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I recently learned that a decade ago, an amateur hobbyist with a store-bought metal detector unearthed the £3.2 million ($4.5 million) Staffordshire Hoard. I began reading more on the subject and quickly found that many people actually pick up the activity in hopes of discovering the jackpot.

Journalist Emily Yoffe, for example, even called metal detecting "the world's worst hobby" after she failed to find her own treasure. However, I think that—as with most areas in life—if you enter it with a results-orientated mindset, you'll grow so frustrated by the constant beeping and let downs, you'll give up metal detecting as quickly as Yoffe. It's the process that matters.

The subreddit r/MetalDetecting highlights it perfectly. This online community has enthusiasts celebrating every step of their journey; whether it's a miniature of Squidward from SpongeBob SquarePants or an old Soviet motorcycle! Below are some of the most popular posts on the sub. Enjoy.

#1

So Excited! Was Toying With The Simplex's Settings In My Field Last Night. Found My First 10k. Grad Year 1967. My Brother And I Hunted Him Down By Initials. Called This Morning And He And His Wife Cried With Joy. His Mom Bought This For Him As She Was Passing Of Cancer. Was Stolen In The 80s

So Excited! Was Toying With The Simplex's Settings In My Field Last Night. Found My First 10k. Grad Year 1967. My Brother And I Hunted Him Down By Initials. Called This Morning And He And His Wife Cried With Joy. His Mom Bought This For Him As She Was Passing Of Cancer. Was Stolen In The 80s

marified Report

#2

Wow, This Was Really Cool. Landlady Saw Me Metal Detecting In The Yard And Told Me She Had Lost A Treasured Silver Ring She Got In Bali 5 Years Ago In Her Garden. I Found It In An Hour, She Was Almost Crying

Wow, This Was Really Cool. Landlady Saw Me Metal Detecting In The Yard And Told Me She Had Lost A Treasured Silver Ring She Got In Bali 5 Years Ago In Her Garden. I Found It In An Hour, She Was Almost Crying

woodrodius Report

The founder of Metal Detecting WWII Battlegrounds, Chris, has been 'beeping' for artifacts since 2010, and he thinks getting into metal detecting does not have to be hard or expensive. "If you are a beginner, it's better to start with a low-price range detector ($200-$300)," Chris told Bored Panda. "Not only will you save some money, but these machines are also really easy to get the hang of."

According to Chris, more expensive machines require more time and practice to understand how to properly operate them. "Getting to know your equipment is essential to optimize your chances to unearth valuable objects. If you do not take the time to familiarize yourself with your equipment, there is a big chance that you will not find what you are after and frustrate yourself out in no time. So take your first steps wisely when you seriously want to get into metal detecting and you might just be off to a really smooth start."

#3

I Just Sent Home "Jr" To California. The Family Are Thrilled And I Can Rest Easy Knowing The Right Thing Is Done

I Just Sent Home "Jr" To California. The Family Are Thrilled And I Can Rest Easy Knowing The Right Thing Is Done

steals-from-kids Report

#4

It's Finally Happened. My First Hammered. Henry III Silver Hammered Coin ~1250, England

It's Finally Happened. My First Hammered. Henry III Silver Hammered Coin ~1250, England

wayofthebush Report

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The WWII enthusiast, who also documents his expeditions on YouTube, said a typical metal detecting session starts even before going outside. "Make sure you do your homework, your research. Pinpoint a good spot and try to arrange permission to detect the land you want to explore," Chris suggested. "Do yourself a favor, check the weather forecast, and gear up accordingly."

Only then do you go to the site. "You drive off to your location and walk the last bits. Time to set up your equipment. Don't rush and make sure you get all the settings right," Chris explained. 

Usually, he puts down his bag and metal detects around it to make sure his resources are always close. "If the spot turns out to be a bust, take your stuff and move a bit further away before trying the same principle again."

"Sometimes, I also keep my backpack on and walk a certain trajectory while swinging my detector in hopes of finding valuable objects. This is especially a good idea if the area you visit is vast and still unknown to you," he said. "You might discover something great right at the beginning. Or you might have to be patient and find something at the very end of the day. There are also times when you don't find anything. But that is just part of the game. You can not always be lucky and that is what it is all about in the end, being lucky."

"I usually unearth WWII relics because this era interests me the most [and I dedicate most of my efforts to it]. Sometimes, however, I encounter older objects, like coins or buckles that are hundreds of years old. This, of course, depends on the age of the land you are exploring."

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#5

First Time Metal Detecting Found A Over 100 Year Old Time Capsule!

First Time Metal Detecting Found A Over 100 Year Old Time Capsule!

Gtclem0 Report

#6

Found 320 Year Old Silver Today In The Netherlands!

Found 320 Year Old Silver Today In The Netherlands!

Openrefrigerator Report

Samuel Andrew Hardy determined that it is possible to estimate how many people are metal-detecting, how much detecting they do, and how many historic or cultural objects they find, by analyzing publicly available (open-source) evidence from online forums, social networks, and elsewhere.

In his 2017 study, Hardy established that there are around 2,288,188 licit and illicit detectorists worldwide (excluding the US) and each of them devotes 286 hours to detecting per year, digging up 314 material finds.

And while many of these people are not in it for the money, a report by media organization Business Africa found that for some amateur metal detectorists in Africa, the rewards could be life-changing.

For example, a treasure-hunter in Burkina Faso, named only Souleymane, said he had found enough gold to purchase three plots of land, three motorbikes, and three more metal detectors... in addition to putting his 10 children into school.

#7

My Buddy Threw His Detector Down And Started This Wild And Crazy Dance. I Tried To Ask Him What He Found, But He Couldn't Speak. He Had To Point To It

My Buddy Threw His Detector Down And Started This Wild And Crazy Dance. I Tried To Ask Him What He Found, But He Couldn't Speak. He Had To Point To It

Buck_Thorn Report

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But according to Chris of Metal Detecting WWII Battlegrounds, the right mindset for this hobby is to not expect too much in terms of discoveries.

"When you go out on a hunt, you should look forward to spending a nice day outdoors," he said. "Look for a good company and you can be sure to have some good laughs. A partner also helps to keep each other motivated, especially if you are not finding much at first. Keeping a positive spirit like this protects you from disappointments."

"Usually, I make the greatest discoveries when I expect them the least. I found ancient coin treasures on forested hills where fierce battles took place during WWII while I didn't discover any WWII items there at all. So keep an open, positive mind and keep swinging that detector. Accept that you will not always find treasures, but there are more aspects that make a hunt exciting and fun."

#9

Finally! It Wasn’t A Pull Tab

Finally! It Wasn’t A Pull Tab

Djalohr Report

#10

Motorcycle L-300. According To Archaeologists, This Motorbike Was Hidden By The Retreating Units Of The Soviet Army In The Summer Of 1941

Motorcycle L-300. According To Archaeologists, This Motorbike Was Hidden By The Retreating Units Of The Soviet Army In The Summer Of 1941

bikepost Report

#11

The Ring I Found Earlier This Year Has Been Identified As Late Medieval Dating Around 1450. Due To Its Age And Material I Am Obliged To Report It And Auction It To Museums

The Ring I Found Earlier This Year Has Been Identified As Late Medieval Dating Around 1450. Due To Its Age And Material I Am Obliged To Report It And Auction It To Museums

DohertyBS Report

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laurencaswell4 avatar
Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The ownership thing: many may not agree, but I think handing it in is the right thing to do. To a museum who will share it with the public for all to enjoy. And there are some grey areas with ownership. Case in point: I found a large piece of river smoothed pounamu about 0.5m depth down, in my garden several years ago. Clearly put there at some point, as I'm not in the right area for pounamu or river stones. It's size was a factor too, so I contacted the local iwi group in charge of taonga and heritage, with photos etc as pounamu belongs to the iwi, with some small exceptions for small pebbles etc. They discussed it and decided that due to my open honesty about finding it and wanting to return it, that it should stay with me, as pounamu stays with those it chooses along the way of its own journey. Almost everyone asked me why the hell did you tell them, just keep it, or sell it blah. Even if that wasn't illegal, I still wouldn't have as some things have a higher meaning than my wants

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#13

Found In My Front Yard, Live About 5 Miles From Where The Carnival Was Held! One Of My Favorite Finds So Far

Found In My Front Yard, Live About 5 Miles From Where The Carnival Was Held! One Of My Favorite Finds So Far

fettyboi1738 Report

#14

What I Thought Was A Roman Grot Turned Out To Be A Heavily Oxidised Denarius Of Titus Dating To Around 80ad!

What I Thought Was A Roman Grot Turned Out To Be A Heavily Oxidised Denarius Of Titus Dating To Around 80ad!

poshjosh1999 Report

#15

Last Year I Found This Silver Annular Brooch. It’s Been Disclaimed As Treasure So I Can Now Wear It For The First Time In 400 Years!

Last Year I Found This Silver Annular Brooch. It’s Been Disclaimed As Treasure So I Can Now Wear It For The First Time In 400 Years!

poshjosh1999 Report

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michel_2 avatar
Marcellus the Third
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's one of the things I like about the 'Treasure' legislation: Finds of certain type you have to bring for assessment, and if declared "treasure" for quantity/value/historical importance you are obliged to offer it for auction/sale --- but if falling short of that, you have a free expert evaluation by people that really care and give you the maximum background details.

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#16

Dug This Lovely Small Viking Era Broach From Finland

Dug This Lovely Small Viking Era Broach From Finland

Puukkomies Report

#17

Take A Look At What I Found! A Dream Come True! The Gard From A Viking Sword Found In A Field In Norway. Look At The Intricate Design On This One. Found With Fisher F75+

Take A Look At What I Found! A Dream Come True! The Gard From A Viking Sword Found In A Field In Norway. Look At The Intricate Design On This One. Found With Fisher F75+

ElveMonster Report

#18

This Silver Pendant I Found Metal Detecting Is Dated 227 Years Ago Today

This Silver Pendant I Found Metal Detecting Is Dated 227 Years Ago Today

Silver_Winged Report

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Cupcake168
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would mean a lot to somebody. It touches my heart as well.

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#19

Y'all Are Always Posting Damn Coins And I'm Digging Up Bottled Tomato Sauce

Y'all Are Always Posting Damn Coins And I'm Digging Up Bottled Tomato Sauce

MrDurka Report

#20

Lady Of Lake Washington Seattle. This One Was Recovered In 12 Feet Of Water. Who Was She? Where Was She From? And What Was Life Like Then?

Lady Of Lake Washington Seattle. This One Was Recovered In 12 Feet Of Water. Who Was She? Where Was She From? And What Was Life Like Then?

lowtonedigging Report

#21

Okay. Now That I've Stopped Screaming "Holy S Holy S* Holy S" I Can Actually Post This. I Just Found This Absolute Stunner Out The Back Of A Supermarket In Scotland With A Garret Ace 150. Ran Home To Clean It Detector In Hand Lol

Okay. Now That I've Stopped Screaming "Holy S Holy S* Holy S" I Can Actually Post This. I Just Found This Absolute Stunner Out The Back Of A Supermarket In Scotland With A Garret Ace 150. Ran Home To Clean It Detector In Hand Lol

handyteacup Report

#22

One Of My Favorite Finds. Wwii Paratrooper Wrist Compass

One Of My Favorite Finds. Wwii Paratrooper Wrist Compass

Wainsapain Report

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#23

Easily My Weirdest Find

Easily My Weirdest Find

808snorkeler Report

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Moo Moo Futch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A rapper somewhere is missing their grill. I imagine they are pretty pissed about it too.

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#24

From 1 Beach With My Girlfriend The Other Night. Both Rings Are 18k, 1 With Diamonds. That’s 7 Rings In Total! All Were Shallow With The Equinox 800 And 15x12 Coil

From 1 Beach With My Girlfriend The Other Night. Both Rings Are 18k, 1 With Diamonds. That’s 7 Rings In Total! All Were Shallow With The Equinox 800 And 15x12 Coil

TTT334 Report

#25

Metal Detecting In Australia, Minus 2 Gold Rings I Returned

Metal Detecting In Australia, Minus 2 Gold Rings I Returned

TTT334 Report

#26

I Was Flinging Out A Cast Net And Lost A Ring. This Lady Was Out With Her Detector In 16 Hours Notice And Found It For Me!

I Was Flinging Out A Cast Net And Lost A Ring. This Lady Was Out With Her Detector In 16 Hours Notice And Found It For Me!

chickenclickin Report

#27

So, I Was Advised By An Elderly Resident That A Local School Field ( School Is No Longer Open), That It Used To Be An Army Camp. Took My Detector Over There And Over The Course Of Two, 2 Hour Trips, I've Had These Coins. All Dating Back To Victorian Era, Up To Both King Georges. Wow!

So, I Was Advised By An Elderly Resident That A Local School Field ( School Is No Longer Open), That It Used To Be An Army Camp. Took My Detector Over There And Over The Course Of Two, 2 Hour Trips, I've Had These Coins. All Dating Back To Victorian Era, Up To Both King Georges. Wow!

Lewks12 Report

#28

Local Police And Detectives Are Here. Called State Police Who Are Getting The Medical Examiners Office Involved. Human Bone Fragment + Handgun + Concrete Slab

Local Police And Detectives Are Here. Called State Police Who Are Getting The Medical Examiners Office Involved. Human Bone Fragment + Handgun + Concrete Slab

crossmod Report

#29

Found My First Bit Of Silver!

Found My First Bit Of Silver!

07Stocka Report

#30

First Time Hitting Gold! Definitely Did The Gold Dance In My Head. Weighs 5g

First Time Hitting Gold! Definitely Did The Gold Dance In My Head. Weighs 5g

BobDucca Report

#31

Parents Gave Me A Metal Detector. First Time Ever Detecting, First Beep I Heard. Found An Earring I Lost As A Little Girl (Probably 15 Years Ago) About 2inches Down

Parents Gave Me A Metal Detector. First Time Ever Detecting, First Beep I Heard. Found An Earring I Lost As A Little Girl (Probably 15 Years Ago) About 2inches Down

subaw0067 Report

#32

This Brooch I Found While Metal Detecting

This Brooch I Found While Metal Detecting

NormIslandRandom Report

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#33

I Found This American Coin Far Away From Its Country, In A Quiet Field While Metal Detecting In Scotland

I Found This American Coin Far Away From Its Country, In A Quiet Field While Metal Detecting In Scotland

randomWIGHT9000 Report

#34

Found This Pretty Brass Lipstick Tube With Bright Fuscia Lipstick Still Inside

Found This Pretty Brass Lipstick Tube With Bright Fuscia Lipstick Still Inside

k8ie_kat Report

#35

Today Was A Good Day. 1715 Gold Guinea, And Two 1696 Silver Sixpences

Today Was A Good Day. 1715 Gold Guinea, And Two 1696 Silver Sixpences

wayofthebush Report

#36

Was About To Give Up When I Found This Mega Upvote

Was About To Give Up When I Found This Mega Upvote

Fisepiss Report

#37

Wow. Just Wow. 23 Grams Of Almost Pure Silver. Napoleon The Third 1867. First Real Silver Coin And One Of My Best Finds Ever. Found In The Neterlands Of All Places

Wow. Just Wow. 23 Grams Of Almost Pure Silver. Napoleon The Third 1867. First Real Silver Coin And One Of My Best Finds Ever. Found In The Neterlands Of All Places

suskeenwiske Report

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aaricia avatar
Aaricia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the Netherlands of all places? You know Napoleon was the one to unite the Netherlands as to what is is now? It's not weird to find Napoleon stuff here.

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#38

Pulling A Gold Ring Is A Great Feeling. Popped This Sucker Out This Morning

Pulling A Gold Ring Is A Great Feeling. Popped This Sucker Out This Morning

exorcized Report

#39

All My Silver Rings Found In 2019, Dated From 1900 To 2019

All My Silver Rings Found In 2019, Dated From 1900 To 2019

reddit.com Report

#40

Why Shouldn't I Keep It

Why Shouldn't I Keep It

Dan20mey Report

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