Metal Detecting - Digging a Coin

How to dig a coin, by Dan Hughes (http://treasuremanual.com ). Use a knife with a rounded end (so you don't tear up your palm when you push it into the ground), cut two lines like you're cutting a piece of pie, and flip the sod up to reveal the coin.

Check out my treasure hunting podcasts at http://thetreasurecorner.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• metal detecting
• treasure hunting
• coinshooting
• digging a coin

[danhughes1]

Tennis Champ, what detector are you using? It may be one that has trouble pinpointing, which would cause you problems in locating the coin. The closer you can pinpoint with your detector, the easier it will be to find the coin when you begin digging.

[danhughes1]

Ricardo, the horseshoe cut is fine. I just feel it is easier for me to cut straight lines than circles!

Also, I think the straight-line cut does less damage to the grass. You are more likely to rip or tear the grass when you change direction in mid-cut.

[danhughes1]

Knives may be legal or not; there is no consistency in local laws and ordinances.

And muggers in the park may think twice when they see the knife.

That garden trowel is just as lethal, but who thinks "weapon" when they see a garden trowel?

As for the beach, you wouldn't use a knife there. You'd use a scoop.

[MFlanders1]

A long process for one coin. A machine with a depth meter is a big help.

[danhughes1]

I took a long time to retrieve the coin because I was doing it slow on purpose, for a demonstration.

On the other hand, if you work too fast you can put a scratch on a valuable coin.

As for meters, my detector has a meter. The problem is that meters aren't very accurate.

Smaller coins read deeper than they really are, coins in wet soil read shallower than they really are, and ground mineralization can throw all depth measurements off bigtime. I seldom look at my depth meter.

[TennisChamp59]

You make it look so easy. I have problems locating the object/coin once I dig the hole. I'll try doing it your way. Thanks!

[zekehooper]

For me one tool not mentioned would be knee pads. and maybe a stick or shovel to help you get up.

[Ardenwolfe]

Interesting technique. I'll try that.

[RicardoNY1]

What are the pros/cons of digging a V vs a Horseshoe plug in your opinion? Good video and tips.......I use a method similar to what you do with your pin-pointer for those shallow coins. My sunray probe can usually hit coins down 2-3", so it works great for getting an even more precise location and making quick work out of those shallower coins.

[drofnats1962]

Thanks Dan. That triangle cutting method leaves everything looking so neat, I'll certainly be using this method from now on.

[XenaYin]

just started to metal detect,have always wanted one since i was a kid,your video helped me out alot and love your podcast on metal detecting they also helped a great deal,also love the old time radio thanks a bunch on the tips and keep up the good work.

[cycloneCJproducts]

I'm pretty sure using a knife at say a beach or a park is illegal. I read it on another video, I have to get a Lesche digging tool. I have heard good things about them... Great video and nice hole filling!!!!!! : )