Metal detecting is a hobby that many people do for fun. But some take it a bit further and use their metal detectors as a way to make extra money.

While there are no guarantees, a few successful treasure hunters have earned a lucrative income from their hobby. But how do you go about doing this?

How Metal Detectors Work

Metal detectors work on electromagnetism, which means they use electromagnetic fields to detect and pick up the electrical waves that come back from items with electric conductivity. These can include coins, rings, jewelry, gold, relics and small buried caches and treasures.

Most inexpensive metal detectors work by using a very low-frequency (VLF) technology. This type of technology uses two coils to make an electromagnetic field that’s able to detect metal objects that conduct electricity.

The field is created by alternating currents that run through the coils. The longer the alternating currents, the deeper the electromagnetic field penetrates into the ground and the better a detector will be able to distinguish between metals.

A high-end metal detector can differentiate between different types of metals, based on their phase responses to alternating current. This is a very useful feature for detecting different kinds of metal, like silver and copper.

Another important aspect of how metal detectors work is that they can discriminate between ferrous and non-ferrous metal. A ferrous metal sample has a much stronger electromagnetic field than a non-ferrous one. Therefore, the receiver coil can pick up a signal from a ferrous sample much closer to the surface than a non-ferrous one.

Many modern detectors also employ a process known as “pulse induction,” or PI. This is a type of pulse-generated magnetic field that creates a short and powerful magnetic field when a metallic object enters it. Then, when the object exits the magnetic field, the field collapses, causing the reflected magnetic field to be detected by the receiver coil.

Detectors can also be programmed to ignore signals from unwanted objects, such as junk, pull tabs, tin foil wrappers and more. This can be helpful when you’re hunting in areas that have a lot of these kinds of things in them, or in an area where you know there are more valuable metals.

Some of the best-performing metal detectors today are fully computerized, allowing you to set sensitivity, discrimination, speed, threshold volume, notch filters and hold these parameters in memory for future searches. These advanced models are lighter, use less battery power and discriminate better than the older, cheaper models.

Getting Started

Metal detecting is a fun and engaging hobby that brings the thrill of finding treasure right into your own backyard. It is a great way to get the whole family out and about enjoying the outdoors!

Before you go detecting, it is important to understand how your detector works. This will help you to find the best model for your needs and budget.

A metal detector uses a search coil to locate metal items underground. When the coil senses a metallic object, it will induce an electromagnetic field that will be detected by the receiver. This is what allows you to pinpoint where your target is hidden.

When you start detecting, it is important to be aware of the different settings your metal detector has so that you can adjust them for maximum effectiveness. Most models have a discrimination feature that helps to filter out junk signals from valuable targets.

Another important setting is sensitivity. Changing this setting will alter the depth at which your detector’s signal can penetrate the ground. This is important because if you are detecting in heavy mineralized soil, your detector may be unable to detect certain targets.

You should also check that your detector has a waterproof seal so that it can be used in the rain. This is especially important if you will be detecting in saltwater areas.

Some detectors have a mode that is specifically designed for detecting saltwater beaches. These models are often more expensive, but they are typically more reliable and can be used in a variety of different conditions.

Other important features to look for in your detector include the ability to discriminate between junk and a valuable coin sign, and the depth at which it can detect metal objects underground. These features are necessary if you want to be successful in your detecting endeavors and find more valuable coins, gold nuggets, and other relics.

Lastly, it is always a good idea to ask for permission before you begin metal detecting on any property that you do not own. This will ensure that you are not damaging someone’s property or trespassing on their land. This will not only help you to avoid any unpleasant situations, but it will also make your hunting more productive.

Finding Treasures

Finding treasures with a metal detector can be a great experience. It is fun to hunt for coins, relics, and jewelry in areas that are otherwise difficult to find with conventional means.

Using a metal detector is a fun and exciting hobby for people of all ages. It can also help you learn more about the history of your area, and may lead to valuable finds.

One of the best ways to find treasures is to explore old neighborhoods, and search for old homesteads and settlements. These places typically have older relics and coins that are not commonly found in newer neighborhoods.

Another great way to find treasures is to use your detector on a beach or lake. These areas can be very popular, and are known for containing treasures that have washed ashore.

Some people also use their detectors on fort sites or battle fields, where many historical artifacts have been buried. However, it is important to check the local laws before you start searching for treasure on these locations.

It is also important to keep fresh batteries in your detector. This is because the moisture in the soil can make your detector more sensitive to metal objects.

You should also try to stay in a group when you are searching for treasures, as this can increase your chances of finding valuable items. Having a group can also allow you to communicate with each other if something goes wrong.

Finally, it is a good idea to wear headphones while you are searching for treasures, as this will prevent your hearing from being damaged by the sound of the detector. While this may seem like a small thing, it can make a big difference in your experience and your ability to locate valuable items.

If you are considering buying a metal detector, be sure to ask a dealer or shop online for the most accurate model. You will want to look for a detector that has a wide range of settings, a strong search coil, and excellent depth and sensitivity. This will ensure that you can detect everything from thin pieces of jewelry to large nuggets of gold.

Equipment

If you love scouting beaches and historic sites for treasure, a metal detector is an excellent way to make money. You can find gold coins, relics, and even gold nuggets. Depending on where you live, this is a relatively profitable hobby, although it requires a lot of work and dedication to succeed.

Getting the right equipment is essential to making the most out of your metal detector. It is also helpful to learn the basic skills needed to operate your metal detector properly and safely.

There are many different types of metal detectors that you can purchase, including handheld models used to comb beaches for relics and coins, pinpoint detectors to help you dig precisely, and submersible detectors designed specifically for underwater searching. You can also purchase specialized accessories to help you make the most of your metal detector, such as a GPS tracking device or a waterproof case.

One of the best ways to make money with a metal detector is to sell your finds to museums and publications. These organizations can pay you a percentage of the value of the items you find, which can be very lucrative.

You can also try to sell your finds to individuals, but this is usually a less profitable option. Instead, you can try to build relationships with local shops or people who are interested in purchasing your finds.

For those who are more serious about making money with a metal detector, you can consider selling your finds online. This can be a great way to reach customers all over the world. However, this type of business may carry a high price tag upfront, so you need to be sure that your target market is large enough to support such a venture.

Another way to make money with a metal detector is by offering your services to local law enforcement agencies. If you are a trained metal detectorist, you can work with local police departments to find and recover lost objects, such as relics or coins.

In addition, if you have a lot of knowledge about the history of your area and the treasures that have been discovered there, you can become a tour guide for historical sites. This can be a fun and rewarding job, and it can also be a great way to help the community. If you do decide to pursue this career, it is important to have a solid understanding of the laws in your jurisdiction and to work closely with the law enforcement authorities.