to Do When You Lose Something
If you ever find yourself in Joe’s shoes, here are some tips to improve your chances of recovering a lost item:

  1. Pin the Location: Use Google Maps to drop a pin where you think the item was lost. It’ll help mark the exact spot.
  2. Take Photos: Snap pictures of the area to document landmarks and other details.
  3. Mark the Spot: Leave a marker, like a rock or stick, to identify the area easily when you return.
  4. Call for Help: Reach out to a professional or someone with the right tools, like a metal detector, to assist in your search.

Whether it’s keys, jewelry, or something else valuable, a little planning and the right help can make all the difference.

I Love My Hobby!!!

 

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So You Received a New Metal Detector for Christmas: What Do You Do Now?

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Congratulations! Getting a metal detector as a gift opens up a world of exciting treasure-hunting adventures. But where do you start? Don’t worry—this guide will help you take your first steps into the rewarding hobby of metal detecting.

Step 1: Learn About Your Metal Detector

The first thing you should do is head to YouTube and search for videos specific to the make and model of your metal detector. Look for setup tutorials and honest reviews to understand its features and capabilities. Once you’ve covered the basics, watch videos on how to recover items from the ground properly.

It’s essential to learn the right digging techniques so you don’t leave behind large, messy holes. Improper digging can lead to complaints and even bans on detecting in your area. Take the time to practice and perfect this skill.

Step 2: Practice in Your Own Yard

Once you feel confident in the basics, set up your detector and test it out in your yard. Gather a variety of metal objects—such as coins, a piece of silver, a gold item, and some common trash like a bottle cap and pull tab. Lay these items on the ground and run your detector over each one. This will help you understand the different signals and tones your detector produces for various metals.

If your detector has a discrimination mode, experiment with it to filter out unwanted signals from trash items. This will help you avoid unnecessary digging during your hunts.

Step 3: Expand Your Search

After getting comfortable with your detector in your yard, it’s time to branch out. Consider searching in other places like parks, beaches, or your neighbor’s yard (with permission, of course). Be sure to check the local rules and regulations for metal detecting before heading out. Detecting is not allowed in federal and state parks, so always research the area beforehand to avoid any legal issues.

Step 4: Respect the Hobby

Metal detecting is about more than just finding treasure—it’s about respecting the environment and others’ property. Always fill in your holes, take any trash you dig up, and leave the area better than you found it. This not only keeps the hobby enjoyable for you but ensures it remains open to others.

Step 5: Enjoy the Hunt

Remember, you won’t find treasure every time you go out. You’re likely to uncover more trash than valuables, but that’s part of the experience. Each beep is a chance for discovery, and the more you practice, the better you’ll become at identifying worthwhile signals.

Bonus Tip: Join the Community

Check out metal-detecting websites, forums, and social media groups to connect with other enthusiasts. You’ll find a wealth of knowledge, tips, and stories that will inspire you and enhance your skills.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need guidance. The metal detecting community is full of friendly people who love to share their passion.

Happy hunting, and welcome to the adventure!

I Love My Hobby!

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Updated the Links Page

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Today, I cleaned out and updated the Metal Detecting Web Links Page, making it more user-friendly and comprehensive than ever before.

With over 100 metal-detecting related websites now listed, the page serves as a treasure trove of resources for enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started or an experienced detectorist seeking advanced tips, you’ll find valuable information in the curated links provided. From forums and community pages to product reviews and instructional blogs, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re eager to dive deeper into the world of metal detecting, the Web Links Page is your one-stop hub. Explore the latest equipment, discover expert advice, and connect with fellow hobbyists from around the globe.

Do you know of a metal detecting website or resource that’s not currently listed? I’d love to hear from you! Simply send me an email with the link, and I’ll be happy to add it to the collection. Together, we can ensure this page continues to be a valuable resource for the community.

Happy detecting!

 

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So You Want To Buy A Metal Detector…

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Expert Tips for Finding the Best Metal Detectors for Coin, Jewelry, and Relic Hunting:

  • Multi-Purpose Detectors:

    • Opt for a versatile detector with modes or presets specific to coins, jewelry, and relics.
    • Ensure the detector can handle varying target sizes, from small jewelry pieces to large relics.

  • Frequency Flexibility:

    • Choose a detector with multiple frequencies or a wide frequency range:
      • Low frequencies (5-10 kHz) for deeper targets like relics.
      • Higher frequencies (15-20+ kHz) for smaller targets like jewelry.
      • Multi-frequency models provide maximum adaptability.

  • Discrimination Features:

    • Ensure the detector has adjustable discrimination and notching to filter out junk metals and focus on desirable targets like coins, gold, and silver.
    • Look for variable tone IDs to differentiate between metals.

  • Ground Balance:

    • Automatic or manual ground balancing is essential to handle mineralized soils, beaches, and varying terrains.
    • Some models offer tracking ground balance for seamless adjustments as conditions change.

  • Depth Detection:

    • Larger coils and advanced depth detection features are ideal for finding deeply buried relics or coins.
    • Consider models with deep-seeking technology for improved depth accuracy.

  • Target Identification (ID):

    • Choose detectors with clear visual displays showing target ID numbers or classifications for coins, jewelry, and relics.
    • Models with multi-tone audio cues make it easier to distinguish target types.

  • Coil Options:

    • Detectors with interchangeable coils offer greater flexibility:
      • Small coils for high-trash areas.
      • Larger coils for depth and wide coverage.
      • Double-D (DD) coils for better target separation in cluttered areas.

  • Portability and Comfort:

    • Look for lightweight and ergonomically designed models to reduce fatigue during extended hunts.
    • Detectors with collapsible shafts are easier to transport.

  • Weatherproofing:

    • Waterproof or weather-resistant detectors are ideal for outdoor environments, including beaches and rivers where jewelry is often found.

  • Audio Features:

    • Models with adjustable volume and tone pitch provide better sound clarity for distinguishing targets.
    • Wireless headphone compatibility adds convenience and eliminates cable clutter.

  • Pinpointing and Recovery:

    • Built-in pinpointing functionality simplifies target recovery, saving time and effort.
    • External handheld pinpointers are a valuable complement for precise digging.

  • User Experience and Customization:

    • Beginners should opt for user-friendly detectors with presets and minimal setups.
    • Advanced users may prefer detectors with customizable settings to fine-tune performance.

  • Reputation and Reviews:

    • Stick to trusted brands like Garrett, Minelab, Fisher, and Nokta, which are known for reliability and performance.
    • Check online reviews and user forums to learn from real-world experiences.

  • Budget and Value:

    • Determine your budget based on the intended use and frequency of hunts.
    • Entry-level models work well for casual users, while seasoned hobbyists should invest in mid-range to high-end detectors for advanced features.

  • Practice Makes Perfect:

    • Spend time learning the detector’s settings and behavior in different environments.
    • Join local detecting clubs or forums for tips, location recommendations, and shared experiences.

Bonus Tip:

Always research and respect local laws and regulations regarding metal detecting and artifact collection. Consider obtaining permissions for private property hunts to access less-explored areas.

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The most valuable metal detector finds in history…

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Here is a summary of some of the most valuable finds from around the world with a metal detector. You can see the full post here with some pictures.

Unearthing History: The Most Valuable Metal Detector Finds in History
Metal detecting is more than a hobby; it’s a gateway to discovering hidden treasures that tell fascinating stories of the past. Over the years, passionate enthusiasts have uncovered some of the most incredible historical artifacts, many of which are worth staggering sums of money. Here’s a roundup of some of the most remarkable finds:

1. Rare Leopard Coin (1344)
Discovered in Cambridgeshire, England, this rare gold coin is one of only five known examples. Auctioned in 2022, it fetched an astonishing £173,600 ($234,000).

2. Victoria Gold Nuggets
Two gold nuggets weighing 7.7 pounds were found in Victoria, Australia. Experts estimated their combined worth at AU$350,000 ($246,000).

3. Ringlemere Cup
This crushed gold chalice from 1700-1500 BC was unearthed in England and later acquired by the British Museum for £270,000 ($391,000).

4. The Mojave Nugget
The largest gold nugget ever found in California, weighing 156 ounces, sold for $400,000 in 2014.

5. Leekfrith Torcs
Four Iron Age gold torcs from 400-250 BC were discovered in England. This hoard was valued at £325,000 ($400,000).

6. Santa Margarita Gold Chalice
A golden chalice from the Santa Margarita shipwreck (1622) was found off the Florida Keys and later sold for $413,000.

7. Shapwick Hoard
This collection of 9,238 Roman silver coins, found in England in 1998, was valued at £265,000 ($428,000).

These incredible discoveries are a testament to the allure of metal detecting. While their monetary values are impressive, their real treasure lies in the stories they tell—unlocking secrets of ancient civilizations, shipwrecks, and lost empires. If you’re dreaming of unearthing history yourself, grab a metal detector and see what lies beneath your feet—who knows what treasures you might find?

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Yard Work Gone Wrong

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Devon lost his wedding ring—a cherished family heirloom—while doing yard work. Between cleaning out the gutters, raking leaves, and putting up Christmas lights, the ring slipped off unnoticed. After spending hours searching, he still couldn’t find it.

That’s when his wife, Sara, gave me a call. The moment I heard, I grabbed my gear and was there in a flash to help.

Want to know how we found it? Read the full story here.

I absolutely love my hobby—it’s not just about the search, but the joy of reuniting people with their priceless treasures!

 

 

 

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Woman finds remains of Revolutionary War shipwreck in New Jersey creek (2020)

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Story from 2020 about NJ: read the full story here.

 Here are the key points from the article:
  • Discovery: Jaclyn Urmey, a Navy veteran and scuba diver, discovered a Revolutionary War-era shipwreck in Crosswicks Creek, New Jersey.
  • Research: Using modern technology like side-scan sonar and metal detectors, Urmey and her team confirmed the ship’s presence and updated its coordinates.
  • Historical Significance: The ship is believed to have been used by the Continental Army, with hopes of uncovering more details about its origins and purpose.
  • Personal Journey: Urmey’s interest in shipwreck history grew from her experiences as a diver and her studies in anthropology, reigniting her passion for maritime archaeology.

 

You never know what you will find when you go treasure hunting!

 
 
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British Museum says metal detectorists found 1,311 treasures in 2019

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Read the full article here 

Summary below:

  • Record Number of Finds: In 2019, metal detectorists in the UK discovered 1,311 treasures, the highest number recorded.
  • Significant Discoveries: Notable finds include a 3,000-year-old gold bracelet and a Roman gold coin.
  • Legislation Update: Plans are in place to amend the Treasure Act to include items of historical significance, not just those made of precious metals.
  • Public Contribution: The public, especially metal detectorists, play a crucial role in uncovering and preserving the UK’s archaeological heritage.
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$46,000 dollars recovered!

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A treasure hunter named Keith Wille helped a Massachusetts family uncover $46,000 hidden under their home’s floorboards. The family had heard rumors about the hidden money since the 1950s and decided to hire Wille after previous searches by carpenters were unsuccessful. 

Using a metal detector and an endoscope camera, Wille found a lockbox containing the cash, which was still wrapped in its original bank straps from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s.

You never know what you will find when you go out on a hunt. I use the same type of equipment. 

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Back for the Hunt!!

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I’m back and ready to detect. I was out on the injured reserve list since May 19th with a severe leg injury. I’m glad that I can walk. My surgeon said I should be able to compete in Triathlons again in about a year. I have some new hardware, but it won’t affect my detecting abilities. 

While I was out, I had several service requests. My friends handled all of them, and most of them were successful recoveries. 

The fall is a busy time of year for my metal-detecting skills. As the cooler weather arrives, fingers shrink while you are out there raking and doing other yard work. 

Be safe & enjoy the fall weather. 

 

 

 

 

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Message In A Bottle

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This is not a metal detecting story but a treasure hunting story from Ocean City, NJ, beach.

Most people, when they go to the beach, walk along the water’s edge looking for shells, shark teeth, and other treasures. This lady found an old bottle with a note inside.

After a lot of research, it looks like the bottle was thrown in the ocean in the late 1800’s. How cool is that?

Here is a link to a local news station story on this incredible find:

WPVI ABC News 6 story

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Ringing in the New Year 2024!

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I received a referral from a friend who was out of town. A couple had a disagreement, and she threw 4 pieces of jewelry outside. The husband was able to find 1 bracelet, but that left another bracelet and 2 rings missing. The engagement ring and her wedding ring. 

You can read the full story here.

A lot of my searches involve thrown jewelry. I am sure there are a lot more people who don’t call for help finding their thrown jewelry due to embarrassment, that don’t find their jewelry. Don’t be embarrassed, it happens all of the time. Your lost jewelry will become a resentment that will cause more stress in a relationship.

If you are really that mad that you don’t want your jewelry, don’t throw it away; call me, and I’ll add it to my collection!

I love My Hobby!!

 

 

 

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2 Hour Drive

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I took a 2-hour drive down to Lewes, Delaware, for a recovery. Jessica lost her ring in her yard 3 weeks prior. Read the full story here. 

It was a successful recovery that took 15 minutes to find. She was elated that I was able to find it. She thought it was gone forever. It was her grandmother’s ring. The ring will need to go to a jeweler because it is bent. I guess the tractor ran over it. But she has it back. 

Spread the word about my service. I love returning things to people. 

I love my hobby!!

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A Basketball Game & a Little Boy Equals a Lost Ring…

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Back at the end of July, I received an email from Rickey. He lost his ring at a basketball court in Westampton, NJ. To read the full story, click here.

If I can make a suggestion, leave your jewelry at home when playing sports or going to the beach. I like the challenges of finding lost items and the rewards, but I would like to go metal detecting to relax. The pressure to find a known lost item is stressful. 

Rickey was in the doghouse when he told his wife that he lost his ring. Hopefully, he is out of the doghouse since the recovery. 

This is a GREAT hobby!

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Lost Ring on A Golf Course

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I have to give a shout-out to the Pennsauken Country Club for allowing this return happen. They graciously let me search for the missing wedding ring, as long as I didn’t dig any holes. I didn’t take any digging tools, just my metal detector, and pinpointer. 

When you hear that there is a missing ring on a golf course, you think of what a daunting task this will be—searching acres and acres of thick grass. I have been lucky with my other golf course searches, as the people who lost the items had a good idea of where they lost them.

This was the case with John. He said it had to be around the 17th tee box.  The club let us take a cart out to the area. You can read the full story here. It was a quick 20-minute search. 

The club manager thought there was no chance of the ring being recovered. He had never heard of a ring being found before on a golf course. He is now a believer. You just have to contact a professional. 

I might just have to start advertising that I am a golf course recovery specialist!!

Till next time Be safe and keep your jewelry safe!

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Do The Right Thing

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So a friend of mine, who I refer people to when I cannot do a search, received a call from a young mother. She lost her keys the day before on the beach. She had called another person who frequently advertises on all the shore town Facebook pages. I won’t call him a detectorist; I will call him greedy.  He wanted a large fee to come out to search and then a hefty reward when the keys were found. 

She explained to him that she was poor and had two young children with her. She doesn’t have a spare set of keys and cannot afford to buy a new fob. He wouldn’t do the search because it wasn’t worth his time. She ended up sleeping in the car with her kids that night. 

The next morning she called my friend. He went out and did the search and found the keys. 

My friend is a fellow first responder who cares about people. Be wary of people with metal detectors that charge a huge fee just to show up. They don’t care about you or your lost item. They are just greedy. They do not represent the hobby, and they should not be called a detectorist. 

If you lost something metal and need help finding it, CALL ME at 707-706-3626 or contact my friends at The Ring Finders New Jersey on Facebook.

The next step is to contact the media to expose these frauds. 

 

 

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Gloomy Day Turned Nice

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This morning and went out between downpours to search for a missing wedding ring. You can read the full story here.

It is very important to make mental notes and if possible to take pictures of what you were doing when you think you lost a ring or other piece of jewelry.  It will make a recovery much more possible. 

If you were doing yard work, DO NOT throw away any of the weeds, grass, or other debris that you have collected. That will need to be searched also. Try to remember where you removed your gloves if you were wearing them. Did you wash your hands outside? Did you shake your hand to get water or dirt off of them?

The more information you have the chances of a recovery go up immensly. 

Have a Great Day!!

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Searching for Artifacts…

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Recently my brothers from “The Ring Finders New Jersey” had the opportunity to search the property of a house built in 1706. The property is 15 acres. We only searched a small section of the property. The owner said we can come back as often as we want. 

We found several older pennies & one silver Canadian dime. Several old items were found, some of them include old buttons, horse shoes, pad locks, nails, shoe buckles, belt buckles, a large piece of a cap gun, and lots of iron objects. 

We will be back as a group. We have the location of several old dumps on the property. There are so many signals that we had to switch to small coils on our detectors. Plenty of detecting to be done. Who knows what lies beneath the ground. Stay tuned!!

We search more than beaches. I Love my hobby!

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Website Update

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I have done some updating to this website. The significant addition is a “Links” page that will direct you to metal-detecting related websites. You can find that page here. The links are listed from A-Z. 

If you know of a link that isn’t listed, please send me an email at metaldetectingman+links@gmail.com. I will review it and add it. 

I’ve also made several recoveries. They are listed down the right side of the home page under recent recoveries. I will add short posts about each of them in the near future. 

 

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So You Got A New Metal Detector, Where do I Start?

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So you got a new metal detector to treasure hunt. Where do you start?

Your own backyard. Who knows what is buried on your property? It is a great opportunity to learn how to use your new detector. Learn how to properly dig holes that won’t kill the grass. 

Many detectorists bury items so they can learn how their detectors respond to each item. These items are good to start with in your buried training zone: 

  • A penny (new & older than 1982)
  • A nickel
  • A dime (newer & silver – before 1965)
  • A quarter (newer & silver – before 1965)
  • A half dollar (newer & silver – before 1965)
  • A silver ring
  • A gold ring

Practice in this test area many times. Learn the sounds and the numbers your detector is displaying. Every time you get a new detector head to your practice area again. 

Next, ask friends & family if you can detect their properties. Head to the beach. Learn the rules & laws in your area. 

Research for areas of activity long ago. Are there any rumors or legends of lost treasure? More research. Good Luck and have fun with your new hobby.

Click here to read about 6 Great Treasures Found With A Metal Detector.

 

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Rings Lost in Your Backyard.!

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So the unofficial end of summer is upon us. That means closing pools & yard cleanups. 

Many rings are lost this time of year. Working with cold water, your hands & fingers shrink and rings slip off. I get a lot of calls this time of year. Don’t waste your time & money buying a metal detector that you will use once. It takes years of using a detector to learn how to use it and what it is telling you.

Give me a call instead. I have 30 years of experience in using metal detectors. 

 

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