Wow, very surprised at the majority of replies in favor of the Ryedale vs. a metal detector. I do not own a Ryedale but I know what they are and why they are used.
Here is why I believe a metal detector, and I mean a GOOD metal detector, beats a Ryedale hands down, no comparison.
First thing that strikes me is that jrf30 and Arkie are located out West-ish and both believe the Ryedale would be more profitable than a metal detector. And this may be true in their case. Simple fact of the matter is that the VAST majority of valuable OLD (US, colonial, Spanish silver) coins are located on the East Coast. And that's not even mentioning the valuable colonial buttons, buckles, etc. that come as a by-product of metal detecting for coins.
Having lived in Massachusetts my whole life (42 years) I'm quite sure I'd have no interest in metal detecting should I ever have to move away from the East Coast. If there is not a chance that a Large Cent, colonial state copper, Spanish silver or even pre-Mercury silver coin will be popping out of my hole then why even bother?

Yes, I know that is an arrogant statement to make but dig up 200 year old coins for a while and then go detecting where you "might" find a Mercury dime if you're lucky.....It's just not the same.
Another by-product of metal detecting is friendship, camaraderie, exercise, adventure, sunshine, nature, etc. My brother happens to be my detecting partner, has been for years. The excitement that can be shared while out in the field is second to none. The stories we can tell, the good natured ribbing we dish out and the COINS WE TAKE HOME are simply not repeatable with a Ryedale. I just can't see my brother sitting in my basement for hours while I dump boxes of pennies into a machine.
And you know what, when our day is done we just go home with our loot. No bank runs to get coins, no bank runs to return coins, no packaging coins for sale on E-Bay, no listing them on E-Bay, no mailing out hundred pound boxes. And quite honestly, I have a good job and 1.6 cents on the penny including all of that work just doesn't cut it for me.
Phrostie, go and purchase a metal detector (a White's XLT or better in my opinion, I have a DFX) get out of the house, forget about profit, percentages of copper per box and the the occasional worn slick Indian Head and go find some real coins and put together a collection that you can dump out on the table, drool over, laugh about and inspire you to hunt again and again.
HH all!
Greg