Beginners may find metal detecting a daunting task at first but with the proper know-how and motivation, they can easily get so engrossed with it.

Aside from knowing the basics of metal detectors, beginners can get their hands on metal detecting by starting to search in places where they could easily find interesting things such as coins, jewelries, small toys, and other noteworthy finds. Generally, any place where people congregate such as parks and other public places can be good sources for interesting finds.

Beginners will do well in metal detecting by starting in their very own backyards. Underneath flower beds and small gardens may be lying some rings and bracelets that children lost while playing. Or better yet, there could be some money or precious jewels that were buried there long time ago. One should never underestimate the riches that may be lying under his own backyard.

One good way to start for beginners at metal detecting is finding and collecting coins. Why? Because there are lots of them buried on the ground. Some people just keep them as collector’s item while others are seeking for rare coins that have great archaeological or historical significance.

Parks are also interesting for metal detecting. Beginners, however, should first check if metal detecting or treasure hunting is allowed in the parks that they intend to search. Generally, national parks and monuments restrict these kinds of activities.

In other public parks, though, metal detecting is accepted. Good places for searching include the paths to and from the parking area and the rest rooms. You can also look around benches or places under large trees where people would usually sit.

Other places to try out metal detecting are big open areas where events such as concerts, sports activities, fairs, and bazaars would usually be held. Children’s playgrounds would often yield interesting finds too.

Aside from backyards and parks, beginners at metal detecting may also explore sidewalks, flea markets, school grounds, beaches, old farms, construction sites. However, they must exercise caution at all times when metal detecting.

Doing good research will also help beginners become more knowledgeable with metal detecting. Experts at metal detecting would usually tell you that they spent a lot of time in their local libraries to get information on potential search areas. History books and old maps are good resources to find possible search areas. Old historic maps, in particular, can provide information about  old towns, mines, and other settlement type areas, which may just be buried under new cities.

Once one has tried metal detecting, beginners will quickly realize that it is more than just tinkering with a fancy device. Metal detecting is actually about the thrill of searching. It is about discovering things of value that have been buried for many years. Each discovery brings excitement and the desire to find more things. More than growing one’s collections of treasure finds, it is the sense of adventure that brings many people to metal detecting. It is not surprising to find people who are very passionate about metal detecting, who really invest time and money for their hobby because it gives them a sense of fulfillment.

In metal detecting, every find however big or small is a reward in itself. Each discovery is like journeying into a different time and it is the sense of history that brings mystic to a particular item.

Of course, beginners will also find metal detecting a good exercise for their bodies. Aside from the opportunity to bond with fellow enthusiasts, metal detecting gives people a chance to relax and have some fresh air just by walking along.

There are many manufacturers in metal detecting but there are best rated metal detectors that have emerged over the years because of their quality, unique features and innovations. Although it is impossible to say which manufacturer makes the best metal detectors, the following names would most likely surface in the list.

Fisher Metal Detectors
It is impossible not to encounter the Fisher name when you are shopping for a metal detector. This is because Fisher is the oldest metal detector manufacturer in the world. It was founded by a German immigrant named Dr. Gerard Fisher, who designed the first portable metal detector in 1925. Fisher pioneered the first large scale production of metal detectors with the commercial sale of his first mode in 1931.

To this date, Fisher metal detectors continue to be a trusted name in the industry. Fisher continues to produce high quality metal detectors that are known for their durability, ease of use, and dependability. With a variety of products for all types of metal detecting, Fisher backs its metal detectors with a lifetime warranty.

Whites Metal Detectors
Another institution in the metal detector business is White’s Electronics. White’s has been manufacturing metal detectors for recreation and security purposes for about 50 years.

Catering to a wide range of customers, White’s offers metal detectors for finding coins, rings, jewelry, gold, and relics. The models are structured to fit different skills and budget. White’s metal detectors are well appreciated because they are easy to operate and are designed for comfortable use even for long hours.

Tesoro Metal Detectors
This family-run business based in Arizona has been building quality metal detectors for more than 20 years. Tesoro Electronics is known for their very lightweight metal detectors that are not only reliable but also very easy to use. Their products make ideal travel detectors.

Beginners and professionals alike can choose from Tesoro’s wide range of metal detectors models designed for coin shooting, water hunting and prospecting

Tesoro also carries several lines of metal detectors with a low 10 kHz frequency. Low frequency is very important when hunting with many other people such as competition hunts.

Garrett Metal Detectors
You can expect good things when the person behind a product is its own user as well. And that is what NASA engineer Charles Garrett is all about. An active treasure hunter himself, Garrett founded his metal detector manufacturing company in 1064. For more than 40 years now, Garrett metal detectors have been worthy companions to many hobbyists and treasure hunters with varied interests and skills level.

Aside from hobby detectors, Garrett also produces security detectors. Both Garrett the man and Garrett the company are known for their trailblazing innovations in the metal detector technology. In 1982, Garrett was awarded the  first US patent for the use of a computer chip in a metal detector. He is also behind other great inventions like target discrimination, which is the basis of all modern metal detectors.

Bounty Hunter Metal Detectors
Bounty Hunter metal detectors answer the customers’ demand for quality products at affordable prices. Manufactured by First Texas Products, Bounty Hunter has been in business for quite some time offering a wide range of user-friendly metal detectors at very attractive prices.  The models are fit for use by beginners and professionals alike.

 Minelab Metal Detectors
Twenty-year old Minelab is based in Australia, a country known for its rich natural resources like gold. This is probably the main reason why there was a demand for quality nugget hunting equipment, a demand that Minelab sufficiently meets to this day with its line of prospecting detectors.

Minelab is also involved in military and humanitarian de-mining projects throughout the world. Aside from Australia,  Minelab has manufacturing, distribution and customer service operations in Australia, Europe and the United States.

Bizarre is probably the best word to describe this metal detector find that a hobbyist found along the beach one time. Keith Wills, Keith Wills, Texas Council of Treasure Clubs vice president and a member of the Smith County Metal Detecting Center began metal detecting when he was 14. He narrated this story about a bizarre find with his metal detector.

“I was on the beach one time and dug a ring up and it had a finger in it,” he said. “They kept digging and the rest of the body was there too. I guess it had washed up on the beach. So you never know what you’re going to find.”

Finding a ring with a finger in it would probably give ordinary people the shrieks. But those who take metal detecting as a serious hobby know that there is always that possibility that they will run into something unusual at the very least. Sure, they hope to find gold coins, jewelries and other precious items, but the bizarre and the unexpected discoveries are what put more spice to their already interesting pastime. They never know what they will find when they are digging up the past.

There are various reasons why all sorts of artifacts and finds got buried on the ground in the first place. Metal detector finds could be as recent as a few years to as old as over a hundred years. An item commonly used in the 1900s would reasonably look bizarre to someone digging in the 21st century with his hi-tech metal detector.

One of the ways finds get deposited on the soil is through manure scatter. Long before society had a sophisticate garbage disposal system, most waste materials of households were added to manure heaps. These were then carted out to nearby arable fields. Imagine the variety of waste that went into these heaps. These include floor sweepings, kitchen waste, bone fragments, buttons, ceramic pieces etc.

A more familiar way of how finds get deposited is through stray losses. As people move from place to place, particularly before the advent of the industrial revolution, they suffer stray losses along the way. These losses would include small coins, buttons, brooches, etc. Even animals lose metal items such as buckles, harness fittings, studs, shoes, among others. Detectorists will find these strayed items interesting as they speak of histories and cultures gone by.

Hoards are another way finds got buried underground. It is not only the pirates that buried their treasures. Even ordinary folks like farmers hide their money and valuables for protection and as reserve in case of bad times like calamities and other unfortunate circumstances. There were no banks to go to then so the safest way to keep these valuables safe was to bury them on the ground. Unfortunately, many of the owners of these hoards did not live long enough to dig out their buried treasure.

Metal detector finds may have been lost for various reasons.  Metal detector finds may belong to many generations, represent different cultures, and reveal undetermined values. Each metal detector find, however, is a contribution to understanding the past better. They are historical pieces that give modern-day society a deeper understanding of the world before them. They are the missing puzzles that can help solve some of history’s mysteries.

Amateurs using metal detectors are increasingly contributing a record number of archaeological finds. In Britain, for example, more than 30,000 finds by metal detectories were recorded in 2001. The finds run from bizarre to unique and valuable.

These finds include a gold and garnet Saxon brooch, a 16th century miniature prayer book, rare silver pennies, among others.

Buying a used metal detector makes good sense especially if you are on a budget. If it is your first time to try metal detecting but would not want to spend that much for a new metal detector, then a good used metal detector would be your best option. Or you may already be into the hobby for quite a while and want a spare detector in case of field failure. A used metal detector is more cost-effective than buying a new one if you only intend to use it for backup purposes.

When buying a used metal detector, it is always best to get it from reputable dealers. Dealers usually offer a limited money back guarantee or trade-in option. Even with used items, dealers still test the quality of the products they sell. This is especially important because you no longer get manufacturer’s warranty when you buy a used metal detector.

Generally, buying a metal detector from classified ads or from strangers is not advisable. With the advent of the internet, however, it has become easier to buy and sell used items. There are metal detecting clubs and online forums that announce sale of used metal detectors from members. Although these methods are not also fail-safe, you have better chances of getting a good buy because you can communicate directly with the sellers and ask several questions before you decide to purchase.

Used metal detectors can run from $275 to $700 depending on the brand and the features. Underwater metal detectors cost around $500 while used accessories can cost $200.

So just to recap, here are some of the sources for buying used metal detectors:

- Local dealers
- Metal detecting clubs
- Metal detecting online forums and individual sites of hobbyists
- Newspaper ads

Like when you are buying for a new metal detector, find out what kind of used metal detector you need before you go window shopping for used metal detectors. What kind of items do you plan to search with your metal detector? Where do you plan to do your metal detecting? How often do you intend to do it?

These are some of the questions you ask when buying a metal detector whether old or new. With used detectors, however, you would need to find out more information.

How old is the metal detector? How does the seller feel about its performance in metal detecting? You may even ask some of the good finds made with that metal detector. What types of searches were made with the metal detector? Why is it being sold?

Keep in mind that even some old metal detectors can work just as good as today’s new metal detectors. This is because the basic technologies used to make the older models are still applied in the new products. Doing a bit of research and consultation with those who have long experience in metal detecting will help you a lot in making the perfect buy of a used metal detector.

If you are buying a used detector, however, make sure that all accessories that are needed to make the product work are still available. You would not want to end up with a detector that you can barely use because the batteries for it are already difficult to find. Yes, you can buy old metal detectors but make sure they are not outdated.

Sadly, some newcomers do not grow to love metal detecting not because they are not good at searching but because they have used a wrong unit on their first search attempts. Don’t let the experience of an interesting hobby such as metal detecting elude you just because of misguided buying decisions.

If you plan to devote a lot of time on metal detecting, then metal detecting software is a valuable tool to help you keep a record of your finds. If you talk with people who have spent many years in treasure hunting and metal detecting, they would probably tell you that one of their weaknesses is having a systematic method of keeping tab of their collections. Sure, it is easy to remember the first finds but how do you keep track of all your discoveries if you have been metal detecting for more than 20 years?

Fortunately, technology has not only improved the way metal detectors are made but it has also provided a better way of recording finds through the use of metal detecting software. Some users would argue, “Who cares about the record, anyway? I’m just doing it for a hobby.” It may just be a hobby all right, but it is always good to keep track of your progress in any endeavor you take. It may seem tedious or even unnecessary at first but you would definitely appreciate if you can easily pull out a file to see how many gold and silver coins you discovered in the past three years? Recalling specific details from memory like when and where you found the coins would be more tedious.

Besides, a well-organized system of tracking your finds will help you assess if you are maximizing your invest on your metal detector and other equipment and accessories. With all the finds that you are getting, it is easy to justify to yourself and probably your spouse if it is time to buy a new metal detector. You will also be able to assess what are the good products that have worked well for you; which places yielded the most finds; what areas you need to improve.

There are several metal detecting software available in the market. Most of them can be purchased easily by just downloading over the internet. One example of metal detecting software is i-detect, which is a metal detecting software journal that would help you keep a record of your hunting activities. The software allows you to keep track of dates, amounts and types of finds, research notes, as well as pictures. With this software, you do not have to manually update your collections and finds totals or search through many notes and files. In other words, the software will help you do your record-keeping quickly and easily so you have more time to go out in the field for your metal detecting. I-detect costs about $39.

Another metal detecting software is Treasure Hunter Pro. It is also downloadable via the internet and its programmer claims to have contacted more than 100 metal detector users to find out what features they want for metal detecting software. Treasure Hunter Pro thus answers the need of metal detector users for a program that lets them easily record detailed information about their finds. These information include: date item was found, rating of item found, condition, description, value, comments, location of find, location notes, GPS coordinates, depth information, miscellaneous notes, among others. The program also features unlimited number or records, print records, print charts, and capabilities for searching, sorting, importing and displaying pictures.

Metal Detector Standard v.6.1 by FlexiCat is another tool designed for metal detector enthusiasts including treasure collectors and archaeologist. The software may also be used for legal records and for linking groups of collectors. In a nutshell, the software allows the user to:

•    Have unlimited number of records that can easily be configured according to needs
•    create instant reports to assess inventory or even to show the authorities…
•    copy and paste from Word, Excel, etc.
•    enhances and stores images and any media format
•    monitor whole collection and search instantly for any information
•    link finds and internet addresses and profiles of all contacts
•    search by name, location, postcode and any other field
•    automatically number datasheets, local or remote catalogues
•    send a Datasheet of any item to a colleague or interested party instantly
•    Create letters and mailing lists
•    import from databases and Outlook address Book
•    archive and review historic documents
•    create automatic web page production and uploads.

With the internet, it is easy to find metal detectors online. Shopping for metal detectors has never been easy these days because you can carefully research on the products, look at its features, compare prices, and even order online.

Here are a few sample sites where you can find metal detectors online:

Alaska Mining and Diving Supply
Alaska Mining & Diving Supply is a dealer for all the major metal detector manufacturers. The focus at AMDS is on gold nugget detectors, with all the nugget hunting models in stock. Select coin hunting and industrial models are also kept on hand.

Bizrate
Like with other products, Bizrate can help buyers find the best deals on metal detectors and related products from various stores. The site also allows buyers to compare products, read reviews, and compare prices so they can always shop smartly.

DetectMetal.com
DetectMetal.com is the daughter company of Vintage Log & Lumber, Inc., which specializes in antique lumber reclaimed from old houses and barns. Before antique lumber can be sold or put through the planers for manufacturing into flooring; it has to be completely free of all metal, nails, screws, or bits of wire.

After experimenting with different hand held metal detectors, Vintage chose Garrett metal detectors for the important job of finding nails in logs and reclaimed wood. Often the vendors have asked to purchase a Garrett metal detector from Vintage as de-nailed lumber means more money in the vendors pocket. It has expanded its line of accurate reliable and affordable hand held metal detectors.

Detectors Unlimited
Detectors Unlimited’s mission is to deliver quality land and water metal detectors at competitive prices for everyone from beginners to serious hunters.

Detectors Unlimited is a division of Heleton Corporation, an established company doing business in the Mid-Atlantic States since 1989. Detectors Unlimited was developed to expand Heleton’s business on the Internet through its dealerships with major manufacturers of metal detecting equipment. The company’s years of experience with major manufacturers and their product offerings allow you to shop with confidence.

Detectors Unlimited carries all major brands of metal detectors, including Tesoro, Bounty Hunter, Garrett, Detector Pro, Hays and Troy Custom Detectors, handheld detectors to help treasure hunters find coins, relics and other treasures.

Dixie Metal Detectors
Started in 1996, Dixie Metal Detectors is a one-stop shop for metal detectors and accessories. It has also purchased the Timberworld Headphone Company to provide quality headphones to reassure hunter even as continues to expand its product offerings.

Kellyco Metal Detector Superstore
Florida based Kellyco Metal Detector Superstore claims to be the world’s largest and oldest metal detector distributor.  It started in 1953 when Kellyco Division manager Stuart Auerback was trained by the United States Army as a combat engineer with the military specialty of mine clearing. Using the latest Army and civilian mine detectors, Stu and other specialists cleared the combat zones. In those days only the men who knew their detecting equipment stayed alive.
Since then, Kellyco has been keeping abreast with all developments in the field of metal detecting to offer its clients the modern coin and treasure hunting units. Its test team members constantly examine all of the latest information available and thoroughly test manufacturer’s claims.

MetalDetector.com
Powered by Detector Electronics, MetalDetector.com is a distributor for the Tesoro brand of metal detectors both domestically and internationally. It is also a factory authorized source for Bounty Hunter, Detector Pro, Fisher, Garrett, Hays and Minelab metal detectors.

S&P Treasure Finders
S&P Treasure Finders sell all brands of metal detectors, and carry a huge selection of accessory items to enhance your metal detecting hobby. They are also dealers for security related metal detecting equipment.

Security Planet
Security Planet supplies mostly personal protection devices such as pepper sprays and sun guns. But it also carries a wide array of metal detectors including handhelds, walk-through, ground search detectors. It also sells metal detector accessories.

Tamiami International Equipment
Tamiami International Equipment, Inc. is one of the oldest and largest security products distributors in the southeastern United States dating back to 1944. It currently offers security products and metal detectors, particularly the Garret brand.

Finding the best metal detectors is often a buying concern for both beginners and experts at metal detecting. Of course, there is no way of really telling what is the best metal detector because detectors are designed to work for different purposes.

When trying to find the best metal detectors, the premise should be modified by asking “what is the best metal detector that fits my needs?” But then again, there are no absolute answers to this question. On the contrary, it even raises more questions but there is no need to fret. Taking time to answer these questions will help you as a buyer decide on the best metal detector for you.

What will you use your metal detector for?
This is one of the first questions that you should answer. What you intend to do with your metal detector will largely determine the type of detector that you need. Do you intend to search coins with your detector? Are you looking for gold instead?

There are general purpose detectors that can be used to search for coins, jewelry, and relic. Such devices will have at least discrimination adjustment and sensitivity control.

For more specialized type of detecting, however, it may be wiser to purchase metal detectors with special functions and features than go for the general purpose models.

Where will you use your metal detector?
Again, this is another important question. There are special purpose detectors for specific terrains. If you intend to search underwater, for instance, you need to buy a metal detector that can do the job. There are detectors which are intended primarily for use at the shore or in the water. Specialty detectors usually have different operating modes and may be used for various types of detecting.

How often do you plan to use your metal detector?
Will your metal detector be used occasionally on weekends and special holidays or do you have lots of time in your hands to do metal detecting several times a week? Lots of battery power will surely be necessary for prolonged use of your metal detector.

How much do you plan to spend for your metal detector?
The prices of metal detectors vary from a little over a hundred dollars to more than a thousand. Fortunately, lots of the models in the entry level and middle market segments already have full features that are good enough for starters and occasional hobbyists. Metal detectors with specialized functions and more features, however, would cost several hundred dollars more. The key is to find what works best for your budget and what satisfies your requirements.

Aside from the device itself, your budget should also include the accessories for your metal detector. To fully enjoy your metal detector, you need to invest on key items including good headphones with volume controls, trowels, beach scoops, coil cover, and a detector bag.

There are other considerations in finding the best metal detectors. One of them is finding out who else will share the use of the metal detector with you. If the metal detector will be used for your family recreation, then it is important that it should be user-friendly even for children. Consider the level of expertise of the users. Beginners at metal detecting may find it too complicated to operate a metal detector with too much operating options.

Since metal detectors are brought to search places, portability is also very important. There is no use having a feature-pack metal detector if you cannot easily haul it around or you cannot go the distance because of the heavy weight of your device.

Where do you start when you want to go treasure hunting? The best place way to start is right where you are. That’s right, you need to stop right where you are and draft your search plan before you go treasure hunting.

Of course, treasure hunters would naturally want to search at the spots that no one has discovered yet; or those that are rarely explored due to some reasons. But even common places, that are often taken for granted, can bring great finds for treasure hunters.

Doing research work is a very important preparation when you plan to go treasure hunting. Where can treasure hunters look for information? The most convenient place is the library. Aside from old books that contains lots of clues and information for treasure hunters, libraries can provide easy access to old newspapers and magazines. Large libraries would have these old clippings of articles in microfilm format. Treasure hunters would most likely find interesting articles and information in these old publications.

Libraries are good for general purpose information but when you need some books and references to be always at hand, you may need to go to a local bookstore. Bookstores carry various types of treasure books and you can choose those that are specific to the type of treasures that you want to find. You will also find a lot of useful references and how-to books on treasure hunting in the local bookstores.

Check out historical collections not only in libraries but also those managed by historical societies and other private foundations. Newspaper offices may also be useful to the really serious treasure hunters. Aside from these resources, other valuable research tools for treasure hunting include maps, aerial photographs, old surveys, claim documents, and other public records that will give some clues about lost treasures. Likewise, talking with local residents of the area can be offer much help for treasure hunters.

With the research work done, the time to go treasure hunting begins. Not just yet. Novice treasure hunters need to familiarize themselves with possible search areas for treasure hunting.

Virtually any place where there are people are good starting points for treasure hunting. Popular search locations among treasure hunters include parking strips or tree lines, residential circles, sledding hills, old roads, abandoned buildings such as old offices and hospitals, ghost towns, outskirts of any park, beach shores, and even backyards. Usually these places are grassy and it is easy for people to lose their coins and other small valuables.

Finding the perfect place to go treasure hunting takes a lot of skill and sensitivity. Even old tales and rumors that other people will simply ignore can provide clues to the inquiring minds of the treasure hunters. That is why it is very important to keep an open mind when treasure hunting. Some of the stories that people believe were only legends may have actually happened.

Towns that have been buried and are no longer seen in modern maps can yield tons of hidden treasures.  Old mining sites may still have large amounts of small deposits of precious metals. Even old churchyards and graveyards can be a hair-raising experience for treasure hunters because of the riches they can uncover.

Where to start when you plan to go treasure hunting? The answer is virtually anywhere. As long as treasure hunters do their research, obtain the needed permission, and equip themselves with the right devices, they can expect to spend adventurous time treasure hunting. They may not exactly find the items that they are searching for, but they can discover some things that they least expect. The fun, after all, is in the searching. The treasure, however one may classify it, is only a fringe benefit.

While general purpose metal detectors may do the job for most types of treasure hunting, gold metal detectors are specially designed to find gold and other precious metals. Gold prospecting is in fact one of the more popular uses of metal detectors because even to this day, many people are still fascinated by the sparkle of gold. The possibility of finding gold buried underground is a often enough motivation for treasure hunters to invest on gold metal detector and spend valuable amounts of time prospecting for the precious metal.

General purpose detectors are typically not designed to detect very small metals but gold prospecting metal detectors are developed to specifically be sensitive to small pieces of gold. These gold metal detectors often do not have discrimination and require manual ground balancing for best results. Many metal detectors have different options and varying degrees for ground balancing. This feature is used so that the metal detector will detect the right minerals on the ground and not alert you in error. There are detectors that automatically adjust ground balance but for gold prospecting, it is better if you use a detector than you can also adjust manually.

Aside from the ground balance feature, gold metal detectors are the best equipment to find gold because they are designed with maximum sensitivity to find even the smallest flakes at great depths. They also operate with the ideal frequencies for locating gold.

Technological advances in metal detectors have made gold prospecting a lucrative recreation. Gold metal detectors are effectively used these days for nugget shooting or otherwise referred to as nugget hunting.

Nugget hunting refers is a field of gold prospecting and mining in which a metal detector is used to search for gold nuggets and deposits near the surface. Nuggets are deemed very highly because they are more uncommon than commercial gold that are produced by extracting small amounts from a large piece of rock.

Great amounts of weathering in the past hundreds of years have virtually caused many of the hillsides around idle rich gold mines of the past to be dotted with gold ore and nuggets. With the more sophisticated gold metal detectors, the possibility of finding even the smallest pieces of gold is not so remote anymore. Gold metal detectors help prospectors find more gold and cover more area in a shorter period of time. As technology continues to advance, gold metal detectors are expected to become even more developed to allow the greater discoveries of the precious ore.

Underwater metal detecting requires the basic search techniques as metal detecting on land requires. However, special skills and equipment may be needed when doing underwater metal detecting.

As with other types of metal detecting, you need to seek permission and have proper authorization before you search for treasures underwater. Note that there are protected archaeological and historical sites on water and you should be careful not to trespass these areas.

If good research is very important in land-based metal detecting, its significance in underwater metal detecting can never be overemphasized. It is easier to find your way on land than underwater so you should make sure that you know exactly the waterways before you go metal detecting underwater. Go to libraries to study the history of local waterways. Search for information on popular beaches. Of course, the internet is a rich resource for information. You can also consult nautical charts and consult with sailors.

When doing your actual search underwater, make sure you do it in a systematic way. You should begin by clearly defining your search area, and then move systematically beginning at the starting point and finishing at the end point. You may find it necessary to put marks as reference points as you explore.

Scan with your searchcoil in a straight line and then moving it from side to side. Do your scanning methodically to make sure that your sweeps cover the entire search area. Keep your searchcoil at least several feet away from your body to avoid false signals coming from metal gears such as scuba tanks, gauges and weights.

Be sensitive with all the signals that you hear. Remove the trash targets that you detect and then they try to scan the area again. Even what you may initially think as trash items can be really valuable. The appearance of some finds may have been greatly corroded but proper cleaning may reveal worthy discoveries.

Underwater metal detecting also requires the right target recovery tools. Typically, a dive knife is already enough to use in mud or small rocks. In some instances, using bare hands will do as most divers do when getting targets in loose sand.

Small and light objects can simply be picked up. If the object would affect the diver’s buoyancy, it is best to recover it with a lift bag or a line brought down from the surface. Objects that weigh more than 15 pounds would normally require the use of lift bags or line.

Use buoys to mark heavy objects for easy recovery. It is not uncommon for objects to sink again after they have been raised.

Professional salvors, however, normally use more sophisticated tools such as  giant airlifts, water dredges or prop blasters. The key, however, is to leave the area intact and cause no damage to marine life.

But even if you have performed well in searching and recovering underwater with your metal detector, it is no good if you do not handle your recovered objects properly. Because these objects have been under the water for a long time, you would need to keep them wet until you know exactly what method of cleaning and preservations should be applied. Most materials could disintegrate if they are allowed to dry without proper cleaning and preservation.

It can be challenging task but you sure can build a metal detector on your own. If you are up to the challenge, find the basic materials you need and you can get started in building your own metal detector.

New Zealand based website Rough Science has an interactive guide on building your own metal detector. It can be a good resource if you want to see a step-by-step guide to making a metal detector. Another instructional guide may be found at http://home.clara.net/saxons/bfo.htm.

The following are the materials needed to build a basic beat frequency oscillator metal detector:

Parts list
Power source:
Any 9v battery PP3 is ideal.

Capacitors:
2 off  220uF 16v electrolytic.
5 off  .01uF polyester.
5 off  .1uF polyester.

Resistors:
All resistors 1/4 watt 5%
6 off  10k
1 off  1K
1 off  2.2m
2 off  39k

Transistors:
All BC 183B. Just about any small signal npn with a gain of 250+ will do. There are hundreds to choose from.

Audio output:
A 2.5 inch 8 ohm speaker will work but headphones or earpiece are preferable the higher the impedance the better.

Don’t know where to get the parts? Here’s some good news. You can salvage most of the parts from a broken transistor radio. The radio will provide you the electronic components for the metal detectors.

When you have all the materials, you can begin with the search coil. Cut out a wooden form with a 12-inch diameter then wound it around with an insulated wire for about 20 times. When finished, fix the form with the insulated wire to a wooden handle.

Build the search coil electronics (the oscillator) with a transistor and a few resistors and capacitors, and connect them to the coil. You can use your radio’s station tuner as your tuning capacity by wiring it across the coil so you could adjust its frequency. Make the second oscillator identical to the first one but with a smaller search coil.

It would be a good idea to build the electronics parts in small plastic boxes so they can be as watertight as possible. You can place the battery in one box and place the electronics into another.

Connect the metal detector electronics using wire and metal solder. Make sure you make the correct circuit. Use a plastic sheet to map out the circuit board. Drill holes for the component wires and then solder the component ends. Connect it with wire underneath the homemade board and place in the waterproof box.

Next, make a mixer circuit to electronically combine the signals from the large and small coils so you can detect the difference between them. The mixer circuit will produce the signal that will be heard in the speaker when a potential target is found.

The key to proper use of metal detectors begins with the selection of the right type of device that fits the kind of metal detecting that you intend to do. You will not be able to accomplish much if you do not have the right device for your purposes.

Some of the basic things that you need to determine when choosing your metal detector is the number of hours you plan to devote to metal detecting. Do you intend to do it many hours a week or simply several hours occasionally during the weekend? A basic metal detector will probably be enough if you plan to do the latter. If you have more serious plans about metal detecting, however, you might as well choose a device with lots of extra electronic features to get you going.

Of course, the more features you get, the higher the price of the metal detector. You would also need to consider budget for headphones with volume control, trowels, beach scoops, a coil cover and a detector bag.

Investing on good headphones will help increase the battery life of your metal detector. It will also allow you to hear signals well and give you more privacy as the headphones will keep the beeping from annoying other people.

How you use your metal detector also depends on what you are trying to find. There are different types of metal detector for coins and jewelry, for relics, for prospecting and for use under water. There are general purpose detectors, however, that can be used for finding coin, jewelry and relic.

Operating a metal detector is quite simple. You simply turn the unit on and move slowly over the area that you wish to search. You sweep the coil, or search head, back and forth, over the ground, as you try to detect signals from your device. A good metal detector should be able to produce audible signals when you reach potential targets.

The more advanced metal detectors can provide displays that will tell you the type of metal that it has detected. These devices will also tell you how deeply buried the target object is.

Metal detectors use one of three technologies:
Very low frequency (VLF);
Pulse induction (PI); and
Beat-frequency oscillation (BFO).

Frequency in a metal detector is referred to in kilo hertz. It refers to the number of times the signal is transmitted and received by the detector every second. Generally, lower frequency detectors offer better sensitivity to copper and silver. They also offer better overall detection depth and trash rejection. Most general purpose models operate at very low frequencies.

Metal detectors that use higher frequencies, on the other hand, are more sensitive to small metals and natural gold but they cannot easily recognize non-iron metals. Those who are trying to find gold generally use metal detectors that are operating at higher frequencies.

Another important consideration in using metal detectors is having prior permission to search both public and private properties. You should get permission from the owner or the person who is in charge of managing a property before you do any metal detecting. Permits can usually be obtained through city halls. However, you must also be aware of areas that are restricted for metal detecting activities. Known and marked historical sites, historical parks, and historical monuments are typically off limits to all metal detecting.

The best and safest place to practice using your metal detectors is in your own place or vicinity. You may be surprised to find valuables and other interesting stuff with your metal detector. Keep an open mind and remember that you can always find some good things with a lot of patience and the help of your device.

Industrial metal detectors are among the most widely used type of metal detectors. These devices are used mainly in the production process for quality control.

Industrial metal detectors indicate the presence of metal in nonconductive materials such as textiles, rubber sheet, oils or liquids, plastics, powders, wood products and concrete. These detectors help ensure that products that are shipped do not contain sharp objects like pins and nails. They also measure overall metal content.

Companies rely on industrial metal detectors to determine cleanliness or verify the absence of tramp metal in continuous or bulk products, as well as recycled materials. In the production of pharmaceutical powder, for example, industrial metal detectors are used to detect metal chips. Similarly, industrial metal detectors are used to find nail or staples in wood, metal caps in crushed glass, or needles in fabric sheets.

These industrial devices also come handy when there is a need to verify the presence and location of metal such as in buried electrical lines, piping behind walls, or when reinforcing metal bars in concrete.

Industrial metal detectors are also used to detect weapons. There are handheld types that are used for security in airports, schools, prisons and other places. These detectors are used to detect guns, knives, bombs, jewelry or stolen items, and other contraband that individuals may try to smuggle into or out of a facility.

The applications mentioned above are performed by different types of industrial metal detectors. There are actually several types of industrial metal detectors. These include:

-  underwater metal detector;
-  handheld metal detector;
-  walk-through metal detector; and
-  airport metal detector.

Let’s look closely at each type. As the name suggests, underwater metal detectors are used for finding metallic objects under water. They may be used both in fresh or salt water environments. An underwater metal detector uses microprocessor technology to create a multifunction land and underwater metal detector. An underwater metal detector can be fully waterproof to 200 feet and include controls to fine tune during detection.

Handheld metal detectors may be familiar to many people. These are the devices usually used in most security checkpoints to find guns or knives in a person’s clothing, bag, or parcel. Handheld metal detectors are ideal to use for security checks because they are lightweight, highly maintenance, and most importantly, radiation-free. Handhelds are also very easy to maintain.

Walk-through metal detectors are also used in security checkpoints but the main difference is they scan the entire body for concealed weapons and other metallic objects. Walk-through metal detectors make perfect sense in airport security checks because they can detect even very small handguns. Features include detection performance as well as accurate system performance, including operator interface and/or controls, environmental tolerance, electromagnetic compatibility, quality control and assurance, safety, and operator instructional and technical repair documentation.

There are even portable walk-through metal detectors. Compact and lightweight, these portable metal detectors can be easily installed and stored away usually require no initial calibration.

Airport metal detectors can either be walk-through or handheld detectors or both. Good quality airport metal detectors are fairly accurate and would give very few false alarms. Usually the detectors will only give alerts when the computer attached to receiving coil of the detector detects larger sized objects and pass up other non-threatening metallic objects such as keys or coins.

Online metal detecting forums provides the perfect venue for hobbyists and enthusiasts their common interest for metal detecting. The online forums are usually open to everyone who is interested in metal detecting but there are also some that are designed to be used by club members only. Either way, the metal detecting forums are good for sharing information about metal detecting. The forums cover a wide range of topics including tips on metal detecting, good search areas for metal detecting, reviews of metal detectors and other metal detecting equipment, among others.

Forum members usually use the forum sites also to share about their finds. They share how they discovered and unearthed their finds. At times, they even seek the help of other forum members for information about their finds. “What is it?” is a common section in online metal detecting forums, where members usually post their finds in the hope that others reading it might give them some clues on how valuable their discoveries are.

The online forums are places for people who are into metal detecting to pose questions, share experiences, get tips and ideas, or simply bond with likeminded individuals who share their interest.

There are a number of online metal detecting forums. Here are some of them:

The Treasure Depot

Metal Detecting Forum
One of the world’s most popular websites with information on metal detectors, metal detecting, detectorists and treasure hunting.  The site offers free chat rooms as well as classifieds for treasure hunting equipment. It is dedicated to all detectorists no matter what brand of detector or type of hunting they might be using.

Coin Detector Forum
Coin Detector is designed to be a portal for communication, information, and everything else related to metal detecting. Its mission is to expand the presence of treasure hunters on the internet. They want to meet the needs of people looking for not only current information about treasure hunting, but also personal contact to hunters in different parts of the world. Its forum section gives the opportunity to talk to other treasure hunters. Users can also create their own web logs to share about their finds.

Treasure Quest Metal Detecting Forums
One of the site’s main offering are its Metal Detector specific forums. It recognizes that metal detecting is a great hobby and wants to provide a venue for enthusiasts to talk about it more.

Other noteworthy forum sites:
California Metal Detecting Forum

Treasure Net Metal Detecting Forum

Friendly Metal Detecting Forum

Metal detector conveyors have become very essential tools in maintaining quality in food processing. Metal detector conveyors are used to detect metallic objects in food or packaged products with the aid of a retracting belt or a pusher.

Conveyors, in general, have many applications in diverse industries including manufacturing and transportation. Various types of conveyors include food processing conveyors, pipe roller conveyors, metal detector conveyors, power belt conveyors, skate wheel conveyors, flexible and expandable conveyors, ball transfer conveyors and roller conveyors. Their lengths vary to a few inches to several miles long of integrated systems. In food manufacturing, for instance, the conveyors are used for assembly systems that move products from start to finish.

Most conveyors are constructed using a chain belt running over motorized rigging, covered with a rubber or plastic matting for carrying goods. A carefully planned layout for the installation of conveyors is necessary to save space and maximize the efficiency of a manufacturing line.

One of the more widely used types conveyors are the metal detector conveyors. There are three basic configurations applied when installing metal detectors: pipeline, conveyor, and freefall. The pipeline configuration is applied to products that are conveyed in tubes or pipes. Pipeline detectors usually use a diversion valve to redirect materials that contain detected contaminants onto a separate vessel or container.

Metal detector conveyors, on the other hand, feature manual, semi-automated and fully automated rejection mechanisms to filter detected contaminants. Rejection mechanisms used for metal detector conveyors include air blow, push arms, retractable conveyor bed, reversible conveyor, slider gate, diversion conveyors and robotic grippers. Efficient rejection mechanism is very important in metal detector conveyors.

Manufacturers can choose what type of rejection mechanism to use depending on what fits their processing requirements. Some metal detector conveyors use the simple “stop on detect” mechanism wherein the conveyor simply stops if it detects metal in the assembly line. The conveyor will sound an alarm for the operator to simply remove the contaminated product from the production line.

Another known as air blow or air blast remove contaminated products from the metal detector conveyor by a concentrated blast of compressed air.

Automated metal detector conveyors use pusher reject mechanism wherein pneumatically powered pushers push and divert contaminated products out of the production flow. There is another type wherein a section of the conveyor retracts automatically to allow the contaminated products to fall into the rejects bin. Most manufacturers are offering clients custom-designed metal detector conveyors to suit their processing requirements.

These various mechanisms used in metal detector conveyors are results of technological innovations brought about by the important role that metal detectors play in improving quality control in production processes. The metal detector has become an important tool for inspection of products during the production process. It helps significantly in improving product quality, most especially as quality standards get more stringent.

To achieve maximum efficiency, metal detector conveyors must be installed properly. Proper installation and operation begins with choosing the right kind of conveyor that is perfect for a company’s processing environment. Customers should work closely with vendors to achieve the results that they want. Before purchasing a metal detection system, customers are advised to request for product tests from prospective vendors. Sufficient product testing will help minimize false rejects.

During the product test, product test specialists can detect the sensitivities of the product and the production process. Product factors like product temperature, line speed, core temperature for frozen food and product alignment on the conveyor, are some of the things considered during the testing. This testing will allow the customer to set the detection sensitivities and decide on a specific metal detection system.

Aside from product testing, concerned personnel must also receive proper training and education on metal detectors to ensure successful operation of the equipment.

Using metal detector can be a lot of fun and excitement, especially if you know how to properly operate it. The following metal detector tips can help you enjoy your time with your metal detector more:

On choosing your metal detector

- Choose a metal detector that’s right for you. Before you buy your own metal detector, assess your needs and requirements so know what exactly fits the kind of metal detecting that you intend to do.
- Consider how much you want to spend for your metal detector. As in any other equipment, the more advance the features, the higher the price of the device. Weigh your requirements vis-à-vis your budget for your metal detector.
- Determine your own level of knowledge and familiarity with using metal detectors. If you are a novice, a simple general purpose metal detector might do for your initial purchase. As you progress into the hobby of metal detecting, they you can consider upgrading to models with more specialized features.

On using your metal detector:

- Always read the owner’s manual of your metal detector before you use it for the first time. You will learn basic information on hose to operate your metal detector as well as get valuable inputs on how to best enjoy the device.
- Prepare before you search. Before doing any treasure hunting with your metal detector, make sure you research beforehand about the location where you plan to search. See what kind of treasures you really want to find and know the best ways to recover discovered items.
- For your research, you can go to the internet for general information as well as check out magazines, books, old maps, and other resources. You can also network with metal detecting clubs and experienced treasure hunters for leads and advice.
- Do some bench tests on your metal detector to check its capabilities. Familiarize yourself with its various parts and learn how they work. If you know your metal detector well, you ca move more quickly and easily and have better chances of finding treasure and other rare finds.
- Take care of your metal detector. Clean it thoroughly after every use and keep it in room temperature. A well-maintained metal detector will bring you more years of service.
On searching with your metal detector:
- Learn the proper techniques for searching and recovery.  Knowing how to scan, pinpoint, and recover targets will allow you to enjoy your time in metal detecting.
- Scan in a straight line rather than in a wide arc. This would help keep the searchcoil level and prevent it from lifting after each sweep.
- Use a screwdriver-like probe to locate a target. This will help in avoiding damage on your target and will also make it easier to refill holes.
- Seek and you will find. This biblical truth also holds true for metal detecting. Don’t be discouraged when your initial attempts yield little results. The more you practice, you will become more adept in using your metal detector which could consequently lead you to great finds.
- Observe the proper ethics when doing search explorations. Ask permission from land owners or managers before you search. Do not cause any damage to public and private properties. Make sure that you fill search holes and do not leave any trash.
- Be careful at all times. Although metal detecting is generally a safe sports and recreation, it pays to take all the necessary precaution when doing your metal detecting. To be safe, never hunt in areas where electric lines, gas/water pipelines, bombs or other explosives may be buried. Also do not dig where underground conditions are unknown.

Beside your trusty metal detector, you would need a number of metal detector accessories to help make your metal detecting or treasure hunting easier and more productive. Here are some of the essential metal detector accessories that you need to have and why:

Headphones: Headphones are something you cannot do without when metal detecting. With all the surrounding noise and the false beeps that you will hear when metal detecting, you definitely need a good set of headphones to help you listen to target signals. Headphones will also allow you to use your metal detector even in busy places without disturbing other people. Make sure you get a good quality headphone with volume control, and it would be nice if you could have something with soundproof feature.

Digging tools: Perhaps the most exciting part of metal detecting is when you are about to dig for what you suspect to be a valuable target. That is why it is important to always be ready with the right digging tools. Some types of land need special digging tools and using the wrong tool can sometimes cause damage on the target. Generally, a basic garden trowel will do for ordinary digging. You can also use a hunting knife and check out other types of more specialized digging tools.

Pinpointer: Your metal detector may beep a signal to tell you of a target but it cannot tell you exactly where to dig. A pinpointer probe will do the job of telling you the exact spot where you target is buried so you do not waste your time digging the wrong areas.

Ground Cloth: Using a ground cloth can make the recovery of your target a lot easier. You could just actually make your own ground cloth by using a pair of old jeans and cutting them above the thigh and knee and cut it along the seam. The ground cloth will come in handy when you are sifting the dirt you got from your digging to find your treasure. It will also make it easier for you to fill up the holes that you dug.

Sand Scoop: If you plan to do a lot of metal detecting on the beach, then a sand scoop is an indispensable tool.

Treasure Hunting Pouches: You need to be ready with something to put both your treasure and your trash. Some treasure hunters bring ordinary grocery bags for collecting trash but this would not be good for your finds. Have at least a simple pouch that can be sealed and will not cause damage to your find. Others use plastic containers to secure their finds.

Flashlights/ Headlamps: You can never expect when to find your treasure. You can always bring a headlamp or a flashlight with you to get you going even when it starts getting dark. There are a lot of lightweight and portable flashlights that you can stick on your clothes. Just make sure that the batteries are always new.

Batteries and Battery Charger: Speaking of batteries, make sure you bring enough supply of new batteries with you. You can invest on nickel metal hydride batteries that can be more economical because you can charge them again and again with a battery charger. A loss of battery power can definitely ruin your treasure adventure.

Metal detectors accessories are usually sold in stores that sell metal detectors and other treasure hunting equipment. They even come packaged with metal detectors as part of a sales promotion sometimes. As you get more experienced in metal detecting, you will be able to tell which metal detector accessories are most applicable for the type of searching that you do.

With the ever alarming threat of schools violence, the use of metal detectors in schools has become widely accepted and practiced. School districts across America have invested significantly on metal detectors and other security systems in recent years to prevent students from bringing guns and other harmful weapons inside schools. The concern over the general safety of students overpowers other apprehensions on the use of metal detectors such as intrusion of student privacy.

Although the use of security technologies is not the antidote to all crime and violence in schools, they can be effective tools in helping school administrators implement safety measures. Needless to say, the implementation of these security systems should be properly planned.

Security technologies such as metal detectors help reduce problems of crime and violence in schools in several ways. One, they help prevent or eliminate the commitment of security infractions. Second, they answer the limitations of school staff to be on full and constant watch of their students. Third, security technologies give schools ways to collect information or implement rules and procedures that it could not possibly do with just having security personnel. Fourth, schools can also free up manpower resources which could ultimately lead to greater savings in the long term.

When used wisely and implemented strategically, metal detectors can effectively prevent the occurrence of violence in schools. But parents and school officials should not rely on metal detectors to keep their school environments safe. Metal detectors may be used in conjunction with other types of surveillance. These include video surveillance, locker and parking lot searches, Internet tracking, profiling, and violence-prevention programs. School authorities should be able to determine the best security and safety measures for their schools.

According to a CNN report, the federal government began requiring school safety programs in 1994 as a way to crack down on school violence. As part of their safety programs, many schools installed metal detectors to check for guns, knifes, and other weapons. The report said violent deaths on high school campuses dropped from an estimated 50 incidents to less than half only a year after the measures were introduced.

The Green Pastures Center in Oklahoma also reflected similar findings in an earlier report. Its study in 1992 showed that the number of students bringing weapons to schools declined by more than half in just one year and that violent crimes and criminal trespass dropped by 35 percent as a result of the installation of metal detectors in schools.

It is little wonder why the school security business has become a profitable market for metal detector providers. Some providers have even seen schools as buying more walk-through and handheld metal detectors than their traditional clients that include correction facilities and airports.

In New York City, for example, there were already more than 60 schools of the city’s 1136 schools that had installed walk-through metal detectors as far back as 1994. Other schools in the city that have not yet put a walk-through metal detector are using hand-held metal detectors to search their students.

In Washington, D.C., it was reported that at least 80 walk-through metal detectors were installed in the city’s public schools.

The Safe Schools Security Act of 1999 authorizes $10 million a year for schools to acquire security-related technology including metal detectors. Aside from metal detectors, schools are also using other security devices such as security cameras to monitor their students.

According to the 2005 Indicators of School Crime and Safety released by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Center for Education Statistics, the rate of violent crime victimizations in school has gone down from 48 violent victimizations per 1,000 students in 1992 to 28 in 2003. Despite declining more than fifty percent, the threat of violence, theft, bullying, drugs, and weapons remain widespread in schools.

Thus, we can continue to expect more schools to keep using metal detectors to help them in keeping their environments safe.

Looking for metal detecting tips and advice? The following insights sourced from various internet sites and given by actual hobbyists and enthusiasts of metal detecting will provide a bundle of help:

•    Joining metal detecting or treasure hunting clubs will not earn you new friends; it will also help you learn a lot, even much quicker than you can learn by yourself.

•    Start with a simple metal detector with the basic features when you are new at metal detecting. Aside from being more expensive, metal detectors with more advanced features may simply distract and confuse you. It is better to start with something simple then upgrade to higher models when you are more confident in metal detecting.

•    Don’t be discouraged when your initial attempts yield more trash than treasure. As you get more adept in metal detecting, you will have better chances of discovering really valuable finds. You just need to be patient.

•    Practice makes perfect. Don’t start in highly crowded or overloaded areas. Your untrained ears in detecting will just get confused with all the other signals that your detector picks up. Experts suggest that you do your practice on a beach when there are less people around.

•    Don’t forget to bring your map and compass, especially if you are not familiar with the search area.

•    Doing your metal detecting after a heavy rain may yield better finds. Wet ground has more conductivity and you have better chances of finding deeper targets.

•    Don’t discount places that have been frequently hunted before. Ground shifts could always bring out new finds that were not discovered before.

•    In metal detecting, always put respect on people and properties. Ask permission where it is due and do not cause damage to properties such as signs, fences, and other structures.

•    Always cover the holes that you dig. Bring a big bag with you for collecting trash.

•    Be on the lookout for new spots for your metal detecting. Aside from your metal detecting club, you can check out libraries, research on the Internet, browse through old newspapers and magazines, and get tips from local residents.

•    Aside from having a good metal detector, choose good headphones. Good headphones are very important when metal detecting so you can more effectively detect signals.

•    Learn the proper techniques for searching and recovery.  Knowing how to scan, pinpoint, and recover targets will allow you to enjoy your time in metal detecting.

•    Wear the proper gear when metal detecting. You would need good sturdy shoes, caps, hard-cap knee pads, and a jacket occasionally. You may also bring some first aid kit instead you get insect bites.

•    Use a small, strong garden pick for digging down to targets. Attach a strong magnet to the digging blade so the magnet can attract the ferrous targets and expose them quickly

•    Bring a variety of digging tools, nugget bottles, magnifying glass, and other accessories on a tool belt whenever you go metal detecting. Bring water as well as the long walks could often lead you thirsty and exhausted.

•    Protect the metal conductor’s search coil with a protective cap. However, check the cap always as dirt deposits may build up over time, which could affect your ability to detect signals.

•    You are more likely to find deeper and smaller targets when you lower the discrimination level of your metal detector. Although discrimination is one of the good features of today’s metal detectors, it can sometimes cause detectors to be complacent and pass up signals as trash when in fact they are actually stepping on real treasures.

Treasure hunting — the words conjure images of pirate’s chests, long lost jewels, gold coins, great relics.  Whatever object is being sought, people have always been fascinated with discovering hidden treasure. It is little wonder why even up to this day, there are still a lot of treasure hunters who are exploring the grounds for buried treasure.

Treasure hunting is indeed a fun and challenging activity. It is probably one of the oldest expressions of man’s innate inclination to discover things. History and legend would tell us that the quest for lost treasures had always motivated people to explore unknown lands.

Armed only with crude tools, people in history have sought the Holy Grail and graves of veneered kings and heroes. Or the booty that pirates have hidden on the islands off the Bahamas. Or maybe the loot and treasure that landowners kept in their backyards. Or better yet, the gold and other precious metals left unearthed in mining sites.

From the ancient quests, treasure hunting is still very much alive today. The finds may not be as grand as the discoveries in the past but people are still pursuing treasure hunting. After all, the meaning of treasure is relative. As the adage says, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

Hobbyists go into treasure hunting mostly for the sense of fun and adventure that the activity brings. They go together with likeminded fellows who share their passion for treasure hunting. They search out backyards, old towns, parks, beaches, and practically any place where something of value may be discovered. Aside from the fun and excitement, treasure hunting allows the hunters to relax and exercise their bodies. It also develops their keenness for listening, observation, and exploration.

Metal detecting may be the most popular form of modern-day treasure hunting. However, there are various other ways to look for treasure. Some collectors frequent flea markets, junk yards, and estate sales in search of antiques and other rare objects. Others round up dumpster sites while some set forth to explore land mines.

What can today’s treasure hunting yield for modern-day hunters? Coins remain to be among the most sough after finds when treasure hunting. Coins do not only abound in almost all places, there are also good opportunities of finding rare coins. A penny could cost more than a thousand dollars if it is proven to be rare and of great historical value. One estimate pegs the total number of lost coins in the United States to be about 144 billion dollars. Now, that surely is a lot of money just waiting to be found.

Aside from coins, treasure hunting could result to other valuable finds. There are some treasure hunters whose interests still focus mainly on finding gold and other precious metals. Other treasure hunters go for items that have archaeological or historical significance. Some are interested in unique articles such as antique porcelains, vases, heirlooms, plates, art pieces, among other things that belong to past generations.

While treasure hunting is done mainly for fun, most treasure hunters have turned their hobby into something more profitable. After all, they do invest a lot of time and money to pursue their recreation so they might as well make money out of it. The most common way of making profit in treasure hunting is by selling treasure finds to known collectors, museums, and other institutions.

The more enterprising ones offer their treasure hunting services to other people who are looking for lost valuable items. They simply find out from the person commissioning them where valuables such as jewelries may have been lost and they conduct their own search. This type of service could yield good money depending on the deal and the value of the item recovered. It is also a good way even for beginners to practice their searching skills.