How to Identify Metal Detecting Finds?
Metal Detectors are great tools for treasure hunting. They are also handy for locating lost items or identifying where they came from.
A metal detector is a handheld electronic device that uses electromagnetic fields to detect metal objects buried underground. The user places the detector over the ground and then listens for sounds indicating the presence of metallic objects.
Metal Detecting is a fantastic hobby, but sometimes coins can be hard to identify. This article explains how to identify coins by using different metal objects.
To identify metal detecting finds, you should start using a metal detector with accurate target identification capabilities. Once you’ve located the object, you’ll want to take some pictures to document the location.
Then you can determine whether the item was found naturally or artificial. You may be able to use your metal detector to locate other valuable items in the area as well.
Metal Detecting Finds: How to Identify Them
Identifying metal detecting finds is easy once you know what to look for. Here’s how it works:
1. Look at the shape
The first thing you need to do when looking at an object is figure out its general shape. This will help you determine if it is natural or manmade. Natural objects tend to have more organic shapes than manmade ones. For example, rock is circular, while a jewellery item might have a square shape.
2. Check for symmetry
Symmetry refers to the idea that two halves of something are identical. If you see two pieces of an object with similar features, such as two sides of a coin or two ends of a chain, this indicates that the object is symmetrical.
3. Look at the edges
If you notice sharp edges on the object, it could mean that it was made by cutting something else. Sharp edges also indicate that the object was not formed naturally.
4. Examine the surface
Look closely at the surface of the object. Natural objects usually have smooth surfaces, while manmade objects often have rough textures.
5. Use your metal detector
Once you’re done examining the object, you can use your metal detector to find any additional pieces.
6. Record your findings
It’s essential to keep track of all of the things you find so you can quickly return them later to collect them. Make sure to write down the date, time, and location where each find was found. Also, note any distinguishing characteristics about the object, such as types of metal, coin size, coin colour, and material.
How to Identify Relics
Relic identification involves determining if an object is an ancient relic or not. To identify the type of mysterious relic, you’ll need to examine several factors.
1. Determine the period of the history of the object
You can tell a lot about an object based on its age. Actual treasures tend to show signs of wear and tear while newer materials don’t.
2. Study the condition
Condition refers to the state of preservation of an artefact. Objects that are damaged or worn tend to be older than those that are pristine.
3. Consider the context
Context refers to the environment in which the object was created. An ancient artefact would likely be found in a different place from a modern one.
4. Pay attention to the maker
An object’s maker tends to leave clues about its identity. For instance, you might be able to determine if an object was manufactured in China or Mexico, depending on the style of the craftsmanship.
5. Take measurements
Measurements can provide information about the object’s age and context. For example, you might measure the length of a sword to determine if it dates back to the Bronze Age or the Iron Age.
6. Compare the object to others
Comparing objects with other relics allows you to learn more about their history. You can compare the colour, design, and type of material used to identify similarities between items.
How to Identify Coins?
Identifying coins can be tricky because they come in many varieties. There are coins made of precious metals like gold and silver, but fake versions are made of cheap metals. In addition, some coins are made of multiple layers of metal.
The earliest coins are also harder to identify than modern ones because they were made from less durable materials. However, specific identifying characteristics remain constant regardless of the era.
Start by learning about the most common types of coins.
Coins are categorized into two broad groups: bullion coins and commemorative coins.
Bullion coins are made of pure gold or silver. They typically weigh 1 gram (0.035 oz) or more. The value of these coins depends on their weight and purity.
Commemorative coins are minted for special events or holidays. These coins aren’t necessarily worth much money.
Some commemoratives have been valued at up to $100,000.
Next, look closely at the coin.
Look for details that will help you identify the year and values for coins and check with the coin reference catalogues. There are hundreds of coin images you can find.
Coin Details:
Year: Look for the year printed on the coin. This number indicates when the coin was produced.
Denomination: Look for the symbol denoting the amount of currency represented by the coin. A dollar sign ($) denotes U.S. dollars, while a pound sign (£) represents British pounds.
Mintmark: If possible, look for the mintmark. It identifies where the coins were produced.
Metal content: Gold coins contain 24 karat gold, whereas silver coins contain—999 fine silver.
Condition: Coin condition is another way to identify coins. Older coins may show signs of wear and tear.
To help you identify coins, follow these steps:
Look For Metal Plates
Coins are made from copper, nickel, zinc, silver, gold, and bronze. Copper is the most common metal used in coin making. It’s also the easiest to spot.
- Copper coins tend to be shiny and bright. They often have a smooth surface. Some examples of copper coins are American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and British Sovereigns.
- Nickel coins are similar to copper coins. However, they are slightly darker. Nickel coins are often found in Canada, Mexico, and Australia.
- Zinc coins are very light in colour. They are often found in Europe and Africa.
- Silver coins are much lighter than copper coins. They are silvery colour and often found all over the world.
- Gold coins are the heaviest of all coins. They are golden and often only found in South America and Asia.
- Bronze coins are the lightest of all coins. They can be found almost anywhere.
Look for Dents
When looking at coins, look for dents. Dents are caused by friction between two surfaces. Coins are made from soft materials, so they easily dent.
Dent marks are easy to see on copper coins. They are usually flat and don’t go through the entire coin. On nickel coins, the dent mark is usually circular.
On a silver coin, the dent mark tends to be oval-shaped.
On gold coins, the dent mark looks like a circle.
On bronze coins, the dent mark has a square shape.
Look for Marks
Marks are another way to tell if a coin is authentic. A coin without a mark is probably fake.
A mark can be anything from a scratch to a hole.
Scratches are usually found on the edge of a coin. Blunt objects usually cause scratches.
Holes are usually found near the centre of a coin. A sharp object usually causes Holes.
Look for Other Features
Other features that you might want to look out for include:
– Coin Inscriptions – These are words written on the front of a coin. They can be helpful when trying to identify a coin.
– Engravings – These are images that are etched onto the back of a coin. They are usually small and difficult to find.
– Headers – The top part of a coin. Sometimes there will be a date on the header.
– Reverses – The bottom part of a coin. There may or may not be an image on the reverse side. If there is no image, there is usually text on the reverse side. You can use this information to help identify your coin.
Coin Shape refers to how round or rectangular a coin is.
There are many ways to identify coins. By learning these techniques, it should become easier to identify coins.
Last Words
Identifying coins isn’t hard. Just keep in mind what type of coin you’re looking at. Also, remember that some coins are more valuable than others. So, make sure you know how to value your coins before selling them.