What is Relic Metal Detecting?
Metal detecting for relics is a broad term used for hunting anything from old coins to civil war artifacts. Commonly called “dirt fishing” or “coin shooting” relic hunting is popular all over the US and Europe. I am always envious of our fellow European & UK detectorists finding old roman or saxon treasure in old fields. However, the US still holds some great treasure! Depending on where you are located doing a little Google research can really pay off. I first started as a relic hunter due to my coin collecting hobby. Another form of research is asking relatives. I asked my father if he knew of any old spots because he has lived in San Diego for most of his life. Sure enough he pointed me in the right direction. Do you know of any old spots in your area? Assuming it is legal to hunt it can be a great place to find unique items. The targets don’t have to be silver or gold to be valuable.
What is the Difference Between a Dedicated Relic Machine and All the Other Types of Detectors?
Relic metal detectors key feature is customization & configuration. In other words, the detectors provide the user with a multitude of features, options, and modes to enable them with the best chances of finding an worthwhile target. As you may have found using your entry level machine, there is plenty of junk in the ground! Relic machines excel at determining what is a good target and what is a bad one. How do they do this? Ground balance, sensitivity, and discrimination. Now pretty much every metal detector out there has this functionality but relic metal detectors enable the user to really fine tune the settings. From preset programs to exchange out different coils, relic hunting machines are perfect for all kinds of terrain. I am primarily a beach hunter and I see many fellow detectorists with the best relic machines hunting the dry sand of the beach with great success. As with parks or old homesteads, the dry beach sand is unfortunantely very trashy.
Where Are Some Possible Relic Hunting Locations?
If you are looking to get into relic hunting or if you have been for some time and need some fresh tips here are some ideas. Take a look at the video to the left, it is filled with great information for all levels of relic hunting. As described in the video, research is important as well as paying attention to details that give away the age of a possible detecting location. Having a good eye for details is important because a lot of old places can give few clues that there was something there. Also, as you can see relic detecting requires a detector that can ignore interference from both above and below the ground.
What Are the Best Relic Metal Detectors on the Market?
Tesoro Cibola Metal Detector
What sets the Tesoro Cibola apart from the competition is the lifetime warranty and low price. This machine also features easy to use knob controls that provide a great amount of tuning based on the type of detecting you want to do. This machine is suited for dry sand beaches, parks, and other relic hunting locations. Click here for Tesoro Cibola settings and information.
Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
What sets the Garrett AT Pro apart from the competition is the waterproof housing and low price. This machine also features an LCD screen with button interface that provide a great amount of customization as well touch and go presets depending on the detecting you want to do. In additon to the normal relic hunting locations such as dry beach sand, parks, old homesites, this detector can hunt lakes, rivers, and many other fresh water locations. Click here for Garrett AT Pro settings and information.
Minelab X Terra Series Metal Detectors
The Minelab X-Terra series including the 305,505, and 705 come with an LCD screen with button interface that provide a great amount of configuration for the experienced detectorist as well touch and go presets depending on the detecting you want to do. Depending on your budget, each of the detectors in this series will offer increased functionality from the 305 to the highly configurable 705 which also doubles as a great gold prospecting machine. The X Terra series of metal detectors is great for difficult relic hunting locations such as areas with highly mineralized sand or electromagnetic interference. These metal detectors are also great in the dry beach sand, parks, and old homesites. Click here for Minelab X-terra Series metal detectors settings and information.
Fisher F75 Metal Detector
What sets the Fisher F75 apart from the competition is that it is lightweight and has an LCD screen with button interface that provides a great amount of configuration as presets depending on the detecting you want to do. It also has both automatic and manual ground balance as well as three distinct operating modes. The Fisher F75 is also great for difficult relic hunting locations such as areas with highly mineralized sand or areas with electromagnetic interference. Teh Fisher F75 is also great in the dry beach sand, parks, and old homesites. Click here for Fisher F2 settings and information.
Minelab E-Trac Metal Detector
What sets the Minelab E-Trac apart from the competition is the E-trac Xchange and the LCD screen with button interface that provides a great amount of configuration as presets depending on the detecting you want to do. The E-trac is for the professional treasure hunter who is looking for a detector that can find deep targets in difficult ground. The ability to configure your settings via the computer and then upload to the machine proves how truly customizable this metal detector is. The Minelab E-Trac is great for all relic hunting! Click here for Minelab E-trac settings and information.
