THE ARTEFACT ADDICT
Welcome to The Artefact Addict! Watch this quick intro video to dive into my metal detecting journey. Get a taste of the pure thrill of the find, explore what the website is all about, and preview the in-depth gear guides, blogs, and beautiful field imagery waiting for you here.
Checkout my intro video below, this hits home why i love this hobby so much.
📊 Monthly Live Milestones (August Stats 2026)
• 716,700+ Total Stream Views
• 78 Hours spent uncovering history live in the fields
• 20,800+ Live Chat Comments & ID Discussions
• 1,000+ New History Hunters joined the community
📊 Life Time Live Milestones
Look at what our incredible community has achieved since we started tracking our live history hunts:
• 1,332,100+ Total Stream Views
• 152 Hours spent uncovering history live in the fields
• 36,100+ Live Chat Comments & ID Discussions
• 2,000+ New History Hunters joined the community
⏱️ When to Catch Streams
We stream live directly from active UK search sites most evenings. Here is how to make sure you never miss a find:
- 📅 Schedule: Most evenings from 8:00 p.m. GMT
- 🔔 Never Miss a Stream: Join the official LIVE Fan Club during any live stream by sending a "Heart Me" badge. This ensures you are always prioritized for live alerts so you can catch the action the second we go live.
FIND OF THE MONTH JULY 2026
The absolute ultimate metal detecting dream! My standout discovery for July 2026 is this breathtaking, solid Georgian Gold Swivel Fob Seal handle. While it is missing its original rotating gemstone intaglio, finding this ornate gold framework with its delicate scrollwork is unbelievable. Because gold doesn't tarnish, it came out of the dirt shining just like the day it was lost over 200 years ago. Seeing that unmistakable flash of gold in the soil makes every single hour in the fields worth it
Uncover Hidden Treasures Today
Hello all, my name is Dave, a Proud Welsh Veteran who loves metal detecting in the United Kingdom on Land and beaches. My self and my mate Terry AKA Taffy.Detector mostly metal detect around Brecon, and St Athans, Barry Island Beach. I am an Avid Tiktok metal detecting Live streamer, I love Lives because they are real, and its so exciting to share it all in real time whilst also interacting with you guys. I’m so excited to share my weekly blogs about all my best finds and favourite memories. And if you click the Start Hunting button below, you’ll head over to my TikTok, where I go live most evenings. I am so excited about sharing my Live finds, and hopefully see you all there.
Unearthing History: My Top 5 Favourite Finds
“In my time metal detecting, I’ve had the privilege of discovering some truly awe-inspiring treasures. Here are my top five favourite finds—each one with a story that takes us back in time.”
Among my top five favourite finds are a Neolithic flat axe, an incredible 4,200-year-old artefact, and a stunning gold ring that I recovered and reunited with its owner there and then. Each of these discoveries came to life as I held them, transporting me back through thousands of years. Click below to uncover the full stories behind each one!
No1. Chalcolithic Flat Copper Axe Head Find
Find- Chalcolithic (Copper Age) flat axe.
Historical Background- dating to around 2500–2200 BCE, over 4,000 years old. it blows my mind to consider the age, and the significance of a find like this.
Using- Minelab Manticore, with the 9 inch coil fitted, Garret At Probe, and the Black Ada Shovel.
Ground, and depth- This was found on top of high ground, welsh mountains not far from pen-y-fan a few miles away, 4 inches depth.
Location- On the outskirts of brecon, South Wales, UK.
Story of the find- I found this truly amazing artefact during a live stream in the evening. It was incredibly quiet for a whole hour of no signals, and then came this massive signal in the 90s. I was so excited, the find has been recorded with fLO, and now sits proudly in my display.
Watch the live recovery of a 4,000-year-old Early Bronze Age flat copper axe head! See the exact moment this incredible ancient tool was found live on a metal detecting stream.
No2. Georgian Gold Swivel Fob Seal
Find- Antique Georgian gold swivel fob seal frame recovered.
Historical Background- Dated to the Georgian era (c. 1714–1837). These ornate gold mounts typically held a rotating, multi-sided gemstone matrix (such as carnelian, bloodstone, or chalcedony) engraved with a family crest or monogram. They were worn on a gentleman's pocket watch chain and pressed into hot wax to securely seal personal letters.
Using- Minelab Manticore, 9 inch coil, Garret AT Propointer, and the CKG route slayer.
Ground, and depth- Pasture land, 7 inches depth.
Location- Fishguard area, pembrokeshire, West Wales..
Story of the find- I was out metal detecting on a very last minute stream, it was such a good sestion, with a pocket watch, and plenty of copper coins found, then this absolute beauty came shining out of the groiund,. looking the same as when it was first dropped. It is such a shame this is not complete, but it is still amazing. The signal was super scratchy at the start, came out of the groud then turned into a solid 25.
Click play to watch this live metal detecting rescue video of a lost gold ring on Exmouth Beach.
No3. Roman Denarius
Find- Roman Silver Denarius, Emperor Antoninus Pius.
Historical Background- Dating back to AD 140-160, nearly 2,000 years old.
Using- Minelab Manticore, with the 9 inch coil fitted, Garret At Probe, and the Black Ada Shovel.
Ground, and depth- Flat pasture land, one inch Depth. ploughed to the top.
Location- Outskirts of Brecon, South Wales.
Story of the find- 🌧️ Despite a torrential downpour and battling a bad cold, the live stream turned into a special moment! After digging up over 40 pieces of foil, I uncovered my very first Antoninus Pius Roman silver denarius.
Watch the live metal detecting clip below to see the exact moment the Antoninus Pius Roman Silver Denarius is recovered from the ground.
No4. Hammered Coin
Find- 1565 Elizabeth I silver sixpence.
Historical Background- Post Medieval Elizabeth the 1 Silver 6 pence, AKA hammered coin. It would have been placed in between two dyes and smashed with a hammer, the end result are these beautiful hammered coins.
Using- the Minelab Manticore with the 15 inch coil, Garret AT Propointer, and black Ada shovel.
Ground, and depth- Large open fields, pasture land near the coast. The coin was 8 inches depth.
Location- Outskirts of St Athans, South Wales, UK.
Story of the find- I was so excited during this evenings stream, as i just found 2x Milled silver coins, and then last hole of the night and this beauty poppped out.
Watch the live metal detecting clip below to see the exact moment this beautiful 1565 Elizabeth I hammered silver sixpence pops out of the ground.
No5. Roman Fibula
Find- Roman Fibula.
Historical Background- A Roman dolphin style Fibula, an ancient safety pin for fastening cloaks and tunics during 1st and 2nd AD.
Using- Minelab Manticore, with the 9 inch coil fitted, Garret At Probe, and the Black Ada Shovel.
Ground, and depth- Flat pasture land, long grass but detectable, the target was at 10 inches depth.
Location- Found on the outskirts of Brecon, South Wales, UK.
Story of the find- I was just chatting to the Live viewers during the live about how much i would love to find a Roman Fibula, and then boom, out she popped, i was overwhelmed with joy.
Watch the live metal detecting clip below to see the exact moment this ancient Roman dolphin-style fibula pops out of the ground.
Click play to watch this discussion on the life-changing mental and physical health benefits of metal detecting.
Benefits of Metal Detecting
Mental Health- Spending time searching for targets helps clear the mind, reduce stress, and improve focus. Many detectorists find it a relaxing escape from the pressures of everyday life.
Physical Health- Walking fields, parks, and beaches provides gentle exercise that improves fitness, stamina, and overall wellbeing. It’s a great way to stay active without feeling like you’re exercising.
Socialising- Metal detecting brings people together through clubs, rallies, and online communities. It offers opportunities to make new friends, share knowledge, and enjoy a common interest. I value Terrys friendship dearly.
Being Outdoors- Fresh air, open spaces, and time spent in nature can have a positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. Every outing is a chance to explore new places and enjoy the countryside.
The Thrill of the Find- Whether it’s a modern coin, a historic artefact, or a long-lost piece of local history, the excitement of uncovering something hidden never gets old. Every signal has the potential to reveal a unique story from the past. Metal detecting combines exercise, exploration, history, and community into one enjoyable hobby, making it an activity that people of all ages can enjoy.
Community Inspiration
Meet Simon. A few months ago, he happened to catch one of my TikTok live streams—just casually scrolling, he saw a glimpse of metal detecting and was hooked. From that moment, he dove into the hobby. And what a transformation it’s been. Metal detecting has been a lifeline for him—not just a hobby, but a way to rebuild his confidence and get outside. He’s gone from staying in, to joining local detecting groups, and now he’s meeting new friends and discovering a whole new world. I couldn’t be prouder of Simon—every find he makes is a reminder of how far he’s come. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes him next. Simon is recovering from Major heart surgery , i wish him good health and good finds for his future.
Crawfords Metal Detectors
I am incredibly proud to be an affiliate of Crawford’s Metal Detectors. This is a brand I truly believe in—an outstanding company with top-tier detectors. I love promoting quality kit like theirs because it’s reliable, innovative, and perfect for any detectorist—whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro. I can’t thank the Crawford team enough for letting me be a part of their journey—this is just the beginning!
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