Where to metal detect? 
 
Search out those areas known to produce gold nuggets. Many recreational prospecting and metal detecting clubs have claims that members can work. There are also areas open to the public that can be worked. If your after coins, you need to search areas that have been frequented by lots of people. Parks, ball fields, church yards, fairgrounds, beaches, school yards,  Old battlefields, bivouac sites, march routes, wagon trails, old homesteads, ghost towns. We have several metal detecting clubs you can join located in Wisconsin and you can find them on our links page.
 
 
Detecting Tips
 

Keep your eyes open for road construction. A hundred years ago these roads were just dirt and well used and. Also look for sidewalks that are being pulled up in the same area, if there are old businesses there the sidewalks in front were most likely boardwalks and plenty of coins fell through the cracks...

I always keep a small notebook and a pen handy when I'm driving around town, especially a town I have never been to. This way you can write down an address of a potential site, directions to an out of the way area, and locations of landmarks.
 

If you know of some elderly persons in your area ask them if they can tell you where the old vacant lots and playgrounds were located when they were kids. 

Check your local library for books about ghost town in your area. Ghost towns used open wells for most of their drinking water and sometimes townsfolk would throw things in the well to hide them from the local sheriff.   One must use extreme caution when exploring Wells, Most of then can be death traps..
 
The next time you are driving in the country after the crops have been harvested, look the fields for any form of depression. If you can see one, chances are good that there was a home there at one time and the fill that was put in the cellar hole to fill it has settled into that depression. These depressions are much more noticeable after a heavy rain or if snow had been blowing around and filled it in. Also search for old fence posts or tree stumps in the area because some farmers who didn't believe in modern banking would hide cashes of loot near landmarks on their own land. And don't forget about the outhouse.
 
The number one key to success is location. This is the factor that dictates your time in the field. If you spend at least 50% of your time researching a spot to hunt (that others have not pounded), your quality and quantity of finds will double. It's those out of the way sites that you can find by simply asking an old-timer from the area, or using maps, that will lead you to an UN-hunted  site to search..
 
 
 
 
Never Trespass - Respect Property and Always Get Permission.
Dig Properly - Fill All Holes. Leave the Area Cleaner and Better Than When You Arrived.
If you discover any item of significant historical interest, notify the local historian or   museum.
If you discover any lethal object, do not touch, notify the police.
Dispose of litter or trash in proper containers.
Obey all laws and ordinances that may pertain to a site.
Protect our heritage of natural resources, wildlife, and private property.
Be courteous to all, you are a representative of our hobby/sport.
 
 
 

Cleaning Coins

 

As a general rule, coins should not be cleaned at all as doing so may end up ruining the coin's numismatic value.  The wisest course is to leave your coin collection untouched and stored in the proper holders.

The reason that cleaning coins is rarely a good idea is that cleaning is apt to alter a coin's surface or toning in an undesirable manner (such as leaving small "poct marks", spots or scratches on the coin's surface) unless great care is taken and the proper cleaning method is selected.

It is a good idea to consult a coin dealer or other coin expert to assist you in deciding whether cleaning a particular coin is a good idea. When in doubt do not clean a coin.

If you decide to clean your coins, here are some pointers to keep in mind to avoid or minimize the chances of damaging them.

Dirt and grime that accumulates on coins can often be safely removed by applying a layer of Vaseline to both surfaces of the coin with a QTip and then gently rubbing these surfaces clean with a very soft lint free cloth.

Soaking a coin in olive oil or mild soapy water is another method that can often safely remove dirt or other substances adhering to a coin.

Always use non-abrasive cleaners such as rubbing alcohol or olive oil to clean coins. Commercial jewelry and metal polishes are usually too harsh. Never, for example use silver tarnish remover to clean silver coins as it will adversely affect a coin's natural toning.

Always rinse the coins with distilled water after cleaning. Tap water should not be used as it contains minerals which may create spots on the surface of a coin. Let coin air-dry after cleaning - never rub a coin dry.  

Tarnished coins should only be cleaned (if at all) by a professional using a process known as "dripping". Do not attempt this process yourself.

Some collectors like to use baking soda as a cleaning method to make a worn coin look shiny and new. This is not recommended as it will generally ruin the numismatic value of a coin.

Never clean touch or rub the surface of any Proof coin. If there is dust on the coin simply blow the dust away gently.

Finally it should be noted that specially made commercial coin cleaners are available at most coin supply shops but these tend to be rather expensive.