METAL DETECTORS – How deep can a good metal detector be expected to find coins?
A. This question is much easier to answer today, due to the fact that virtually all of the detectors made today are of the “motion” or VLF Discriminator type. Most of them come with a searchcoil of around 8 inches diameter, since this size has been determined by most everyone to be optimal for coin hunting in areas with moderate amounts of trash. Using the proper sweep speeds for the detector type will also affect depth, but the following figures are achievable for a properly used detector. Target size: Depth: Dime to Nickel: 4 to 8 inches Quarter to half dollar: 6 to 12 inches Dollar to fruit jar lid: 8 to 16 inches Other conditions affect how deep your detector goes, but those same conditions will also affect all other detector’s depth. Becoming familiar with your detector and using it at the proper sweep speed are the two most important things for you to do.
