Coins are the most common items that you can expect to find on your treasure hunt. With how common it is for people to drop coins on their visit to the beach, these coins get dug in the sand and serve later as a treasure for us to discover.
The number of people choosing metal detecting as a hobby is growing on a daily basis. However, not a lot of people understand the strengths and limitations of a metal detector. Making sure you’re informed about what features you’re looking for in a proper detection tool is the first step to getting your hunting started.
Thankfully, we’ve taken all the hassle out of doing your research and have given you our opinions to pick and choose from. You’re welcome!
Things to Remember When Choosing a Detector
Before we get into the basic functionalities to pay attention to, there are some common misconceptions about detectors and coins that you should be clear about.
- You can use any metal detector to detect coins.
- There is a difference between metal detectors and coin detectors.
- Gold detectors are used for finding gold and not coins.
Now that we’ve cleared those up, let us move on to what features you should look for when searching for the best detector for coins.
Frequency
You should always seek a detector that can accurately identify the items that it is receiving signals from. Many coins you are going to find are ancient and hidden deep inside the ground. There is a very high possibility that if your detector does not offer proper frequency, it will not be able to identify them accurately and show the signal to be a waste.
A metal detector with a lower frequency will be able to track signals lower underground, which is why it will be the best fit when hunting for coins. However, if you are looking for a detector that serves multiple purposes, you might want to opt for a detector that offers an adaptable frequency feature.
Ground Balance
Ground balance is an important feature that every treasure hunter looks for. This allows you, the detector, to avoid any unnecessary signals and focus on the actual treasure.
Many cost-friendly detectors come with a pre-defined ground balance, which means that you can expect to receive an alert now and then. If you want to keep your focus on coins and avoid any unnecessary interruptions, you should opt for a detector that offers ground balance adjustment functionality.
Coil Selection
Since you can treasure hunt in many different environments, it is best if you find a detector that offers an interchangeable coil so you can use it at various locations and in different situations.
Coils are also useful in pinpointing the actual location of your treasure so that you do not end up digging in the wrong place and wasting your time.
Pinpointing
Accuracy in hunting helps you avoid unnecessary efforts. Having a pinpointing feature in your detector will help you identify the right place and depth you need to dig to find what you’re looking for.
There are different types of coils available in the market. It is best to try each of them out to see which coil you are more comfortable with. Don’t worry; precision comes with practice.
Keeping all of these features in mind, we are recommending the following detectors for you for optimal hunting.
Garrett AT Pro:
The Garrett At Pro has enough frequency for it to be able to identify coins and other relics with ease. It also comes equipped with a target identification feature, which allows the user to understand if the signals received are from a coin or other unnecessary junk.
It has an advanced audio system that provides target identification via audio. It can recognize the size, depth, and shape of the item it is detecting simply through sound waves.
The best part about the device is that you can use it both on land and underwater as it can survive up depths of up to 10 feet.
It is one of the few detectors that offers automatic and manual ground balance adjustment features to its user. You can adjust it according to your needs and find exactly what you’re looking for.
Pros:
- It offers target identification, which makes trash removal easier for the user.
- It is waterproof up to 10 feet.
- It offers advanced audio system target identification.
Cons:
- The LCD does not have a backlight, which makes it less visible in low lightening conditions.
- The standard headphones that come along are not water-resistant.
Bounty Hunter Tracker IV:
The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is one of the simplest detectors that are available in the market. It is there for the taking and rushes towards your target without wasting any time.
In the case of ground balance adjustment, the detector is capable of maintaining its sensitivity, which makes it more unique. On top of that, it also lets you differentiate between items, so you don’t have to worry about wasting your time finding a can instead of a coin.
Pros:
- It is easy to use and carry.
- Any changes to ground balance do not change the sensitivity.
- It lets you distinguish between different items with ease.
Cons:
- It is not 100% waterproof.
- It does not have a lot of functionalities.
Minelab 3030:
The Minelab 3030 is a more advanced piece of equipment for the more experienced hunter. A notable feature it offers is the size adjustment feature, which allows every user to handle the detector according to their specific requirements.
It is highly customizable with a multitude of modes to suit your individual needs. It is one of the few devices that offer a GPS feature for you to keep track of the locations you have previously searched at.
The device has a multi-frequency functionality, which allows you to enjoy precision in target identification and avoid trash or unnecessary targets. It also offers depth identification so you won’t spend time digging uselessly.
It also offers a water-resistant feature via which you can also enjoy the hunt underwater. However, you can only use it to a specific limit.
Pros:
- It offers target separation via which a user can discriminate between treasure and trash.
- It offers both manual and automatic sensitivity control.
- You can cancel noise from electromagnetic interference.
- It offers prevision in target identification and depth indication.
- It offers a GPS feature.
- It has a rechargeable battery.
Cons:
- It has a heftier price tag.
- It is slightly complicated, and not everyone can use it.
Our Thoughts
With such a wide array of metal detectors, choosing the best one to find coins can be a daunting task. So many of them come with a list of alluring features that can draw anyone in with their appeal. However, you need to ask yourself if those specialty features match your needs.
If you are someone who has just begun their journey towards coin hunting, there is no use in wasting your money on an expensive detector. You can buy a simple detector that finds coins over the surface or a bit below the ground. Once you have the hang of it, you can always opt for a better one later on.
There are a lot of cheaper options that are available in the market and can even choose to opt for a simple detector that is easy to carry. This way you can turn a solo activity into a group activity by engaging your kids or other family members in the hunt.
One of the most important factors is the location where you are planning to conduct your hunt. It is essential that you do some research about the location beforehand to ensure it is viable. If the location is full of earthly minerals, there is a high chance that you will end up wasting a lot of time. Your detector may get busy in catching irrelevant signals that the trash transmits.
As they say, knowledge is power, and being informed about your options will benefit your finds in the long run.
