Metal detecting has become a popular hobby for many individuals across the United States, offering a unique opportunity to unearth hidden treasures and pieces of history buried beneath the surface. Among the most exciting discoveries for metal detector enthusiasts are old coins, which offer insights into the past, from the early days of colonization to modern times. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various old coins that can be found while metal detecting in the USA, spanning from the 1800s to the present day.

Coins from the 1800s:

The 1800s marked a significant period of growth and change in the United States, with the expansion westward, the Civil War, and the Industrial Revolution. Consequently, coins from this era are highly sought after by collectors and metal detector enthusiasts alike. Some of the most commonly found old coins from the 1800s include:

Large Cents (1793-1857)

Half Cents (1793-1857)

Similar in design to their larger counterparts, half cents were minted in smaller quantities and are less frequently found while metal detecting. Nonetheless, discovering a half cent from the 1800s can be an exciting find for any enthusiast.

Seated Liberty Coins (1837-1891)

The Seated Liberty series includes coins such as the half dime, dime, quarter, and half dollar, featuring a seated representation of Liberty on the obverse. These coins are often found in varying conditions, with some specimens exhibiting signs of wear and others retaining much of their original detail.

Indian Head Cent (1859-1909)

Introduced in 1859, the Indian Head cent features a depiction of Liberty wearing a Native American headdress on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. While later dates are more commonly found, detecting an Indian Head cent from the 1800s is always a thrill.

Two-Cent Piece (1864-1873)

The two-cent piece, initially minted during the Civil War, bears a distinctive design with a shield on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. While these coins are not as prevalent as others from the era, they can still be uncovered by diligent metal detectorists.

Coins from the 1900s:

The 20th century witnessed significant advancements in technology, culture, and society, reflected in the coins minted during this time period. From the iconic designs of the early 1900s to the more modern coins of the late century, metal detectorists have the opportunity to discover a wide range of coins from this era. Some notable examples include:

Barber Coinage (1892-1916)

Named after its designer, Charles E. Barber, the Barber coinage includes the dime, quarter, and half dollar, featuring a profile of Liberty on the obverse and various depictions on the reverse. These coins are often found in circulated condition, but well-preserved specimens can still be uncovered.

Mercury Dime (1916-1945)

Despite its name, the Mercury dime actually features a depiction of Liberty wearing a winged cap, often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury. These coins are commonly found while metal detecting, with many still in circulation today. Notably, those minted in 1945 and earlier are composed of 90% silver, making them highly sought after by collectors and metal detectorists alike.

Buffalo Nickel (1913-1938)

Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo nickel features a Native American chief on the obverse and a buffalo on the reverse. While later dates are more frequently encountered, detecting a Buffalo nickel from the early 1900s is a prized discovery. Those minted from 1913 to 1938 are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, with a small percentage of the 1913 issues made of 90% copper and 10% nickel.

Standing Liberty Quarter (1916-1930)

The Standing Liberty quarter underwent several design modifications during its mintage, with the most notable change being the addition of chain mail to Liberty's exposed breast in 1917. These quarters are often found in varying conditions, with earlier dates being more challenging to uncover. Notably, quarters minted from 1916 to 1930 have a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper.

Lincoln Wheat Cent (1909-1958)

Introduced to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, the Lincoln wheat cent features a bust of Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat ears on the reverse. While later dates are more common, detecting a Lincoln cent from the early 1900s can still be an exciting find.

Modern Coins:

In addition to old coins from the 1800s and 1900s, metal detectorists also have the opportunity to uncover modern coins while exploring various sites across the United States. While these coins may not hold the same historical significance as their older counterparts, they still contribute to the overall excitement of metal detecting. Some modern coins frequently found include:

Jefferson Nickel (1938-Present)

Featuring a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse, the Jefferson nickel has been in circulation for over eight decades. While older dates may be more challenging to find, metal detectorists can still uncover Jefferson nickels dating back to the mid-20th century. Notably, those minted during World War II, from 1942 to 1945, have a composition of 35% silver and 56% copper, making them attractive to collectors.

Roosevelt Dime (1946-Present)

Introduced shortly after the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Roosevelt dime features a profile of Roosevelt on the obverse and an olive branch, torch, and oak branch on the reverse. These dimes are commonly found in circulation and while metal detecting. Those minted from 1946 to 1964 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.

Washington Quarter (1932-Present)

The Washington quarter, commemorating the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth, features a profile of Washington on the obverse and various designs on the reverse. While older dates may be more challenging to uncover, metal detectorists can still find Washington quarters dating back to the mid-20th century. Quarters minted from 1932 to 1964 have a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper.

Kennedy Half Dollar (1964-Present)

The Kennedy half dollar was introduced following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and features a portrait of Kennedy on the obverse and the presidential seal on the reverse. While silver specimens from 1964 are highly sought after by collectors, metal detectorists can also uncover clad versions from subsequent years. Those minted from 1964 to 1970 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.

State Quarters (1999-2008)

The State Quarters program, launched in 1999, featured unique designs representing each of the 50 states on the reverse of the quarter. While these quarters are more recent, metal detectorists may still come across them while exploring various sites.

Metal detecting offers enthusiasts the opportunity to unearth a wide range of old coins, spanning from the 1800s to modern times. Whether uncovering a large cent from the early days of the United States Mint, a silver dime from the World War II era, or a modern State Quarter, each find contributes to our understanding of history and provides a tangible connection to the past. As metal detectorists continue to explore the diverse landscapes of the United States, there's no telling what treasures may lie just beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.