Rookie needs help

[Coilcop]

Hi. I live in Connecticut and for years had been thinking about getting a metal detector. I decided I'd rent one a few times to see if I really liked it. neddless to say I got hooked, and went out and bought a White's XLT. I am a complete novice, and wanted to call on you pros to see if I am just impatient, or if perhaps garner some tips from the experienced. I have been out with it at various locations, and find I am getting very good at pinpointing. I have been to 2 beaches, 2 state parks, a local park, my own yard, circa 1858, and my parents home circa 1950. I have found lots of coins, many quarters,dimes, some nickels, and many pennies. here is my question? I am finding lots of coins 1-2 inches deep, so obviously they are from the 1990-06 date range. I have found many 3-5 inches deep and seem to find they range from a few years old to the mid 1960s. The only place I found even some wheaties, was in my parents yard, where I found nothing but wheaties (7 in an hours worth of searching, more to be done). Am I doing something wrong not to be finding anything older, or am I just being impatient? Or even further, do I not have the experience to find the older coins yet? I just use the standard preset programs for now, is it not likely to unearth the real finds with that setting? I have found 2 rings, but they were junk rings. Just wanted to see if anyone could provide me with some ideas, or answers? Thanks in advance, and look forward to hearing from you.

[mlamp20412]

I'm pretty new to this as well, but...Sounds like you are not doing too bad. I have a 1930s house in an area that had alot of CW activity. The oldest coins I have found were 1919 wheaties, and that was in the house doing rennovations. I have found CW items, but only on the back edge of the lot. I suspect the lot was bulldozed in the 1930s to prep for building and items from the 1st 5 inches may have ended up on the back edge of the lot. I also rechecked areas after a good rain and seemed to get a little better depth. Recheck search areas swinging from another direction in case coins are at an angle or you did not catch something with overlap. Research you sites to determine if there has been any land alterations. I know of places that were stripped for gravel in the 1920-30s and then filled and built upon. Something like that takes everything down to the prehisoric level away, unless you get luck with the fill dirt. I'm sure someone else here with your machine might have advice about programs and modes and such.

Best of Luck!

[Coilcop]

The day at the Marina went ok, how can you beat sunshine, 70 degree weather, and along the water. My wife and I ended up finding 2 quarters,5 dimes, and 4 pennies, along with various other things which included 2 fishing sinkers.

[leslie(nova scotia)]

From the land of the Bluenose......could be just the areas that you are hunting. Try paths around lakes, parks and if you have the chance shorelines. Happy hunting!

[Coilcop]

Great advice thanks so much, found my 1st silver coin today, a 1941 Mercury dime just 4" deep.

[journeyoftheanimals]

Originally Posted by Coilcop

Great advice thanks so much, found my 1st silver coin today, a 1941 Mercury dime just 4" deep.

Congrats