Best Coin Metal Detector (2025 Guide for Beginners)

Coin hunting is one of the most popular ways people get into metal detecting. It's exciting, simple, and full of history. But not all detectors are made the same—especially when it comes to finding coins. A good coin metal detector should be accurate, easy to use, and able to ignore junk targets like bottle caps.

If you're just starting, choosing the right machine can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the best coin metal detectors for beginners. We will focus on what matters most: coin detection performance, simplicity, and real-world use.

Explore the full metal detector collection for more models suited to your needs.

Comparison Table: Best Detectors for Coins

Why Coin Detectors Are Different — And Why It Matters?

Many metal detectors claim to do it all. But coin hunting has its own demands. Coins are usually small, round, and made of metals like copper, silver, or nickel. They’re often buried in parks, yards, or old school grounds.

Specialized coin detectors use notch discrimination to block out junk items and focus on high-conductivity targets. They also have coin modes, audio tones, and better recovery speed. All these help you find more coins and dig less trash.

Coin hunting is growing in the U.S., especially after 2023. According to Google Trends, interest in coin detecting rose over 30% from 2023 to 2025. Most hobbyists now prefer detectors made just for coins.

Top 5 Best Coin Metal Detectors: Expert Reviews

1. Garrett AT MAX Metal Detector with Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk

Best For: All-terrain coin hunting with maximum depth and wireless comfort

Key Specifications:

• Frequency: 13.6 kHz
• Depth: Deep detection on coin-sized targets
• Waterproof: Up to 10 feet
• Target ID: Digital 0–99 scale
• Wireless Audio: Yes, Z-Lynk wireless headphones included

Review:

The AT MAX is ideal for serious coin hunters who explore parks, fields, and water. Its high frequency gives excellent response on silver and copper coins. True All-Metal mode and high-resolution ground balance help in mineralized soil.

It’s built tough and fully waterproof, making it great for shallow rivers or beaches. The digital target ID helps users learn conductivity ranges for coins. Its wireless setup adds freedom during long hunts.

2. Garrett AT PRO Metal Detector + Pro-Pointer AT

Best For: Versatile coin hunting in both fresh and saltwater

Key Specifications:

• Frequency: 15 kHz (adjustable)
• Waterproof: Up to 10 feet
• Iron Discrimination: 40 levels
• Ground Balance: Manual/Auto with Window
• Audio: Pro Mode Audio, Iron Audio

Review:

The AT PRO is a trusted choice for coin hunters across all environments. Its higher frequency improves small coin detection, while Iron Audio helps skip trash like rusty nails. The Pro Audio mode gives richer feedback on deeper coins.

The pinpoint function and continuous depth indicator let beginners learn target depths fast. It performs well in both soil and wet conditions. While more advanced, it still fits beginners ready to grow.

3. Garrett ACE 250 Metal Detector with Headphones and Carry Bag

Best For: Beginner-friendly coin hunting at parks and fields

Key Specifications:

• Frequency: VLF (6.5 kHz)
• Coin Depth Indicator: Yes
• Search Modes: 5 preset options
• Audio: Clear target tone feedback
• Weight: Lightweight and portable

Review:

The ACE 250 is often seen as a starter model—but it doesn’t skimp on coin-finding ability. It includes a large LCD screen, coin depth indicator, and simple push-button controls.

Its preset coin mode helps focus on likely coin targets, reducing junk finds. While it lacks some advanced features, it’s easy to set up and reliable in dry parks and grassy areas. Ideal for those on a budget.

4. Bounty Hunter Quick Draw II Metal Detector

Best For: Budget-friendly coin hunting with tone ID and depth display

Key Specifications:

• Frequency: 6.6 kHz
• Coin Depth Indicator: Digital
• Target ID: 9-Segment
• Audio: 3-tone system
• Weight: Approx. 4 lbs

Review:

This detector shines in value. The Quick Draw II offers coin hunters clear target ID and digital depth readouts. With 3-tone audio, beginners can quickly learn to identify silver, copper, or iron items by sound.

It’s lightweight, has adjustable sensitivity, and handles well in dry soil or mild terrain. Its notch and auto notch modes help ignore trash. A great option for those testing the hobby before upgrading.

5. Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector for Kids

Best For: Kids and absolute beginners learning coin detection

Key Specifications:

• Frequency: 6.6 kHz
• Coin Detection Depth: Up to 6 inches
• Audio: Two-tone feedback
• Coil: 7-inch waterproof
• Weight: Only 2.2 lbs

Review:

Made for younger hobbyists, the Gold Digger keeps things simple. It uses a 2-tone system and basic control knobs. The trash eliminator feature helps avoid bottle caps and foil.

While basic, it still finds coins 4–6 inches deep and works in parks or yards. It’s best for supervised hunts and early learning. A low-cost, fun way to introduce metal detecting to kids.

What to Look for in a Coin Metal Detector (Beginner’s Guide)?

When shopping for a detector, coin performance should come first. Here are the features that matter:

1. Frequency: Coin targets respond best to mid-frequency detectors (6–15 kHz). Lower is good for depth; higher is better for tiny coins.
2. Discrimination: Notch discrimination lets you ignore junk like iron or foil. Coin mode presets are helpful for beginners.
3. Audio Tones: Multiple tones help tell if the target is likely a coin. High tones often mean copper or silver.
4. Ground Balance: Manual or auto ground balance helps in tough soil or parks with minerals.
5. Depth Indicator: Knowing how deep the target is can save digging time and effort.
6. Weight: Lighter detectors are better for long hunts and easier for kids or beginners to use.

Coin Hunting Trends & Buyer Behavior (2025)

More people are picking up metal detecting as a hobby after 2023. Many are looking for old coins in local parks or fairgrounds.

DetectorWarehouse.com saw a 22% increase in coin detector sales between January and June 2025. Most buyers wanted silver-era coins or old copper pennies.

Beginners often start with affordable models. Check out the Best Metal Detectors Under $500 for a full breakdown by price.

FAQs: Coin Metal Detecting for Beginners

What makes a good coin metal detector?

A good coin detector has accurate target ID, mid-range frequency (6–15 kHz), and notch discrimination to avoid junk.

Can I find old coins with cheap detectors?

Yes. Budget detectors like the ACE 250 or Quick Draw II can find coins 6–8 inches deep, especially in clean soil.

What’s the best frequency for detecting silver coins?

Around 13–15 kHz is ideal. It balances depth and sensitivity to small, conductive metals like silver.

Do I need waterproof detectors for coins?

Only if you plan to hunt near water. For dry parks, a waterproof coil is enough.

Where’s the best place to search for coins?

Try parks, old fairgrounds, schoolyards, and historical public areas (check local rules).

Is coin mode better than all-metal mode?

Yes, for beginners. Coin mode ignores trash and focuses on coin targets. All-metal mode picks up everything.

Are coin detectors good for city parks?

Yes. Look for models with good ground balance and iron discrimination to handle trashy urban soil.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Coin Metal Detectors

Choosing a coin detector depends on where you’ll hunt, your budget, and how much detail you want. If you need all-terrain power, go for the Garrett AT MAX. For affordable learning, the ACE 250 or Bounty Hunter models are solid.

Explore more trusted gear at Detector Warehouse to get started right.