What can you find with a metal detector? Well, it’s like fishing—you never quite know what you’ll reel in, but there’s always a good chance it’ll be interesting (even if it’s not the treasure you were hoping for). Whether you’re scouring a windswept beach or combing through a freshly ploughed field, your location can heavily influence your finds.
For instance, you’re much more likely to stumble upon modern coinage and jewelry while combing the sands of a busy beach. Lost rings and forgotten coins are all but begging to be found, often just beneath the surface. But don’t expect to unearth a stash of Roman bronze coins by the seaside—that’s the kind of gem more likely to be hiding deep in the heart of an old, churned-up field. The difference in finds between locations like these is pretty substantial, and understanding where to look is half the fun of the hunt.
Speaking from experience in the UK, common finds in fields tend to be a mix of history and utility. You’re likely to pull out Victoria, Edward, and Georgian pennies and halfpennies, along with musket balls, buttons, buckles (belt and shoe), lead seals, and the inevitable handful of modern coinage. When you’re lucky, though, those silvers shine through—sixpences, threepences, shillings, and occasionally the glint of a Roman bronze coin or brooch. Throw in some military badges, crotal bells, and cut hammered coins, and you’ve got a solid day in the field.
But, of course, not everything you dig up is treasure. Ask any detectorist about their least favorite finds and you’ll probably hear about the same culprits: ring pulls, tractor parts (or, in coastal areas, bits of boats), shotgun shells, canslaw, and the infamous milk bottle tops—which, for a split second, can look heartbreakingly like hammered coins. Not to mention the inevitable hot rocks and mootubes (which are not nearly as exciting as they sound).
That said, each dig is an adventure. What you find is often a reflection of where you’re searching, but sometimes, you never know what might turn up.
Everyday Finds – From Coins to Common Treasures
While metal detecting can sometimes feel like sifting through history, you’re bound to pull up some everyday treasures in the process. These might not always be worth a fortune, but they sure add some excitement to the hunt.
Coins are among the most common finds, and if you’re combing the UK or USA, you’ll likely encounter a range of old and new currency. In the UK, you’ll pull out a good amount of Victoria, Edward, and Georgian pennies and halfpennies, while in the USA, you’re more likely to find quarters, dimes, and maybe a wheat penny or two. Some detectorists even stumble upon rare coins that can be worth a pretty penny—if you’re lucky!
Jewelry is another frequent find, especially around beaches or public parks. Lost gold and silver rings, bracelets, and necklaces are always thrilling discoveries. And when you come across a sentimental piece, there’s always the rewarding chance of returning it to its owner. Check out our beach detecting guide here.
On top of that, detectorists often unearth old toys and household items that are fun to imagine being part of someone’s day-to-day life. Little relics like toy cars and cutlery might seem mundane, but they carry their own charm and a small piece of the past.
Regional Treasures – What Can You Find in the USA vs. the UK?
One of the greatest things about metal detecting is that your finds are often influenced by where you’re hunting. Both the USA and the UK offer rich histories, but the types of treasures you’ll uncover can vary drastically depending on the ground you’re covering.
In the USA, you’re likely to find remnants of the country’s more recent history. Civil War artifacts, such as bullets, buttons, and belt buckles, are highly prized by American detectorists. If you’re interested in searching for Civil War relics, check out our guide on researching metal detecting sites in the USA. And don’t be surprised if you uncover some older colonial-era coins or relics from the Gold Rush era, particularly if you’re searching in historically significant areas like old battlefields or settlements.
On the other side of the pond, in the UK, detectorists are spoiled with far older treasures. Walking through a field could lead to unearthing anything from Roman coins to Anglo-Saxon brooches, with medieval and Tudor relics scattered throughout. Bronze Roman coins are a much more common find here, especially in areas that have been farmed for centuries. You can read more about how to identify metal detecting finds here. Some of the UK’s most famous metal detecting discoveries—like the Seaton Down Hoard—have come from fields that were ploughed long after the treasures had been buried. The UK’s Treasure Act ensures that significant finds like this are reported and preserved. If you’re unfamiliar with the legal process, take a look at our guide on metal detecting laws here:
And then, of course, there’s the sheer thrill of discovering hoards. Whether it’s a handful of Roman coins or a more modern stash of jewelry, these rare finds are the stuff detectorists dream of. In the UK, it’s not unheard of for detectorists to stumble upon ancient hoards dating back centuries. Meanwhile, in the USA, detecting around old homesteads or colonial sites may reveal coins, relics, and even military badges.
Rare and Unusual Metal Detecting Finds
While many detectorists hunt for old coins and relics, the hobby has a way of surprising you with some truly unexpected discoveries. Some finds are rare, some bizarre, and some make you question what exactly you’ve just uncovered.
Bizarre Finds
Occasionally, detectorists uncover some strange and curious items. Take dentures and gold teeth, for example—yes, they do show up! Add to that things like hearing aids or even parts of old household items you wouldn’t expect to be lost outdoors. Imagine swinging your detector over a field only to dig up someone’s long-lost dental work. Not quite the treasure chest you had in mind, but it makes for a good story!
Weapons and Ammunition
One of the more thrilling (and potentially hazardous) finds is old ammunition or even unexploded bombs. Detectorists in both the UK and USA often come across WWI and WWII relics, including shell casings, grenades, and bullets. It’s crucial to know how to handle these dangerous items carefully. If you do find something suspicious, the best course of action is to report it to authorities immediately. You can read more about what to do with dangerous items here on the NCMD site. For those in the USA, the US Department of Defense’s guide offers important safety tips for dealing with unexploded bombs and ammunition.
Valuable Treasures
On the more exciting end of the spectrum are finds that go down in metal detecting history. Many detectorists dream of discovering ancient gold coins or even jewelry that has been buried for centuries. In the UK, it’s not uncommon to hear of someone stumbling upon a Roman coin hoard or Tudor jewelry in a seemingly ordinary field. For a look at how these finds are handled, check out the UK Treasure Act. In the USA, colonial coins and even gold nuggets have been found in areas associated with the Gold Rush.
While these rare finds are far from guaranteed, the possibility of discovering something truly extraordinary is what keeps detectorists coming back for more.
Best Locations to Find High-Value Items
When it comes to metal detecting, knowing where to search is half the battle. While beaches and parks may seem like the obvious choice for beginner detectorists, more seasoned hobbyists know that some of the best places to find high-value items are in less obvious, historically rich locations.
- Unlikely Spots
For those who think outside the box, places like abandoned homesteads, riverbanks, and old farms can yield incredible finds. These locations are often overlooked by more casual detectorists, making them prime spots for discovering forgotten coins, jewelry, and even antique relics. Searching in a ploughed field in the UK, for instance, might turn up anything from Roman coins to medieval relics, while riverbanks in the USA might reveal gold nuggets from the Gold Rush or Colonial-era coins. - Beaches and Public Parks
For easier, more accessible hunts, beaches and public parks are still fantastic locations. Beaches are particularly fruitful after busy periods when people are likely to lose jewelry or coins while relaxing or playing in the sand. Modern coins, gold rings, and silver chains are common finds. For those hunting in public parks, focusing on areas where people tend to gather—like picnic spots, playgrounds, or near benches—often turns up loose change or jewelry. - Fields and Battlefields
In both the UK and USA, agricultural fields and historical battlefields are gold mines for detectorists. Fields that have been ploughed over centuries often hide Roman relics, medieval coins, and Anglo-Saxon brooches. In the USA, battlefields from the Civil War or even earlier can yield military buttons, artillery shells, and weapons. However, many battlefields are protected, so always be sure to check local laws before detecting in these areas.
For more specific recommendations on where to detect in the UK, you can check out our full guide on the best places to go metal detecting.
Preserving and Displaying Your Finds
Now that you’ve unearthed some exciting treasures, the next step is making sure they last a lifetime. Preserving and displaying your finds is as much a part of the hobby as the actual detecting, and with the right care, you can ensure that coins, relics, and other items stay in great condition for years to come.
Cleaning Tips
The first step in preserving your finds is cleaning them properly, but it’s important not to get too carried away, especially with valuable or delicate items. For coins, especially those that might be historically significant, it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals or aggressive cleaning methods. A gentle rinse with distilled water can often be enough, and for more stubborn dirt, you can use a soft toothbrush to gently work away the grime. If you’re unsure, check out our detailed guide on how to clean coins.
For relics, the cleaning method will depend on the material. Metal items, like bronze or copper, should be cleaned carefully to avoid removing any natural patina, which can actually add to the item’s value. Use soft brushes and avoid anything that could scratch or damage the surface. For cleaning iron relics, consider using rust removers designed for delicate artifacts or consult a professional conservator.
Preservation
Once cleaned, it’s crucial to store your finds in a way that prevents further deterioration. Coins can be stored in coin capsules, flips, or airtight containers to protect them from humidity and damage. If you’ve found items like buttons, badges, or brooches, you may want to invest in display cases that provide both protection and a way to showcase your collection. For larger items like military relics or belt buckles, consider storage in acid-free tissue paper or padded boxes.
Humidity and light are the enemies of preservation, so try to keep your finds in a dry, dark place to avoid corrosion or fading over time.
Displaying Your Finds
If you want to proudly showcase your collection, there are plenty of creative ways to do so. For smaller finds like coins and jewelry, shadow boxes are a great way to display multiple items while keeping them protected. You can group items by type, era, or even by location of discovery to add a personal touch.
Display cabinets with glass fronts are another stylish option, particularly if you have larger pieces or a growing collection.
For more delicate finds, such as fragile coins or paper-based relics, consider consulting a professional for archival display methods. This will ensure your treasures are properly protected while being enjoyed.
This is my current display downstairs in the pub I run, displaying a selection of my metal detecting finds here in the UK. Some of the pottery seen at the top was eyes only, you’ll be amazed at what you can find on the surface once you start getting into them fields.
For professional conservation, check out The British Museum’s Guide to Conserving Coins and Relics
Conclusion: The Thrill of Discovering Hidden Treasures
Metal detecting is much more than a hobby—it’s an adventure that takes you through history, helping you unearth stories that have been hidden for decades or even centuries. Whether you’re combing a beach for lost jewelry or searching an old field for ancient relics, there’s always a sense of excitement with every beep of the detector. From the everyday coins and buttons to the rarer Roman brooches and Tudor treasures, the variety of finds keeps every outing fresh and rewarding.
What you discover largely depends on where you are and how much time you’re willing to invest. Those casual beach hunts might result in modern coins or a lost wedding ring, while deeper searches in historically rich fields can lead to hoards of coins, military relics, and artifacts that are centuries old. The thrill comes in the mystery of it all—you never know what’s just a few inches beneath your feet.
And while not every find will be a gold coin or ancient artifact, each piece has a story and adds to the rich tapestry of human history. Just remember: follow the local laws, handle your finds with care, and always appreciate the thrill of the hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned detectorist or a complete beginner, there’s always something new to discover.
Happy hunting!
FAQs: What Can You Find with a Metal Detector?
1. Can you find gold with a metal detector?
Yes, you can find gold with a metal detector, especially in areas that have a history of gold deposits, such as rivers, streams, and old mining sites. Modern detectors with higher frequencies are more sensitive to small gold nuggets, while multi-frequency detectors can help detect gold jewelry on beaches or in parks. Just be sure to set your detector’s sensitivity and discrimination to optimize for gold signals.
2. What are the most valuable items ever found with a metal detector?
Some of the most valuable finds made with metal detectors include hoards of ancient coins, gold and silver jewelry, and rare artifacts such as Roman relics and Anglo-Saxon brooches. Notable examples include the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver ever found, and the Seaton Down Hoard, which contained thousands of Roman coins. In the USA, detectorists have discovered Civil War relics, gold nuggets, and even lost shipwreck treasures.
3. Where are the best places to go metal detecting?
The best places to go metal detecting vary depending on what you’re looking for:
- Beaches: Ideal for finding modern coins, lost jewelry, and other small treasures.
- Fields: Particularly those that have been ploughed or have historical significance are great for finding older relics, coins, and even hoards.
- Old parks and homesteads: These are often rich with coins, buttons, and jewelry.
- Battlefields: In the USA, Civil War sites are great for relics, though many are protected areas, so be sure to check regulations.
For more details on locations, check out where to go metal detecting in the UK.
4. Do I need permission to metal detect?
Yes, in most cases, you need permission to metal detect. In the UK, detecting on private land requires landowner permission, and you may also need to follow specific guidelines under the Treasure Act 1996 for reporting valuable finds. In the USA, it’s essential to get permission from the landowner if you’re on private property, and metal detecting is generally prohibited on federal lands and national parks. Always check the local regulations before starting.
For more guidance, check out our post on getting permission for metal detecting.
5. What’s the best metal detector for beginners?
For beginners, it’s best to start with a metal detector that’s easy to use but still has enough features to be effective. Some popular options include the Garrett Ace 250 and the Minelab Vanquish 440. These models offer good depth detection, clear signals, and easy settings, making them great choices for those new to the hobby. Consider starting with a detector that has discrimination settings to help avoid digging up unwanted trash like nails and bottle caps.
6. What should I do if I find a rare or valuable item?
If you find a rare or valuable item, especially something that could qualify as treasure, you must follow local laws for reporting the find. In the UK, any gold, silver, or significant ancient finds should be reported to a local coroner within 14 days under the Treasure Act 1996. In the USA, the item’s ownership typically depends on whether you found it on public or private land. If in doubt, contact local authorities or experts to ensure you’re handling the discovery correctly.
Learn more in our guide to metal detecting laws.
Passionate about history, metal detecting, and the thrill of the hunt, I’ve spent years uncovering hidden treasures across the Lincolnshire countryside and beyond. As a pub landlord with a love for music and a knack for storytelling, I bring a unique perspective to every adventure—whether it’s finding a rare coin in a field or sharing tales of British history.
When I’m not swinging a detector, you’ll find me exploring micro hobbies, dreaming of life on a canal boat, or helping others dive into the world of metal detecting with practical advice and a good dose of humor.
