Curiosity is a hallmark of the human experience. Hunting for coins, gold, and other buried treasures feeds that curiosity. It turns a natural urge into real discoveries. No wonder it’s a pastime that never loses its appeal.

To find such discoveries, of course, you’ll need the right coin or gold prospecting gear. At the top of the list of basic tools and accessories is a metal detector. As the name implies, metal detectors can pick up metal objects, and both gold and coins are metals. But can a metal detector pick up gold coins? Can the same prospecting equipment find both coins and gold nuggets? Let’s break it down.

What’s the Difference Between a Metal Detector and a Gold Detector?

Nuggets are often small, dense, and hidden in challenging terrain. Gold detectors, as one of the most essential pieces of gold prospecting gear, can pick up small gold signals in difficult ground conditions because they often operate at higher and multiple frequencies. This gives them the sensitivity needed to detect tiny pieces of gold that other detectors might miss.

Next, gold is often found in soils with high iron content. That iron can create interference (noise), which can confuse standard detectors. Gold prospecting detectors feature advanced ground balance settings that filter out interference and focus on true targets. Many also have adjustable sensitivity to detect nuggets at varying depths.

Gold finding tools often work in ‘’all-metal’’ mode rather than relying heavily on discrimination. Instead of ignoring some, they often scan all metals. This approach ensures that even the smallest piece of gold produces a signal. 

Coin, relic, and treasure-hunting gear is designed for very different targets and conditions compared to gold detectors. While gold prospecting tools focus on tiny, dense nuggets in mineral-rich soils, coin and relic prospecting tools are built to locate medium to larger objects like jewellery and historical artefacts. These  ‘’hidden treasures’’ are often buried in parks, beaches, and fields.

One key difference between these two types of prospecting gear is discrimination. Coin and relic detectors allow hunters to filter out unwanted metals such as aluminium and iron, which helps them focus on likely treasures. Many models offer preset modes for coins, jewellery, and relics, making it easier for beginners to start hunting without guesswork. 

Frequency is another feature that sets coin and gold detectors apart. Coin and relic detectors usually operate at low to medium frequencies, optimised for detecting larger objects rather than tiny gold. Multi-frequency detectors are also popular, offering flexibility for different soil types and target sizes.

Comfort and usability can also differ. Coil detectors are designed for extended hunts with lightweight frames, adjustable shafts, and ergonomic grips. Some can feature waterproof coils for beach hunting.

Will a Gold Detector Find Coins?

Now, the big question: Will a gold detector find coins? The answer is sometimes, but not always. Gold detectors can detect coins, especially if they are made of metals similar in conductivity to gold. However, they might not pick them up as reliably as coin-specific detectors.

As already mentioned, gold finders often use high frequencies to detect small gold pieces. Coins and relics may respond differently to those frequencies, so the finder might give weaker signals or need careful adjustment.

For instance, let’s say you want to find coins with a gold detector at the park. Imagine a $2 coin buried in the ground right next to a crushed soda can. With a hyper-sensitive gold detector, you will find every piece of the can, no matter how small. You’ll still get the $2 coin, but you’ll dig 100’s of bits of that can too, which can make a beach hunt frustrating. Therefore, when coins and relics are your target, a dedicated detector is your best bet.

How Do Gold Detectors Differ From Each Other?

Apart from the differences between gold and coin detectors, gold detectors themselves also vary within their own range. Different models are built with specific uses in mind. They can vary in frequency, coil size, and how they handle mineralised ground. For instance, some are highly sensitive to finding tiny nuggets, while others are designed for deeper targets in challenging ground conditions.

If you’re getting into gold detecting, it’s worth trying a few machines with different technologies to see what suits you best. The right choice depends on your budget, how often you prospect, and the type of terrain you’ll be exploring.

For instance, a standard coin machine isn’t built for serious gold trips in places like Western Australia. But if you’re mainly detecting coins and only occasionally looking for gold, investing in a dedicated gold detector may not be necessary. In that case, a good coin and relic machine for everyday use, paired with hiring a quality gold detector when needed, can be a smarter option.