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On April 1, amateur metal detector enthusiasts Katarzyna Herdzik and Jacek Ukowski made an extraordinary find on a Polish beach, uncovering a beautifully decorated dagger, approximately 2,800 years old, adorned with stars and crescent moons. Earlier in the year, a father and son discovered a significant collection of rare 17th-century coins near Warsaw. These instances represent just a fraction of the numerous success stories emerging from the metal detecting community.
Metal detecting has evolved into a legitimate hobby attracting many individuals who enjoy exploring beaches, fields, and even construction sites in search of hidden treasures. For those interested in this engaging pursuit, this guide serves as an invaluable resource.
The spectacular find by the Polish pair. Photo: Museum of the History of Kamień Land
Historical Overview
The origins of metal detecting trace back to the 1840s when Henrich Wilhelm Dove developed the differential inductor, a device that used coils and copper wiring to create an electric field sensitive to nearby metals.
A significant moment came in 1881 when Alexander Graham Bell attempted to locate a bullet lodged in President James Garfield’s chest following an assassination attempt. Despite his innovative use of the inductor, the presence of metal springs in Garfield’s bed foiled his efforts. Tragically, Garfield died before the bullet could be located.
In the 1920s, Gerhard Fischer and Shirl Herr, independently, created handheld metal detectors. Fischer initially invented a radio direction finder before shifting focus to metal detection due to interference from metal objects. Herr’s design utilized sound waves generated by magnetic field distortions to identify objects.
An early model of a metal detector used during World War I. Photo: F. Honoré
Herr’s device soon found military applications, helping Mussolini recover ancient artifacts, and was utilized by Richard Byrd on his 1933 Antarctic expedition. Fischer established a research lab where he and his team developed the metallascope, which became a staple in archaeology and construction for identifying buried materials.
How Metal Detectors Operate
In essence, a metal detector’s coil creates an electromagnetic field. When a metal object enters this space, it disrupts the field, producing a current that the receiver coil detects, alerting the user through visual or auditory signals.
Modern models often come equipped with features like discrimination settings to differentiate between metal types and soil settings for various ground conditions. Advanced units may also include GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth functionalities.
For novices, a VLF (Very Low Frequency) detector is recommended due to its straightforward design consisting of two coils for sending and receiving signals. These are effective for finding coins and jewelry but may yield many false positives, especially in highly mineralized locations. Adjusting settings is essential for optimal performance.
More seasoned detectorists often favor PI (Pulse Induction) detectors, which use pulsed signals to probe deeper into the ground, proving effective even in challenging environments. However, unlike VLF models, they do not discriminate between different metals.
For those specifically hunting for gold, high-quality gold detectors are designed for greater depth and to handle mineralization effectively, though they are usually more expensive. The cost of metal detectors can range from approximately $250 to $2,000.
According to Metaldetector.com, some recommended models include the Garrett ACE 400 for beginners at $339, the Fisher F22 at $229 designed for all-weather conditions, and the Minelab GOLD Monster 1000 for gold detection priced at $849. The XP Deus II is suggested as the top all-around metal detector at $1,449.
Adhering to Regulations
As with any hobby, metal detecting comes with its own set of ethical guidelines and legal considerations. Many jurisdictions now have regulations governing the activity, particularly since valuable artifacts and treasures are frequently unearthed. It is crucial to familiarize oneself with local laws before proceeding.
For instance, the National Council for Metal Detecting in the UK emphasizes the necessity of obtaining permission from landowners before detecting on any property. This rule applies to parks, public spaces, and private lands. Furthermore, detecting on protected historical sites is forbidden, with significant legal repercussions for violations.
The UK’s Treasure Act of 1996 outlines the definition of treasure and mandates that finders report their discoveries to local coroners. The Treasure Valuation Committee assesses the items and, if declared treasure, the finder and/or landowner may receive a value-based reward.
Searching through the soil. Photo: Angyalosi Beata/Shutterstock
In Ireland, metal detecting is tightly regulated, with severe penalties for violations of the National Monuments Acts, which aim to protect the country’s archaeological heritage. Detection devices are prohibited at protected monuments and sites without explicit consent from the Minister for Culture, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht.
In the United States, regulations vary by state and locality. While metal detecting is generally permitted in certain state parks, each area may have specific laws under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, which protects archaeological resources on public and Indian lands from unauthorized excavation or damage.
Typically, finders of detected treasures may receive a finder’s fee, either a full or partial monetary reward based on the treasure’s assessed value, while preserving the artifacts for public or scholarly access.
The Staffordshire Hoard. Photo: David Rowan, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Notable Discoveries
Many significant archaeological discoveries can be attributed to the efforts of metal detectors. Mel Fisher, often called “the world’s greatest treasure hunter,” dedicated years to locating the shipwrecks of the 1622 Treasure Fleet, which sank off Florida. Partnering with a friend, he adapted a World War II submarine detector for his treasure hunts, developing a unique contraption to explore the seafloor. His persistence led to the recovery of numerous gold coins and, ultimately, the discovery of ships like the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, for which he received a substantial financial reward after a lengthy legal battle.
In the UK, a metal detector enthusiast, Terry Herbert, discovered the remarkable Staffordshire Hoard, consisting of over 4,600 gold and silver artifacts, after reporting his discovery to officials. This find, excavated over three years, was valued at approximately $4.3 million.
Another remarkable find was the Boot of Cortez, the largest gold nugget found in the Western Hemisphere, located by an amateur detectorist in Mexico’s Sonoran Desert. Initially priced at a mere $30,000 due to its discoverer’s lack of knowledge about its significance, it later sold for $1.5 million at auction.
Source
explorersweb.com