How Deep?

[GroundScrounger]

Hello detectorists

Could someone give me a summary of The enviromental factors at work that determine a coins depth in the ground. Why would a coin dropped 75 years ago not always be deeper than one dropped 5 years ago??
Good Hunting!

[bill(de)]

All soils are not created equal and sink rates can vary from relatively fast to almost none. You may have some areas where the soil is so compacted such as heavy clay or hard pan soils, heavily matted roots or rocks prevent sinking, added fill dirt buries coins deeper,sandy or soft loamy soils will have a fairly quick sink rate. Then you have to add in annual rainfall,the freeze thaw cycles and heavy equipment traveling over the ground.

Erosion , plowing and soils that are displaced can expose older coins at surface levels. Almost any reason can be imagined for deep or shallow coins or any target. HH Bill

[Joe(TX)]

WE HAVE A LOT OF BLACK GUMBO SOIL DOWN HERE IN SOUTH EAST TEXAS, so a lot of yards have brought in fill dirt for their front and back yards. So in some yards the coins can be very deep, while in other yards with little fill dirt, most objects will only be 5 inches or less. Of course, at the beach, coins and rings can sink out of site in a few days but the surf will unburied it for you too! Also there are tricks such as searching during a northeaster during low tide. WOW one can get to the 2nd trough sometimes, and not wade thru any water!!! .......GOOD LUCK.........JOE

[hanjixlt]

I also think that traffic is a huge part of the equation. An area with a lot of foot traffic, mowers, etc.. will work items down. I agree on the 5" depth. I find Indian Heads in my area around 5.5", which is deep for here.

At the same time, I've found Barbers within a half inch of the surface in camps in the woods.

Again, this depends on your area. Once you get some keepers you'll get a feel for how deep. Your personal experience will be the best guide.

Good Luck!
hanjixlt