With all the hype recently about people finding hoards of coins it’s understandable that people have gone out in force to buy metal detectors! But how easy is it? , Well from experience, not very.
There are several considerations that you have to bear in mind before you venture out with detector and shovel; some of those considerations are legal ones. Research is probably the most important element in any metal detecting or treasure hunting trip, visit your local library and have a look at some old online maps, there’s a wealth of information. Local knowledge is also very important , speak to the people that live in the area that your thinking about detecting in , quite often you will hear things like ‘they used to have a fair on a field over there years ago’.
Once you have managed to find a location the next thing is to get permission, remember that all land is owned by someone and you can guarantee that they won’t be impressed with you digging holes in it!
Knock the door of the land owner and explain exactly what you would like to do, use the countryside code and think seriously about joining a local metal detecting club. All these facts add substance to your request to get onto someone’s land.
I have taken out insurance though a local metal detecting club, it only costs a few pounds, but it could save your skin if you leave a farm gate open and the farmers prize bull goes running off down the road.
So, what about when you get that first magical bleep? , well most of it will be trash, old farm equipment, nails etc… But every now and again you are going to turn up a coin. Important, don’t clean it! Many collectors prefer the coin to be kept in the condition that it was found in.
There’s loads of online resources for identifying and valuing finds, research carefully and take steps to preserve your finds. Above all be legal, there are rules regarding the recording of finds and they must be adhered to. Apart from this, have fun unearthing the past.
Written by jimmids
You are a very bright individual!