Whether you have been metal detecting for many years or just learning how to use a metal detector, finding the best treasures that have been dropped or left behind should always be the passion of your searches. As you search for metal items in commonly known areas, such as dirt pastures, around homes, beaches, parks, schoolyards, or playgrounds, it’s important to consider five places the average metal hunter doesn’t often consider.
1. Old Trees
Metal detecting enthusiasts should be drawn to the large trees that have been standing for many years, even centuries. These natural landmarks are potential places to search for coins, jewelry, and other personal items, because people tend to congregate below them for social activities. Additionally, relics from the American Civil War can be found around the trees where both Union and Confederate soldiers rested from the war, preparing for future skirmishes. It is also possible that these trees were hit by bullets when soldiers hid behind them for cover. So the bullets are probably still lodged in those trees.
2. Uprooted trees
Hurricanes and tornadoes can cause large, old trees to topple and fall to the ground. In the process, the roots are pulled out of the ground, and soil that has not seen sunlight in many years is left exposed. Within the soil below the root systems, you may be able to find old metal relics that were shed before or while the tree was growing.
3. Basements of old houses, taverns and inns
You are likely to find many types of lost and found where houses and taverns were located many years ago. Although these structures may no longer stand, all that remains are the large, deep holes that were once foundations. To locate these structures, you probably need to do some historical research because the houses were usually built off the beaten path, mostly in the woods. In the northeastern part of the United States, you’ll discover older foundations dating back to the 18th century, when they were part of the colonies of England. In recent years, many historical elements have been recovered, such as: rare colonial coins, bullets, buttons, lead pipes, tokens, and even gold and silver rings.
4. Latrines
More than a hundred years ago, people used thin wooden outdoor cabinets called latrines for the bathroom. Back then nobody had discharge systems, so the waste simply went into a well previously dug in the ground. When people used latrines, coins might have fallen from unbuttoned pants as they crouched over an opening into the pit. The latrines were also used as garbage dumps, because garbage collection services did not exist then. So, people threw old bottles, horseshoes and many other used household items into them. Digging out latrines can lead to many great finds, but you have to be willing to dig up old feces! Whoa! Locating old latrines usually requires investigation. You can usually find them by looking for older homes because the owners built that extra “shed” to do their private “business.”
5. Pools, rivers and streams
Camping, swimming, kayaking are some of the activities that many outdoor enthusiasts do in the summer and fall. Many lose personal items when having fun in the water, especially coins, keys, iPhones and wallets that fall out of people’s pockets as they move through the water. Rivers and streams have also played a role in the American Civil and Revolutionary Wars. The soldiers who fought, crossed and camped have lost bullets, pistols and rifles, buttons, box plates, belt buckles and coins.
Successful metal detecting often leads treasure hunters to “out of the way” or naturally hidden locations. Searching through historical data can lead hunters to places that have been abandoned for years, such as the foundations of old houses and latrines. Centennial trees, uprooted and popular bathing areas are natural spaces that attract people to have fun. Of course, when necessary, always ask permission to hunt. You’re not guaranteed to find anything, but the fun in metal detecting is the search itself.
