Metal Detecting Tips and Finds ID
During my TikTok live streams, I regularly get asked hundreds of questions about metal detector settings, signal interpretation, and how to identify different types of finds in the field. This page brings together the most common and useful answers so you can quickly improve your understanding of detecting without needing to scroll through hours of footage.
Whether you’re trying to fine-tune your detector for better depth and target separation, or you’re staring at an unknown coin or artefact wondering what you’ve just dug up, the goal here is to give you clear, practical guidance based on real detecting experience.
Metal detecting is a skill that develops over time, and a lot of progress comes from learning what your machine is telling you and building confidence with different signals and ground conditions. The information below is designed to help you make better decisions in the field, recover more interesting targets, and avoid missing out on valuable finds.
Metal Detector Help & Finds Identification
Detector Advice and Finds Identification
During my TikTok live streams, I receive hundreds of questions about detector settings, identifying finds, and improving results. This page answers some of the most common questions.
What settings should I use on my detector?
The best settings depend on your detector, soil conditions, and the type of targets you’re looking for. Learning your machine and understanding target tones is often more important than chasing perfect settings. For Manticore users check out my YOUTUBE tutorials.
How deep can a metal detector detect?
Detection depth depends on the detector, target size, soil conditions, and mineralisation levels. With my Minelab Manticore i am getting small coins at 15 inches + during TikTok live streams.
How do I identify a Roman coin?
Look for visible lettering, portraits, and reverse designs. Even heavily worn Roman coins can often be identified using a few remaining details. This is a great book to learn.
How do I identify a hammered coin?
The shape, visible lettering, portrait style, and symbols can all help identify hammered coins. This is a great book to help you on your journey.
How to Identify Artefacts?
Every day is a school day in the world of metal detecting. Checkout these awesome volumes to hel you learn as you find. 1 , 2, and 3.
How to Identify Celtic Coins?
If you are lucky enough to find Celtic coins checkout this awesome book.
Should I clean my finds?
It’s usually best to identify a find before cleaning it. Harsh cleaning can damage important details and reduce historical value. But if display clean only checkout this page.
What should I do if I think I’ve found treasure?
Follow current UK reporting requirements and seek advice if you’re unsure.
What are the best targets to dig?
Many valuable and historical finds produce signals that can sound similar to common items. The more targets you dig, the more you’ll learn. Top tip, note the numbers of your finds, this will help to learn there ID ranges.
Can you help identify my finds?
Yes. If you’ve found something interesting and need help identifying it, join one of my TikTok live streams or send me a message with clear photographs of the item. And if i cannot ID them, I will let you know some ID groups who can assist you. But i would love to see your finds on TikTok.
Where can I ask questions?
I regularly answer questions during live detecting sessions on TikTok. Viewers can watch signals being dug in real time, learn detector techniques, and ask questions throughout the stream.