Prospecting for coins and jewelry

[smcdmc]

I moved this from the general forum to here:

Seeing how a lot coins and rings (especially in fresh water) are in the first few inches of sand, has anybody tried snorkeling with a hand held scoop and no detector. What I'm thinking is those floating docks in some swimming areas that are usually in 8' or less of water. Diving down and methodically scooping and sifting the sand all around the dock. No detecting and pinpointing, just scooping. Huh?? Anybody?

 

[Jason in Enid]

I'm sure some have, but its going to take a LOT longer and you will still miss a lot of targets.

 

[MBbeachrat]

I have had great success just scooping. The trick is to scoop a complete grid. It is actually quicker then using a MD. Go for it you will be amazed how much you will find! The only problem I have with it is where to put all the rings!

 

[Randyd]

I hit an area in freshwater where a quarter and/or a bottle cap was buried about every 2 inches. (1" deep) It ended up being easier to just scoop without detecting. A small coil would have been nice. There was a lot of broken glass too.

 

[Sandman]

I've done this in my younger days and it was fun as well as profitable because metal detectors were unknown. Warren Merkitch's book, Beachcomber's Handbook describes using a screen sifter which he pulls through the sand to gather all the goodies. My copy I got from Kellyco and it cost $4.00 way back when. Now Amazon.com has them at around $122.00.

http://www.amazon.com/Warren-Merkit...-Merkitch/dp/B002FJV2WE/?tag=treasurenet01-20

This one is only $20.00 http://www.49er-gold.com/treasure_books.html Book is the size of a Field & Stream magazine and as thick too with lots of pics on building the different kinds, etc. My sifter is still hanging in the garage.

 

[bigscoop]

I use to do this at a couple of state park beaches where detectors were not allowed until after the season was closed. Think "clam rake" and you'd be surprised how creative you can get.