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 Replies: 20 / Views: 4,090 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1609 Posts |
Hi guys. I'm quite new to metal detecting, and am getting quite discouraged by it. I live in a somewhat small town that was originated in 1802. I had a very bad quality ( if you're thinking that it couldn't be too bad, it told me a tin can was a penny ) metal detector. I am awaiting to get a new detector for Christmas. Some of the areas I want to detect: An old schoolyard that was torn down in the 1890s My local church that was originated in 1854 Another local church that was built in 1898 Yet another church build in the early 1800's I really need tips. As I have said, I live in a dream land for metal detecting, but I haven't found any coin earlier than 1968.  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Rob , the old school grounds are perfect . But I don't think the church's are going to appreciate you digging up their lawns . you can try the property of old abandon houses . good luck .
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4333 Posts |
You're on the right track! Get permission first. No fun when the cops show up -
Old ballfields, can't be beat. Plant a coin garden to guage the depth of yer equipment.
The good stuff is deeper than the clad, keep it low and slow, that is, unless you swing a Whites...then keep it low and fast lol.
When I listen to LED ZEPPELIN...so do my neighbors...
Roll hunting since '77
Dirt fishing since '72
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1609 Posts |
I was just a bit confused. My family owns a property that comes with a weird story. The house on the property. We don't know when it was built. Previous owners said 1905, though the hous appeared in a hand drawn 1901 map. Neighbors told us it was built in the 1890s. All of these dates are pleasing, but so far the results are not. I found a broken lock of a Lockmaster safe, a corroded 1968 penny, and about 10 tons worth of nails. I'm very hopeful that this was just my equipment, not what's actually down there.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1609 Posts |
And also, fistfulladirt, I wasn't allowed to bury coins in my yard for fears of my dog eating them. But from what I have tested, my equipment can sense a penny through about 4 inches of blanket. Not much more.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4333 Posts |
Roy there may be no old coins on the site. I've hunted dozens of old yards and most are a bust. Even civil war era yards. People didn't have the money to lose 100+ years ago. If they lost a nickel, they might have combed the yard for weeks.
When I listen to LED ZEPPELIN...so do my neighbors...
Roll hunting since '77
Dirt fishing since '72
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Roy , sounds like you need a new machine with real good discrimination . You wont be digging 10 tons of nails with a good detector and some time with it under your belt .  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1609 Posts |
And also, how do I go about asking for permission to dig? A restaurant owns the lot where the schoolyard was. They have a strict wait in line policy. I can't go in with my dirty detector, wait in line, and ask the cashier for permission. Even if I did do that, I doubt the cashier would be allowed to give me permission.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1609 Posts |
I say "and also" too much
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1609 Posts |
More places I'm pondering. In 1804, the original owner of our town sold parts of it to a different town. This different town has at least historic buildings, ranging from 1805-1809. These sites ARE considered historical sites, so, would I be legally allowed to detect here, do you think?
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Roy , by law you are not allowed to metal detect on historical sites . (Bummer ,I know). As far as the restaurant ,you go there one day without your detector and ask to speak to the owner . If the owner is not present you can try to ask for the manager for permission . One other thing ; I's not where you dig ,It's how you dig . |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1609 Posts |
The law really stinks sometimes.
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Valued Member
United States
469 Posts |
You don't have to start at all of the old places first. If you are new to detecting you need to learn what your detector can do. I would go to a newer school or sports site and look for clad there first so that you know what finds sound like. Look around grassy areas by concession stands etc. You'll be surprised at what you find besides clad there. Then move on to bigger and better things. If you dig don't leave craters and if the ground is really dry you may have to wait for moister ground. I use a screw driver so I don't leave holes.
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New Member
United States
8 Posts |
One thing I do is to look at a website HistoricAerials. It covers most of the US. They have aerial photos from the 2000s and when you find a ballfield or park, look at the 1962 or 1951 photo and see what it looked like when silver coins were in use. The pictures are not the best unless you pay for their site but they still work well enough for free. My best site over the years was a county fairgrounds, especially the parking lots.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4333 Posts |
@ajuchum good advice and welcome!
When I listen to LED ZEPPELIN...so do my neighbors...
Roll hunting since '77
Dirt fishing since '72
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New Member
United States
8 Posts |
I read an article in a treasure magazine, probably 20+ years ago now, about searching in a churchyard. This person was working in Savannah for an extended period and saw this nice grassy churchyard. He searched around the treelawn a bit, afraid to go into the grounds itself but then saw a maintenance person. He asked for permission and was granted it!! After extensive searching of the entire churchyard he found ALL OF THE DATES (including 1877) of the Indian cent set!!! An old city like Savannah must have many similar opportunities if you can find them. |
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Replies: 20 / Views: 4,090 |
Posted 11/10/2016 9:27 pm
