First Timer - With Questions

[jlpanian]

Hello!

First Time Poser - First Time Treasure Hunter!

I just got my Ace 250 for christmas, and decided to test it out in my back yard! The picture shows my find. I got a 1976 Penny and a chunk of something that was 'pinging' in the 25+ coin range?!? No idea what it is. I already requested the 'Tips and Tricks' from DavHut!

Questions

A) Any good methods of cleaning the dirt and grime off of coins?!? I read that its not a good idea to clean coins, but I could barely read the date, and would like to find a good way to clean it up.

B) I live in Western Michigan and plan on hitting the beach, but are there any good suggestions to areas which are good for detecting.

C) Are there any other good internet sources for information, maybe clubs in my area?

Thanks in advance for all responses!
Talk to you soon
Jeff

 

[DavHut]

First Time Poser - First Time Treasure Hunter!Welcome

I just got my Ace 250 for christmas, and decided to test it out in my back yard! The picture shows my find. I got a 1976 Penny and a chunk of something that was 'pinging' in the 25+ coin range?!? No idea what it is. I already requested the 'Tips and Tricks' from DavHut!
The "chunk" is likely copper or iron with your SENS set too high

Questions

A) Any good methods of cleaning the dirt and grime off of coins?!? I read that its not a good idea to clean coins, but I could barely read the date, and would like to find a good way to clean it up.
For common coins and clad, tumbling is just fine. Detect for awhile until you have a pile of coins.
Then separate the copper ones out and tumble them separately.
Do the others (.05,.10, .25 etc).
For valuable coins, be careful and DONT TUMBLE them. SOak them in soapy water and use a soft brush. For REALLY valuable ones, have them pro cleaned and slabbed.

B) I live in Western Michigan and plan on hitting the beach, but are there any good suggestions to areas which are good for detecting.
Anywhere near Petoskey or Charlevoix?
There are only two vital things you need to remember for beaches:
PEOPLE and FUNNELING. Wherever the most people are forced to funnel into the smallest area - that is the best hunting. Where they sunbathe and lounge and the water up to calf height in front of that is your territory with that ACE. I look for pocket beaches, which as the name implies are small beaches where lots of poeple have to squeeze into. Oh, and go on Mondays!

C) Are there any other good internet sources for information, maybe clubs in my area?
More than I can mention. Check the links section.

Thanks in advance for all responses!
Talk to you soon
Jeff