Question 1

Why are so many areas of Virginia, and other states, off limits to metal detecting?

Accepted Answer

The main reason behind the protection of artifacts over 100 years old, historically important, and culturally important areas, is archaeological study. If items are removed and not reported, a chunk of history may be forever lost. You may remove a Native American artifact and keep it, while the Tribe has just lost out on a piece of their culture.

You may remove a Civil War artifact, while a Civil War historian struggles to recreate a certain event from the past. The job of an archaeologist is to piece together an understanding of the past by using the items left behind. If all the artifacts are removed, we lose pieces of our own past.

While it may seem frustrating and limiting to many metal detectorists, it is for the greater good of the area.

Question 2

If I obtain a permit to metal detect underwater in Virginia, what do I need to have with me to be successful?

Accepted Answer

The first thing you will want is an excellent quality fully waterproof metal detector. These range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. They also have various levels of waterproofing. Almost all metal detectors have waterproof search coils. But on many models, the control box is not waterproof.

Waterproof metal detectors can be fully submerged from about 10 feet to a whopping 250 feet. First, you need to decide how deeply you will be searching. For deep diving, you will need a detector that is waterproof up to the maximum of 250 feet. You may consider a handheld detector as they are easier to maneuver underwater.

The Pulse Dive by Nokta Makro is waterproof up to 200 feet and handheld. It is a great option for underwater detecting. You will also want something to contain anything you find and keep it safe while you dive. Ensure you are fully Scuba trained for deep dives.

Question 3

How can I find help identifying items I find while metal detecting?

Accepted Answer

There are many ways to find help in identifying your metal detecting finds. You can join a metal detecting club and ask the members of the club. You can post the items online in a forum and ask for help.

You can take the item into a local shop and ask. For example, if you find an old coin, you can take the coin to a coin dealer, and they can help you identify and value the item. If you find a relic or artifact, you can take it to a local historian or university and find help there.

Ensure you are extremely careful when cleaning your metal detecting finds. Some items it is best to leave them as you find them rather than try to clean them. If you do try to clean them, use something gentle like a little bit of water or dish soap to clean them.

Question 4

Is metal detecting worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes! It absolutely is. There are many benefits to metal detecting. First, it gets you outside. We could all use a bit more outside leisure time. It also gets you more exercise.

There have been days where I have walked several miles and not realized it because I was so into my metal detecting. Plus digging targets is even more exercise.

One of the best benefits to metal detecting, and one not often considered, is you are helping clean up the environment. You will inevitably dig more trash than treasures.

However, this provides a unique opportunity to clean up the trash you find. As a metal detectorist you should remove all the trash you find. Leave an area better than you found it! You also have the chance to find amazing and important treasures!

Do a simple Google search of the most amazing items found with a metal detector. These range from ancient coin hoards to massive gold nuggets. The possibilities are endless!

Question 5

Do I have to spend thousands of dollars on a metal detector?

Accepted Answer

No! There are various price ranges for metal detectors. Some are under $100, while others are well over $5000! I have never used a very expensive metal detector and have had plenty of successes. When you are first starting out with metal detecting, you do not want to spend a great deal of money on a machine.

There are many fantastic beginner options out there for under a few hundred dollars. One of my favorite metal detectors is the Nokta Makro Simplex +. This model is easy enough for beginners to use and has enough features for a more advanced detectorist to love.

There are models that will search deeper or are specific to one treasure type. However, there is no need for the extra cost when you are a beginner. If you decide prospecting is what you are most interested in, you may switch to a gold specific metal detector.

But when you first start out, you want an all purpose all terrain metal detector. This way you can find all treasure types in all soil types.

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