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How to Identify Metal Detecting Finds

Metal detecting is a hobby for amateur archaeologists and treasure hunters alike. Partly it's the thrill of finding things that are lost, and partially it's the money to be made from finding valuable lost items. However, chances are good that you'll come across something that you can't identify once you start digging up the lost treasures of the past. When this happens, it's important that you know where you can look for information about what it is you found.

Things You'll Need

Metal detector books

Instructions

- 1
  Check with treasure hunting field guides to see if there is anything in the guide about your find. The "Detectors Find" series lists a huge variety of items for you to match your find against, providing photographs, details and some suggestions on value.
- 2
  Find groups of metal detector enthusiasts and ask for help identifying your find. These groups can be local or online, such as Tom's Treasures, an organization of metal detector enthusiasts that meets and shares information about what its members have found. Those in the group also help each other to identify what, exactly, has been dug out of the earth.
- 3
  Contact local museums or archaeologists and ask for help identifying what you've found. If the item you located is of historical significance, you should talk to experts in local history who can find out just what you've dug up and determine if there's any significance to the local history. College history departments may also be a good place to look for experts who can help you identify what it is you've found.

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