Metal detectorists are revealing amazing artifacts that shed important light on American history, thus refining our understanding of colonial life and settlement patterns in early times. The finds stretch from unusual coins to military relics, providing physical connections to our country’s history. In this discussion, we will explore some of the most prominent treasure-hunting discoveries that metal detecting has revealed.
Rare Colonial Currency Discoveries
Among the greatest finds facilitated by metal detecting are colonial coins that circulated in early America. The recent find of a 1659 Lord Baltimore sixpence is a particularly scarce find with fewer than 100 examples worldwide that have survived to date. Colonial coin finds help researches to gain information regarding early American commerce and commercial connections.
Reales of all denominations often appear on metal detecting expeditions. The fact that such coins exist is a reflection that early American numismatics consisted of more than merely colonial coins with a British origin; in fact, Spanish silver played a substantial role in colonial commerce complexities.
Check out my articles about finding old coins and identifying old coins.
Early American Coin Discoveries
Metal detectorists are credited with finding many of the artifacts related to the beginnings of federal coinage in the United States. This collection of artifacts boasts a 1793 Liberty Cap half cent, one of the first coins minted by the United States Mint. These finds provide important evidence related to America’s transition to an independent monetary system.
Counterstamped large cents are especially interesting, such as examples that have marks of city names like “FILA” for Philadelphia. These altered coins tell stories of how merchants and people transformed currency for local usage, thus revealing tales of early American enterprise.
Military Artifact Discoveries
Historic metal detecting has led to substantial finds of militaria related to several conflicts:
- The buttons of Revolutionary War Navy.
- Confederate South Carolina state seal buttons
- Civil War artillery eagle buttons.
- Early trigger guards for muskets and rifles.
- Pre-Civil War military equipment.
Such findings related to treasure hunting help historians to document army moves and encampments throughout historic battlefields.
Daily Life Items and Equestrian Activations
Metal detectorists often find artifacts related to American equine history:
- Pre-Civil War marketing
- Deco snake buckle
- Colonial horse equipment.
- Sleigh bells and harness decorations.
These remains show that such a great importance ascribed to horse had in both civilian and wartime life through American history.
Colonial Life Discoveries
Archaeological metal detecting has revealed numerous objects from daily colonial life:
- Complete colonial rat’s tail spoons.
- Silver shoe buckles.
- Decorative-purpose buttons
- Early glass bottles.
- Colonial knee buckles.
The findings related to antiquities collection give archaeologists and historians their best window into colonial American material culture and consumption.
Native American Artifacts
Metal detecting sites continually yield artifacts of both colonial and Native American descent. Intact arrowheads of various materials help trace the presence and activities of native peoples at historic sites. Such archaeological evidence reminds us that American history is more than just a story that began with European settlement.
Best Practices for Metal Detecting in History
Successful treasure hunting requires proper equipment, techniques, and documentation:
- Obtain necessary metal detecting permits
- Practice careful site documentation
- Follow artifact identification protocols
- Apply proper preservation techniques.
- Work together with historical preservation professionals.
The Future of Metal Detecting History
Thanks to continued advances in metal detecting technology, we can expect even more astounding historical revelations. Such discoveries continue to alter our understanding of American history, showing that significant archaeological riches can be had by those who take their searching seriously and responsibly.
For antiquarian collectors and metal detecting hobbyists who practice their hobby in the pursuit of antiquarian research, such finds demonstrate what can be achieved with metal detecting that can become part of American historical understanding. Every find enriches the cumulative national historical record that is preserved through detailed documentation and academic study.
Join metal detecting clubs in your region or contact your local historical association in hopes of getting more information about the origin of this thrilling sport in searching for America’s hidden riches.
Check out my other post about America’s 10 best historical metal detecting locations.
My name is Paul and I am the founder of Detector For Metal, a dedicated resource for metal detecting enthusiasts seeking to uncover historical treasures and connect with the past using the latest technology. As a stay-at-home dad and family man, I’ve found metal detecting to be the perfect hobby that combines family adventure with historical learnings for the whole family.
As a father, I’m deeply committed to passing on this hobby to the next generation of detectorists, starting with my own children. I share advice on everything from metal detecting with kids to exploring the top 10 metal detecting sites you never thought about. My methodical approach to the hobby goes beyond the thrill of discovery—it’s about creating family traditions while preserving history and sharing the stories of those who came before us.
