Best Metal Detectors for Civil War Relic Hunting
Relic hunting is not just a hobby. It’s a way to connect with the historical past and artifacts and uncover hidden treasures. However, its significance, methods, and approach are necessary to achieve more. Techniques like researching the location you plan to explore and its historical background are essential. Maps, documents, and permits should then be brought along.
Follow the rules. Before you leave, ensure you have everything you need, including accessories.
The right metal detector is decisive for relic hunting. Don’t dig unless you are assured of the precise target. Finding requires a great deal of patience, which is essential for success.
Make notes and photos of your findings. Relic hunting is a pastime with historical and cultural significance. Thus, keeping a record can help preserve memories.
Best Metal Detectors for Civil War Relic Hunting | Top 03 Picks
Entry-Level Metal Detectors Under $400
1- Bounty Hunter Platinum Pro
Entry-Level Metal Detectors Under $400
It is very lightweight, easy to assemble, and easy to carry. It is specially designed for beginners and has user-friendly features that make it easy to understand.
Features:
- Frequency of 7.8 kHz
- 11 inches DD coil
- Basic ground balancing system
- Large LCD screen shows depth
- It can hit up to 10 inches, a coin-sized relic
Note: It gets noisy near power lines and doesn’t detect as deep as the more expensive models.
2- Fisher F5 Metal Detector
This relic metal detector is a good choice for those who have just started learning how to hunt. Its simple knobs make it very easy to control, and it responds to signals very fast. You can choose between the manual or automatic ground balancing system when needed.
Features:
- 10-inch concentric coil that helps you provide accuracy in concentrated areas.
- The frequency range of 7.8 kHz is suitable for general-purpose relic hunting.
- Detect objects up to a foot underground.
- Battery timing of 40 hrs.
Note: These relic-hunting detectors are an excellent option for digging and detecting without dealing with complex settings.
Mid-Level Detectors under $600-850
3- Nokta Anfibio Multi
This is the best metal detector for relic hunting because of its waterproof quality in wet conditions and target identification even in vibrant iron soil. You can adjust the frequencies accordingly. It focuses heavily on valuable targets like coins and buttons and eliminates junk. It has user-friendly features. Some may prefer alternatives like T2 and F75, but it can be a good option for serious relic hunters.
Features:
- You can switch between (5, 14, 20 kHz) for different metals.
- Waterproof up to 16 ft., highly suggested for swamps and riverbanks.
- EUD Mode (Extreme Underground Depth) that can even detect the metal that the other detectors can miss.
- User-friendly yet slightly advanced for a pro at the same time.
- 11-inch coil that covers a wide area and gives you a better depth detection facility.
- By its settings, you can set up the advanced discrimination mode.
Note: The relic metal detector is useful for underwater detection and for persons with difficulty hearing because it vibrates when it detects an object.
4- Teknetics Omega 8500 Pro
This can be an excellent choice for relic hunters who want smooth detector control in mineralized soil and user-friendly features. It is designed so that both beginners and experienced users can use it to find small relics like musket balls, buckles, and uniform buttons.
Features:
- Ground Grab’s One-Button Auto Balance system allows you to switch between different soil types, perfect for old battlefields.
- Live ground readings help you adjust for better detection in mineralized soils by displaying ground phase and iron levels.
- Excellent for target identification. It tells you what metal you are searching for, such as iron, brass, or lead.
- Helps you to detect the deeper targets by its pinpoint mode.
- You can shift the frequencies accordingly where there is a lot of noise or disturbance.
- Comfortable and lightweight to carry for hours.
High-End Relic Detectors $900 – 1,600
5- XP DEUS2 Metal Detector
This is one of the advanced metal detectors for relic hunting. Its fast frequency system allows the user to detect metals in depth more precisely and can handle a variety of metals. It can be an ideal choice if you search for long hours because it has a complete wireless system, from a control box to a coil and headphones. This gives excellent performance in iron-infested or red-clay soils.
Features:
- Frequency ranges from 4 to 45 kHz.
- Its waterproof quality is incredible. Can search up to 20m (66 ft.).
- Pre-set and user-defined programs.
- Rechargeable battery with fast charging.
- It has a built-in speaker and vibration system to alert you.
6- Teknetics T2 Special Edition
Like its name, it is a special one for relic hunters. It enables users to reach deeper than conventional detectors, perfect for finding treasures buried for a long time, such as belt plates, buttons, and bullets. It helps reduce noise (EMI). It also has a fast recovery system and distinguishes valuable targets from trash. It is lightweight and user-friendly.
Features:
- It has two modes:
- Boost mode that enhances depth detection for the small targets.
- Cache mode is designed to discover the deeply buried large items.
- DST (Digital Shielding Technology) for smoother operation and reduces noise.
- Adjustable Sensitivity and Threshold system for different metals and soil conditions.
- Manual and Auto Ground Balance system.
Extremely Professional Relic Detectors
7- Garrett ATX Metal Detector
This is one of the best for professionals to control extreme ground conditions. It is ideal for open battlefields where treasures have been buried deeper beneath corrosion and time.
Features:
- PI (Pulse induction Technology).
- Deep Detection Capability up to 18 inches.
- Fully Submersible up to 10 feet.
- Advanced ground balancing system.
- Motion and non-motion Modes.
- Rugged Military-Grade Build.
- Multi-Frequency Detection.
- Collapsible Design. You can fold it easily to transport.
Note: Although heavy (6.9 lbs.) and comparatively more expensive than ordinary VLF detectors, it is still the best choice for relic hunters because of its features.
8- Detech Relic Striker Metal Detector
It is incredible at detecting large items like brass belt plates, sabers, and caches buried deep underground. It operates frequently and works well, particularly in open, tidy farm fields with little trash, enabling more thorough scanning.
Features:
- Ultra-low 4.8 kHz VLF Frequency is the best for the large buried items.
- Massive 18×15″ Search Coil that covers a larger area.
- 3+ Feet Depth Potential.
- Manual ground balancing system.
- Lightweight.
Note: Due to limited target separation, it does not work well in an iron-infested or trashy environment. Few detectors can match the Relic Striker’s reach if you’re looking for Civil War artifacts buried deep by time and geography.
Some Deep Seeking Relic Detectors
9- Detech SSP 5100 Metal Detector
It is designed for serious hunters hunting for real deep treasures at historical sites. It is highly recommended for hunting iron relics like wagon wheels, cellar holes, or buried weapon caches that cannot be detected with simple detectors.
Features:
- Large coil of 2×2 m frame
- Magnetometer combo with pulse induction
- Extreme depth detection up to 9m
- Gives you interference resistance in mineralized soil.
10- Nokta Invenio Pro Metal Detector
If you want a pro version of the detector for relic hunting, go for it. It gives a 3D image for real-time detection. You can see the shape, size, and depth of the target. It is excellent for historic homesteads, Civil War campgrounds, or areas teeming with rubbish and relics.
Features:
- High-resolution display.
- Detects objects up to 6 m.
- Discriminates between the non-metallic and metallic.
11- Ground Tech Discovery SMR
It is not just a simple detector but a complete scanning system for the underground. This detector has a 3D image and the resistivity setting to spot hidden spaces like tunnels and chambers. It is ideal for locating hidden caches or underground Civil War bunkers.
Features:
- 7m depth capability.
- Real-time scanning that distinguishes between different colored metals.
- Field-ready and rechargeable.
Understanding of Civil War Relic Hunting
Civil war relic hunting is different from finding old, valuable items. For example, the hunter may choose the battlefield or abandoned towns to find old buckles and buttons from the Civil War. Location is precisely decided because sometimes relics may be found at places where the hunters have the least expectations. Some of the findings may have been donated to the museum to show the memories to the public.
What can you find during relic hunting?
Civil War relic hunting is always full of surprises. You never know what you’ll find next. Common relics are buckles, buttons, swords, musket balls, cannons, and mini balls. Depending on their condition and rarity, some may be worth $3000 to $5000.
Tips for civil war relic hunting for a beginner
- You need to have more equipment knowledge. You must do deeper research about historical places.
- Civil War relics like buckles, bullets, and buttons react differently from the coins. So you must know at what frequency they will react by practicing on the metal detector.
- Before going for relic hunting, you must thoroughly read the maps, letters, or soldiers’ diaries. There may be over 22,000 battles, and many small fights have occurred but have not been recorded. So look for the old farmlands, spots near rivers, and forests. These areas often hold lost Civil War relics like bullets and buttons.
- Don’t just believe the online information you get. The real-time Civil War relic-hunting experience is very different. Everyone has a different experience.
- Always think like a historian but hunt like a detectorist. Seek out features such as stone walls, springs, or old roadways.
- These locations may contain antiquities and were frequently close to military camps.
Essential Tips for Successful Relic Hunting
Choose the Best Relic Metal Detector:
- A detector with automatic functionalities will greatly benefit performance and give accurate results.
- For digging, use strong equipment like shovels, hand scoops, and trowels.
- Detectors with a guarantee.
- A detector that should be easy to use and easy to carry.
Location and research:
- Locate former homesteads, battlegrounds, and campsites by looking at antique maps.
- For important site information, consult local history documents and speak with locals.
- Then, take permission if you go to private land, and always try to follow the rules and regulations.
Apply the Grid Search Technique:
- Divide the land you want to search into small grids and search one by one. In this way, your findings will be more precise.
- Slightly overlap the detector’s sweep on areas you missed.
Accurately identify the targets:
- You must pay more attention when listening to the signals because the artifacts make a distinct sound.
- When it’s time to dig after finding the item. You have to be careful while digging to avoid destroying the delicate items. Always use hand tools.
Extra Success Tips:
- Note everything, the location, and all the findings to keep a record at the end.
- Join online clubs and forums to update yourself about the laws and conditions.
- Meet other hunters of civil war relics to gain assistance.
- Respect the ethical hunting rules. Report your essential findings to the locals.
- Always clean your tools and equipment before using them the next day. To prevent damage, use and check with caution.
- Before going on the tour, you should inform the locals. If you get caught in some difficulty, you can get some help. Take a first aid kit with you. Click here for more metal detecting tips.
Key elements to look into detectors for relic hunting
First, you have to choose the ground where you want to hunt. Understanding the condition and consequences, you should select the metal detector brand accordingly.
Capability of depth detection:
The decades-old soil layers have buried Civil War artifacts deep down. For medium targets like bullets and buckles, choose a metal detector with depth penetration capabilities of at least 10+ inches.
Ground Balancing:
The battlefield grounds are mostly mineralized. Therefore, you must have a detector with an automatic ground-balancing system.
Most metals are low conductors, and include steel, iron, or brass. So, a detector with a low frequency will help you find more precisely.
However, the best option is to select multiple-frequency system detectors. The mid-range frequency detectors will also work best for relic hunting.
Discrimination:
Most of the metals from the Civil War were made of brass and iron. Most detectors can discriminate between iron and trash. Iron audio discrimination settings will help you select valuable relics from modern trash.
Search Coils:
The coil size matters depending on the area you will hunt in. Use large coils for larger field areas and small coils for trashy, congested areas.
Look for a metal detector with an interchangeable coil system. A double-D (DD) coil configuration is the best choice for relic hunting.
Waterproof capability:
Moist terrain, streams, and rivers are common relic-rich locations. Most metal detectors have partially waterproof coils. For adaptability, at least have a waterproof coil; complete waterproof systems are best.
Weight and design:
Detectors’ weight matters because civil war relic hunting is a lengthy procedure. You cannot get results on the first day. A lightweight and easy-to-assemble design of the detector will protect you from fatigue.
Audio system:
In a trashy environment, distinguishing between the signals may become more difficult. Relic tones may be more precisely distinguished with high-quality headphones and advanced audio modes, crucial for picking up delicate signals.
Battery Life:
Seek a reliable and long-lasting battery life detector because the hunting period for relic finding may extend for hours. The best options are long-lasting rechargeable detectors or regular AA batteries that can be powered in emergencies.
Customized Settings:
Some detectors have a “Relic” mode or let you adjust parameters, especially for historic places, to improve the efficiency of your hunts.
Best Places for Relic Hunting
1. Old Civil War Battlefields.
2. Former Encampments & Campsites
3. River Crossing and bridges
4. Abandoned Homesteads and Plantations
5. Old Railroad Tracks and Depots
6. Roads Used for Troop Movements
7. Ghost Towns and Deserted Villages
8. Skirmish Sites and Outposts
Final Tips
- Budget First: Avoid wasting money because a $300 detector can find antiques just as well as a $3,000 one if you don’t know how to use it properly.
- Site and soil: Plowed fields with mild dirt: mid-frequency VLF (Omega 8500, T2 SE).
- Salt marsh or hot red dirt: PI (ATX) or Multi-Frequency (DEUS 2).
- Waterproof system: Digging the banks of rivers? Purchase a waterproof coil, a better one, and a control box (Anfibio, ATX, DEUS 2) that is entirely waterproof.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Relic hunting harmful to historical sites?
Yes, it can if it is done carelessly. Understanding is essential because it may destroy layers of valuable information. If artifacts are removed without proper documentation, they can lose their connection with the past. So, adequate hunting with balanced preserved discovery is essential.
Is Relic Hunting Beneficial?
Yes, of course! It preserves old, forgotten artifacts, historical events, and the daily life of past eras. This also contributes to education, research, and historical appreciation.
How can I start relic hunting?
Start by researching historical Civil War sites and troop movements. Buy a metal detector with good depth and discrimination settings. Always obey the local laws. Always confirm the target before digging. Before leaving, refill the area.
How can I authenticate my findings?
To authenticate your relic findings, consult the museum staff, experienced relic hunters, and historians. Compare your items with trusted pictures and historical records. Fakes and copies are widespread and frequently difficult to spot without specialized training, so be aware.
