I try my best never to use a probe to pluck coins with. As stated, it is an art ,,, an art that I have not mastered, either. Plus , like the O.P stated, the brass probe CAN damage a nice coin ! .
I made a nice probe out of a small file handle & the brass rod from inside a toilet tank. Filed & sanded the sharper edges to avoid as much damage as possible.
I almost always use a short-handle spade & & dig a 3 sided " flap plug, keeping most all roots intact. Fold it back, & step on it when finished. After a rain, you cannot tell it,,, or carry a large soda bottle of water with a little fertilizer mix with you to wet it after you finish