There is nothing quite as exciting as finding a hidden treasure. A metal detector can expose hidden treasures buried for many years at the beach, the park, or even in your own backyard. Many years ago metal detectors were very hard to operate and were often fooled by wet soil, black sand, and other metals that naturally occur ground. Modern metal detectors use advanced signal processing techniques to not only detect metal objects, but they can estimate the size of the object (for example differentiating a dime from a quarter) and can also estimate the depth of the object within a few inches. In the past metal detectors were pretty much one size fits all, or sometimes there would be detectors geared mostly for coins, but all were fairly general purpose. Modern metal detectors are now highly specialized. There are metal detectors that are built specifically for prospecting. Others are built for searching beaches while others are focused on looking for coins.

If you are considering buying a metal detectors, here are some points you may want to consider:

• Where will you be using the metal detector? If you live near a beach, you should look for a metal detector that is specifically designed for searching for objects in beach sand and water. If you live in the mountains, you should select a detector that is suited for you soil type (shale, clay, etc).
• You should also consider the types of objects you will be looking for. If you are going to use the detector for prospecting, you would select a model that is focused on detecting gold and silver. If you are looking for artifacts, you would want a detector that is suited for a wide variety of metal.
• You should also only consider a more modern detector with a built in display that provides you with estimates for the size and depth of the object. This feature will make the experience more enjoyable by taking out much of the guesswork. Also, the head of the metal detector should have a ‘bulls eye’ area that will help you pinpoint the exact location of the treasure.

Good Hunting!