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Relic Hunting Is the Hardest Kind of Detecting
Relic hunting is the most demanding form of metal detecting. You're not sweeping a manicured park for shallow coins. You're working iron-saturated Civil War camps, colonial farmsteads and Revolutionary War sites where the good targets are deep, surrounded by trash, and need a machine that can tell the difference. The wrong detector sends you home with a bag of iron. The right one finds the musket ball, the silver button and the early coin that make the whole day worth it.
This guide is written for relic hunters: people hunting permission properties, old home sites, Civil War and colonial land, and any site where history is underfoot. It covers the machines, coils, headphones and digging tools, plus the research methods and settings experienced relic hunters use. We've tested every detector here and carry them because we believe in them. Prices are current authorized U.S. dealer pricing at Serious Detecting and can change.
Ready to get started?
Browse every machine we recommend for historic ground in our Relic & Treasure Metal Detectors collection, or jump to the Quick Verdict and every pick side by side.
Quick Verdict: Best Relic Hunting Metal Detectors of 2026
| Best for... | Pick | Why it wins |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall relic detector | Nokta Legend 2 | Multi-frequency, strong iron handling, two coils and wireless headphones in one $999 package. |
| Best for mineralized ground | XP Deus II | Holds depth and ID clarity in hot, iron-rich soil. Fully wireless. From $799 (WS6 Master). |
| Best for maximum depth | Minelab Manticore | 50% more power than the EQUINOX and a 2D Target ID map for deep, borderline signals. $1,499. |
| Best mid-range | Minelab EQUINOX 900 | Proven Multi-IQ, 11 in and 6 in coils, and the biggest coil selection going. $999. |
| Best value multi-frequency | Minelab EQUINOX 700 | The same Multi-IQ engine as the 900 with Iron Bias and IP68 waterproofing for $749. |
| Best budget multi-frequency | Minelab X-TERRA ELITE | Multi-IQ, waterproof to 16 ft and 2.9 lb for $415.95. |
| Best entry-level | Garrett ACE Apex | Iron Audio, Multi-Freq mode and 2.5 lb for $399.99. |
Pick by Site: The Short Version
The ground you hunt matters more than any spec sheet. Start with the kind of site you'll be on most, then read the full reviews below.
1Plowed fields & farmsteads
Open ground, average soil
Depth and coverage win. A multi-frequency machine with a bigger coil lets you grid acres efficiently.
2Camps & homesites
Nails everywhere
Target separation wins. Fast recovery, low iron bias and a small coil pull good targets from between the nails.
3Hot or wet ground
Red clay, rain, creeks
Ground handling and waterproofing win. Look for IP68 multi-frequency machines with strong ground balance.
What Makes Relic Hunting Different From Other Detecting
Coin shooting and jewelry hunting reward shallow, high-conductivity targets in well-known locations. Relic hunting is different in four fundamental ways.
Depth
Well-preserved relics on untouched sites can be 8 to 18 in deep. Even heavily hunted Civil War sites hold targets below the 6 to 8 in range older detectors reached reliably. If your detector tops out at 7 in on a coin-sized target, you're leaving the interesting finds in the ground.
Iron in iron-rich ground
Battlefields, farmsteads, colonial settlements and fur trade posts are full of nails, hardware, barrel hoops and fragments from the target era. A detector that can't sort iron from non-ferrous leaves you either digging nails all day or missing good targets masked by iron.
Low-conductivity targets
Brass buttons, lead bullets, pewter, copper coins and historically significant hardware sit in the low-to-mid conductivity range. Machines tuned for silver coins miss many of the most valuable relic finds.
Slow, methodical coverage
A relic might be anywhere in 10,000 square feet of field or forest floor. Speed is the enemy. Your coil needs full, slow, overlapping passes over every square foot.
8-18 in
Depth of relics on untouched sites
4-14 in
Typical depth on Civil War sites
50-75%
Swing overlap for a proper grid
What to Look for in a Relic Detector
Multi-frequency operation
Single-frequency detectors are tuned for one kind of target. Multi-frequency machines (Minelab Multi-IQ, Nokta SMF, XP FMF, Garrett Multi-Freq) read the whole conductivity range at once, so silver, lead, brass, copper and iron on the same site all show up more clearly.
Iron audio
Hearing iron, even while you discriminate it, tells you where people concentrated and how dense the iron is. Iron audio is a feature, not a flaw. Turn it on and listen to what the ground tells you.
Adjustable iron bias
Low iron bias lets you hear borderline signals that could be iron or non-ferrous. High iron bias gives cleaner non-ferrous signals but can miss low-conductivity targets next to iron. Being able to change it as you move across a site matters.
Ground balance options
Relic sites have layered soil: moisture, organic content, iron minerals, ash layers from structures and lime from privies. Automatic, manual and tracking ground balance each have their place.
Target separation
A nail and a Civil War bullet 3 in apart confuse a basic detector. Fast recovery speed and multi-frequency processing let machines like the EQUINOX 900, Deus II and Legend 2 hear them as two signals when you swing slowly.
Real-world depth
Depth comes from coil size, frequency and how well the machine handles the soil. A large DD coil on a multi-frequency detector reaches targets a stock coil on a single-frequency machine can't.
Relic Detector Comparison Table
Every detector in this guide, grouped by class, plus the Garrett Axiom for desert relic hunters. Specs are checked against each manufacturer's published data.
| Detector | Technology | Iron controls | Waterproof | Coils in the box | Best relic use | Skill level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship multi-frequency | ||||||
| Minelab Manticore | Multi-IQ+ 5-40 kHz | 2D Target ID map, ferrous limits | 16 ft (5 m) IP68, whole unit |
11 in DD | Deep targets on pressured sites | Advanced |
| XP Deus II | FMF 4-45 kHz | Iron volume, silencer, reactivity | 66 ft (20 m) coil and RC remote |
9, 11 or 13 x 11 in (by package) | Iron-choked, mineralized sites | Advanced |
| Mid-range multi-frequency | ||||||
| Nokta Legend 2 | SMF 4-40 kHz | Iron filter, iron volume, 99 IDs | 16 ft (5 m) IP68, whole unit |
11 in + 8 x 5.5 in DD | All-around relic, mixed soil | Intermediate |
| Minelab EQUINOX 900 | Multi-IQ 4-40 kHz | Iron Bias, recovery speed 1-8 | 16 ft (5 m) IP68, whole unit |
11 in + 6 in DD | Farmsteads, fields, mixed hunting | Intermediate |
| Minelab EQUINOX 700 | Multi-IQ 4-15 kHz | Iron Bias 0-3, ferrous vibration | 16 ft (5 m) IP68, whole unit |
11 in DD | First multi-frequency relic machine | Beginner to intermediate |
| Entry-level | ||||||
| Minelab X-TERRA ELITE | Multi-IQ | Iron Bias, 119-segment ID | 16 ft (5 m) IP68, whole unit |
12 x 9 in DD | Budget relic, all-weather | Beginner to intermediate |
| Garrett ACE Apex | Multi-Flex 5-20 kHz | Iron Audio, 5 tones | Coil only rainproof control box |
8.5 x 11 in DD | First relic machine, dry fields | Beginner to intermediate |
| Specialist pulse induction | ||||||
| Garrett Axiom | Pulse induction | Iron Check (with DD coil) | Coil only rainproof control box |
13 x 11 in DD + 11 x 7 in mono | Desert and volcanic ground | Advanced |
Best Relic Hunting Metal Detectors for 2026
Each pick below gets an overall score out of 100 and five metric bars. Target ID Accuracy reflects how well the detector's target numbers hold up, which its iron discrimination directly affects. Scores are our editorial judgment from field use.
1. Nokta Legend 2 - Best Overall Relic Detector
SMF + 4 to 40 kHz | Waterproof to 16 ft | 11 in and 8 x 5.5 in coils | Wireless headphones
Depth 8.5
Target Separation 9.0
Target ID Accuracy 8.5
Ease of Use 8.0
Value 9.5
Pros
-
Simultaneous multi-frequency plus 4, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kHz single frequencies -
Two coils in the box: 11 in for coverage, 8 x 5.5 in for iron-choked ground
-
Whole detector waterproof to 16 ft (IP68) for rainy field days
-
Wireless aptX low-latency headphones included
-
Separate search modes with saved profiles for different ground
-
Regular firmware updates from Nokta
Cons
-
More settings to learn than an entry-level machine -
Not the deepest pick on large, deep targets in hot ground
-
Smaller aftermarket coil selection than the EQUINOX
The Nokta Legend 2 is the machine we recommend most often to relic hunters who want serious performance without flagship money. It runs simultaneous multi-frequency plus five single frequencies (4, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kHz), so it adapts to almost any relic scenario: low frequencies for deep, high-conductivity coins, high frequencies for small, low-conductivity buttons and lead, and multi-frequency for complex sites where you don't know what's in the ground.
Iron handling is the Legend 2's relic-hunting strength. With the iron filter set low you hear nearly everything, including iron and borderline signals, which is how you map the iron density of a new site before you hunt it selectively. Raise it and the machine suppresses iron confidently and gives you clean non-ferrous responses. For most Civil War and colonial ground we start low and adjust as we learn how the site behaves.
The improvements over the original Legend matter most on relic ground: better target separation in dense iron, steadier ground handling in variable mineralization, a lighter build (2.6 lb, 13% lighter than the original) and a bigger battery. Nokta also ships the $999 package with both an 11 in and an 8 x 5.5 in coil plus wireless headphones, so there's nothing else to buy before your first permission.
Still weighing the original Legend? Nokta built the Legend 2 to replace it, and on relic ground the upgrades are the ones that count: cleaner separation in dense iron, a lighter build, longer battery life and a second coil in the box. Remaining original Legend stock is in the Nokta Legend collection while it lasts.
Starting relic settings
Field mode, multi-frequency, iron filter low, iron audio on, 5 tones or full tones, sensitivity around 20 to 23 in average ground (lower in hot ground or next to heavy iron). Save your own profile once the site is dialed in.
Shop the Nokta Legend 2 → or browse the Legend 2 collection for coils, headphones and bundles.
2. XP Deus II - Best for Mineralized Ground and Expert Users
FMF multi-frequency, 4 to 45 kHz | Fully wireless | Waterproof to 66 ft | 5-year warranty
Depth 9.0
Target Separation 9.5
Target ID Accuracy 9.0
Ease of Use 6.5
Value 8.5
Pros
-
Excellent performance in iron-rich, mineralized ground
-
Fully wireless: coil, remote and headphones, no cables to snag
-
Outstanding target separation in dense iron trash
-
Deep customization for expert users
-
Waterproof to 66 ft (20 m)
-
5-year warranty
Cons
-
Steepest learning curve on this list
-
Remote-control packages cost more than the WS6 Master package
-
Fewer aftermarket coils than the EQUINOX
The XP Deus II is the dominant platform at organized hunts across Europe, where highly mineralized soil and centuries of history make relic hunting as hard as it gets. Its Fast Multi Frequency (FMF) technology transmits multiple frequencies at once and also offers single frequencies from 4 to 45 kHz, with signal processing that is noticeably different from Minelab's approach.
In iron-rich red clay, volcanic soils and other high-mineral ground, the Deus II holds its depth and target ID clarity where other multi-frequency machines start to struggle. The Fast program is a good starting point on iron-heavy relic sites: quick recovery for separating targets, plus audio that lets a practiced ear hear a good target sitting next to a nail.
The fully wireless design removes cables from the equation. In brambles, thick forest undergrowth or any tight spot where a cable catches on everything, that's a real quality-of-life improvement. Choose the WS6 Master package (control from the headphones, from $799) or a remote-control package (from $1,399) if you want the full screen on your wrist or hip.
The Deus II has the steepest learning curve on this list. Menu depth, iron volume, reactivity, silencer, ground tracking and frequency choice all take time to learn. Hunters who put in that time consistently say it pays off on difficult, expert-level relic sites.
Starting relic settings
Fast program on iron-heavy sites, reactivity around 3, silencer -1 to 1, iron volume 3 to 4 so you hear iron without being overwhelmed, discrimination low. Move to a higher frequency or an HF coil for small, shallow, low-conductivity targets like bullets and buttons.
3. Minelab Manticore - Best for Maximum Depth
Multi-IQ+ | 2D Target ID map | Waterproof to 16 ft | 11 in DD coil | ML 105 wireless headphones
Depth 9.5
Target Separation 9.0
Target ID Accuracy 9.5
Ease of Use 7.5
Value 8.0
Pros
-
Deepest multi-frequency option on this list
-
2D Target ID map shows ferrous content and conductivity at once
-
Waterproof to 16 ft (IP68)
-
ML 105 wireless headphones included
-
Accepts the full Manticore coil range, from the M8 to the M15
Cons
-
Highest price of our multi-frequency picks
-
About 3 lb, heavier than the EQUINOX and Legend 2
-
The 2D display takes time to read quickly
The Minelab Manticore is the depth machine for hunters who believe the best targets on a well-hunted site are still in the ground, just deeper than older detectors could reach. Minelab rates it at 50% more transmit power than the EQUINOX series, and on relic ground that extra power shows up as cleaner signals on deep, borderline targets.
The 2D Target ID map is the Manticore's defining feature. A conventional detector shows one target ID number. The Manticore plots each target on two axes, conductivity across and ferrous content up, so a deep silver coin, a flat iron fragment pretending to be a good target, and a mixed signal each land in their own part of the map. Experienced users learn to read it quickly and make better calls on deep signals in iron.
You'll still dig iron. That's relic hunting. But you'll dig more of the right targets and skip more of the wrong ones than with any other machine on this list.
The stock M11 coil is a strong all-rounder. Add the M8 for tight, trashy spots, or look at the Manticore package with M8 and M15 coils if you mostly survey big open fields.
4. Minelab EQUINOX 900 - Best Mid-Range All-Around Relic Detector
Multi-IQ + 4 to 40 kHz | Waterproof to 16 ft | 11 in and 6 in coils | Recovery speed 1 to 8
Depth 8.5
Target Separation 8.5
Target ID Accuracy 8.5
Ease of Use 8.5
Value 8.5
Pros
-
Proven Multi-IQ performance at a mid-range price
-
Both the 11 in and 6 in coils included
-
Eight search profiles, including two Field profiles for relic ground
-
Recovery speed 1 to 8 for separating targets in iron
-
Largest aftermarket coil selection of any current detector
-
Waterproof to 16 ft (IP68)
Cons
-
Legend 2 matches it on most inland relic sites at the same price
-
Iron handling in extreme ground is less refined than the Deus II
The Minelab EQUINOX 900 sits between the Legend 2 and the Manticore. It converted a huge number of detectorists away from single-frequency machines, and for relic hunting it's still one of the most productive machines at its price.
Its two Field profiles are excellent starting points for farmstead and battlefield hunting: Field 1 for shallow, trashy ground and Field 2 for depth on low-conductivity targets in iron. Iron Bias, iron audio, recovery speed from 1 to 8 and the Multi-IQ engine cover the core relic challenges reliably. The 6 in coil in the box is the tool for iron-choked cellar holes, and the optional 15 in coil turns it into an open-field survey machine.
Compared with the EQUINOX 700, the 900 adds 20 and 40 kHz single frequencies, a Gold mode, finer recovery speed control and the second coil. If you hunt relics and also want to prospect or hunt small jewelry, those extras earn their keep.
Starting relic settings
Field 2 with Multi-IQ on mixed relic ground, iron bias low, iron audio on, 5 tones or all tones, sensitivity 18 to 22 in average soil, recovery speed 4 to 5. Drop to 10 or 15 kHz single frequency in extreme mineralization; try 40 kHz for small, shallow, low-conductivity targets in clean ground.
Shop the Minelab EQUINOX 900 →
5. Minelab EQUINOX 700 - Best Value Multi-Frequency Relic Detector
Multi-IQ + 4 to 15 kHz | Waterproof to 16 ft | 11 in DD coil | Iron Bias 0 to 3
Depth 8.0
Target Separation 8.0
Target ID Accuracy 8.5
Ease of Use 8.5
Value 9.0
Pros
-
Multi-IQ simultaneous multi-frequency for $749
-
Adjustable Iron Bias (0 to 3) and handgrip vibration on ferrous targets
-
Waterproof to 16 ft (IP68)
-
Same control layout as the 900 if you upgrade later
Cons
-
11 in coil only; small coil sold separately
-
No 20 or 40 kHz single frequencies
-
Recovery speed tops out at 3
The Minelab EQUINOX 700 runs the same Multi-IQ engine as the 900 for $250 less. For relic hunters who don't need the Gold mode, the 20 and 40 kHz single frequencies or the second coil, it's the smarter buy.
On relic ground the 700 gives you what matters most: stable target IDs as the soil changes under the coil, Iron Bias you can dial per site, and a Park 2 profile that tightens iron rejection when a homesite is full of nails. Handgrip vibration on ferrous targets is a surprisingly useful second signal on windy days.
Shop the Minelab EQUINOX 700 →
6. Minelab X-TERRA ELITE - Best Budget Multi-Frequency Relic Detector
Multi-IQ | Waterproof to 16 ft | 12 x 9 in DD coil | 2.9 lb | 119-segment target ID
Depth 7.5
Target Separation 7.5
Target ID Accuracy 8.0
Ease of Use 9.0
Value 9.5
Pros
-
Simultaneous multi-frequency under $450
-
Waterproof to 16 ft (IP68)
-
Iron Bias and a 119-segment target ID with ferrous range
-
Light at 2.9 lb with a 12 x 9 in coil for coverage
-
Low-latency wireless audio support
Cons
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Headphones not included in this package
-
Fewer adjustments than the EQUINOX line
-
Will hit its ceiling on expert-level iron sites
If $749 is more than you want to spend on a first relic detector, the Minelab X-TERRA ELITE is the next-best way into real multi-frequency relic hunting. It uses Minelab's Multi-IQ technology in a 2.9 lb, fully waterproof package, with Iron Bias and a 119-segment target ID that shows iron as negative numbers so you can read the ground before you dig.
It's more limited than the EQUINOX in very hard conditions: extreme iron density, highly mineralized soil and sites that demand fine target separation. On typical farm fields, old homesites and woodlots in average soil, the gap is smaller than the price difference suggests.
For hunters new to relics who want a multi-frequency machine to learn on, it's an easy recommendation. You'll outgrow it at expert sites, but it will get you there with finds along the way. Add a set of headphones, since this package doesn't include them.
Shop the Minelab X-TERRA ELITE →
7. Garrett ACE Apex - Best Entry-Level Relic Machine
Multi-Flex: Multi-Freq + 5, 10, 15, 20 kHz | Iron Audio | 8.5 x 11 in Raider coil | 2.5 lb
Depth 7.5
Target Separation 7.5
Target ID Accuracy 7.5
Ease of Use 9.0
Value 9.0
Pros
-
Iron Audio lets you hear iron alongside good targets
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Multi-Freq mode plus 5, 10, 15 and 20 kHz single frequencies
-
Only 2.5 lb with a rechargeable battery (about 15 hours)
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Built-in Z-Lynk wireless for Garrett headphones
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Garrett build quality and 3-year warranty
Cons
-
Only the coil and lower shaft are submersible
-
Less refined in hard ground than the multi-frequency picks above
-
Will hit its ceiling at expert relic sites
The Garrett ACE Apex earns its place because of Iron Audio, the feature that lets you hear iron signals alongside non-ferrous ones. For relic hunting, that iron density map is one of the most valuable things a detector can give you: it shows where people lived and worked before you dig anything.
Garrett's Multi-Flex platform gives you a Multi-Freq mode that runs several frequencies at once, a Multi-Salt mode, and 5, 10, 15 and 20 kHz single frequencies. For colonial and Civil War relics, many hunters drop to 5 kHz for big iron and copper or 10 kHz for brass and small relics in mixed soil. It isn't in the same league as the EQUINOX or Legend 2 in genuinely demanding ground, but for a new relic hunter on a budget it's a capable, durable place to start.
The search coil is submersible and the control box is rainproof, so field days in wet weather are fine, but don't take it wading.
Every Relic Detector Pick Side by Side
Swipe or scroll sideways to compare all seven →
 Legend 2 |
 Deus II |
 Manticore |
 EQUINOX 900 |
 EQUINOX 700 |
 X-TERRA ELITE |
 ACE Apex |
|
| Award | Best Overall Relic Detector | Best for Mineralized Ground | Best for Depth | Best Mid-Range | Best Value Multi-Frequency | Best Budget Multi-Frequency | Best Entry-Level Relic Machine |
| Overall Score | 91 | 89 | 90 | 88 | 86 | 85 | 84 |
| Depth | 8.5 | 9.0 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Target Separation | 9.0 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Target ID Accuracy | 8.5 | 9.0 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 |
| Ease of Use | 8.0 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 9.0 | 9.5 | 9.0 |
| Technology | SMF 4-40 kHz | FMF 4-45 kHz | Multi-IQ+ 5-40 kHz | Multi-IQ 4-40 kHz | Multi-IQ 4-15 kHz | Multi-IQ | Multi-Flex 5-20 kHz |
| Waterproof | 16 ft (5 m), IP68 | 66 ft (20 m), coil and RC remote | 16 ft (5 m), IP68 | 16 ft (5 m), IP68 | 16 ft (5 m), IP68 | 16 ft (5 m), IP68 | Coil only; rainproof control box |
| Weight | 2.6 lb | About 2 lb | 3.0 lb | 2.8 lb | 2.8 lb | 2.9 lb | 2.5 lb |
| Coils Included | 11 in DD + 8 x 5.5 in DD | 9 in, 11 in or 13 x 11 in FMF (by package) | 11 in DD | 11 in DD + 6 in DD | 11 in DD | 12 x 9 in DD | 8.5 x 11 in DD Raider |
| Best For | All-around relic sites | Iron-choked, mineralized expert sites | Deep targets on pressured sites | Farmsteads, fields, mixed hunting | First multi-frequency relic machine | Budget relic and all-weather hunting | First relic machine, dry fields |
Other Detectors Worth Considering
Garrett Axiom
A pulse induction detector built for gold, and the specialist's choice for relics in desert and volcanic ground where VLF machines false constantly. It ignores most mineralization and goes deep, but discrimination is limited: Iron Check gives some ferrous guidance with the DD coil, and you'll dig more iron. From $2,299.99 (Axiom Lite). Shop the Axiom
Nokta Legend (original)
The machine the Legend 2 replaced. It still does solid multi-frequency relic work, but the Legend 2 separates targets in iron better, weighs less, runs longer per charge and ships with two coils and wireless headphones. We have limited original Legend stock left. See remaining Legend stock or shop the Legend 2
Nokta Triple Score Pro Pack
Simultaneous multi-frequency, waterproof, with two coils in the box for $499. A strong alternative to the X-TERRA ELITE if you like Nokta's interface. Shop the Triple Score
Manticore coil packages
If you know you'll survey big open fields, the Manticore with M8 and M15 coils saves buying the coils later.
Best Detector by Relic Type and Region
Civil War battlefields and campsites
High nail density (square nails and hardware), lead minie balls and pistol balls (low conductivity), brass buttons and insignia, and the occasional silver coin. Most good targets sit 4 to 14 in deep depending on soil and hunting pressure.
Best choice: Nokta Legend 2 for its iron handling and multi-frequency performance. The EQUINOX 900 with a 15 in coil is excellent for open-field battlefield survey. The Deus II for expert hunters on heavily pressured sites.
Colonial-era sites (pre-1776)
Deep targets (10 to 18 in on undisturbed ground), complex soil chemistry in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, and a mix of copper, silver, pewter, brass and cast iron. Lead bale seals and sprue are common low-conductivity signs that a site has value.
Best choice: Minelab Manticore for depth and 2D Target ID. XP Deus II for highly mineralized Mid-Atlantic ground. A 15 in or larger coil on either for open-field survey.
Revolutionary War sites
Musket balls (pure lead, low conductivity), pewter and brass uniform buttons, harness hardware and camp debris, often in rocky New England hills, river bottoms and forest with mineralization that varies by region.
Best choice: Legend 2 or EQUINOX 900 for most sites. Deus II for the most pressured sites in New England granite soil. A 9 to 11 in DD coil in tight forest, a 15 in coil in the open.
Frontier and Old West sites (1820 to 1890)
Percussion caps, early cartridge cases, Army equipment, trade goods and coins, from flat desert to mountains. Mineralization is the main challenge; desert sites often need pulse induction or a VLF with strong ground balance.
Best choice: Garrett Axiom for desert and volcanic ground. EQUINOX 900 or Legend 2 for prairie and mountain soil. Check land ownership carefully: many frontier sites overlap federal, tribal or state-protected land.
WWII sites
Equipment fragments, dog tags, insignia and coins wherever the war was fought, and possible live ordnance.
Best choice: Any quality multi-frequency machine. Depth varies enormously, so the real detective work is in the research.
Ordnance warning
Military sites can hold live ordnance. Never recover anything that might be explosive. Mark the spot, leave it alone and contact local authorities.
Coil Selection for Relic Hunting
The coil you run affects relic performance as much as the detector itself. Our metal detector coil guide goes deeper; here are the core decisions. Browse all search coils.
1Large DD (13 to 17 in)
Open, productive sites
Maximum depth and ground coverage per swing. Options like Minelab's EQX 15 and M15, larger Nokta coils, and Coiltek coils for the EQUINOX can add depth in good conditions. Heavier, so factor in fatigue.
2Stock 10 to 12 in DD
General purpose
The right coil for most conditions: good depth on coin-sized targets, reasonable separation and manageable weight. Keep it on for forest and tight terrain.
3Small DD (6 to 9 in)
Iron-choked, pressured sites
When the targets left on a site are masked by iron, a small coil's tight field isolates them. The EQUINOX 900 includes a 6 in coil and the Legend 2 an 8 x 5.5 in coil.
4High-frequency small coil
Tiny, low-conductivity targets
Small pewter buttons, lead sprue, tiny copper coins and the rare bit of gold at trade sites. The XP HF elliptical coils for the Deus II are the classic example.
Headphones for Relic Hunting
Field hunting is full of audio challenges: wind, birds, rustling leaves and the constant background noise of outdoors. Good metal detecting headphones aren't optional for serious relic hunters.
Wireless or wired?
In forest, brush and uneven ground, wireless headphones stop cable snags. The Legend 2 and Manticore ship with wireless headphones, the EQUINOX and X-TERRA ELITE support Minelab's low-latency wireless audio, Garrett uses Z-Lynk, and the Deus II is wireless from coil to ear.
Over-ear or in-ear?
Closed-back over-ear headphones isolate best and give the clearest tone differences, which you need to hear iron against non-ferrous in full-tones mode. In-ear sets are lighter for long hunts but lose some of the low iron tones.
Waterproofing
If you hunt in the rain or near water, waterproof headphones matter as much as a waterproof detector. Dedicated waterproof sets such as Killer B handle full rain exposure.
Volume and fatigue
Relic sessions can run 6 to 10 hours. Keep the volume at the lowest level where signals are clear, and choose padded cups over hard plastic.
Digging Tools for Relic Sites
Relic site digging takes more than a park plug cutter. You're pulling targets from root-filled forest floor, compacted clay, rocky farm soil and the plow-mixed layers of old homesteads. Shop shovels, diggers and picks.
1Relic shovel
Open-field work
A serrated, T-handle relic shovel like the Lesche Sampson cuts through roots, sod and heavy clay and opens clean 8 to 12 in plugs without the strain of a full-length shovel.
2Hand digger
Precision in the hole
A serrated hand digger pairs with the shovel: open the hole with the shovel, then recover the target precisely with the digger. Double edges work in rocky soil and clay alike.
3Pinpointer
Find it fast
A pinpointer finds the target in the plug or the side of the hole in seconds, so you dig smaller holes and damage fewer relics.
4Non-scratching probe
Protect the find
A carbon fiber or plastic probe locates a target in an open hole without scratching coins or brass the way steel can.
5Knee pads
Every serious hunter
You'll spend hours on your knees cutting plugs and checking holes. Foam or gel knee pads keep you hunting longer and save your joints over a season.
Research Before You Swing: How to Find Productive Relic Sites
The detector you own sets your ceiling. The research you do decides whether you ever reach it. Most productive relic sites are found on paper before anyone sets foot on them.
A 1932 USGS topographic map of the Hermitage, Tennessee area. Old maps like this show roads and buildings that are gone today.
1USGS historical topo maps
The USGS TopoView archive shows historical topographic maps back to the 1880s. Compare them with current satellite imagery to find structures, roads, mills and ferry crossings that no longer exist.
2Historical county atlases
County plat atlases from roughly 1860 to 1920 show landowner names, farms, roads, schools and churches. The David Rumsey Map Collection has digitized thousands of them.
3Regimental histories and Official Records
Regimental histories and the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion document camp locations, skirmishes and routes. Cross-reference them with current landowner records to find private land where you can ask permission.
4Local historical societies
Photographs, diaries, newspapers and deeds held by county historical societies reveal details national databases miss. An old photo of a demolished farmhouse can be the breakthrough that leads to a great site.
5Sanborn fire insurance maps
For towns and villages, Sanborn maps show building footprints and lot layouts from the 1880s through the mid-20th century. Former commercial or civic buildings on today's vacant lots can be productive.
6LiDAR imagery
LiDAR shows ground shape under vegetation: earthworks, cellar holes under forest, old road beds and colonial field terraces. Most state GIS programs offer free LiDAR data online.
Relic Hunting Settings: Programs, Iron Bias, and Tones
Settings are where the technology meets technique. These principles apply across platforms; each award card above has starting settings for that machine.
Iron bias: start low
Low iron bias keeps the iron-borderline signal space open, and that's where many relics live. Only raise it if the site produces so much iron falsing that you can't function.
Sensitivity: as high as stable
Start at the midpoint and raise it until you get false signals, then back down 1 to 2 points. In hot ground you may need to run much lower than in a park. Stable and lower beats unstable and high.
Frequency: multi first
Simultaneous multi-frequency is usually right for mixed relic targets. Single frequencies have specific jobs: high (around 40 kHz) for tiny, low-conductivity targets in clean soil; low (4 to 10 kHz) for depth on larger coin-sized targets.
Tones: hear the iron
Full tones give the most information but take practice. If you're not reading full tones yet, use 4 or 5 tones with iron audible. Never run 2 tones without iron audio on a relic site.
Ground balance: check often
Use manual ground balance for stable soil and tracking for variable soil. Balance at several points across a site, and again whenever you move onto a different soil type.
Relic Hunting Techniques That Separate Good Hunters From Great Ones
1Read the iron first
Spend the first 15 minutes on a new site swinging slowly and listening. Dense iron suggests a structure; iron in lines suggests a fence or road edge; iron-free ground suggests cultivated fields.
2Slow down
Moving too fast is the most common mistake. A deep target needs the coil to pass fully over it for a full response. Swing at half the speed you think you need.
3Grid systematically
Walk parallel rows spaced at 50 to 75% of your coil width and mark your coverage with stakes or GPS waypoints. Finish the grid before revisiting anything.
4Dig the borderline signals
On sites with real history, dig the signals you're unsure about. The iffy signal at the field edge could be a big iron fragment, or cartridge box hardware or a sword guard.
5Recover carefully and record
Confirm the target's position with a probe or pinpointer, then extract it with a hand digger. Photograph significant finds in the hole and record depth and GPS location.
6Work the iron halos
Rusting iron creates a halo in the soil that can mask nearby non-ferrous targets. Work the edges of iron clusters with a small coil and low iron bias.
Permissions, Laws, and Ethics
Relic hunting on public land needs a permit in most cases and is prohibited outright on much of it. The Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) prohibits removing artifacts from federal land without a permit, with fines and possible jail time even for a first offense. Most states have their own equivalents for state land. Read our metal detecting laws and code of ethics guide before you hunt.
Battlefield parks are off-limits
Preserved battlefields in the National Park System are closed to artifact collecting. Detecting there without a permit is a federal crime.
Private land is where most legal relic hunting happens, and approaching landowners is a skill you can learn.
1Ask in person
Introduce yourself face to face when you can. Look like a serious hobbyist, bring examples of past finds, and explain what the hobby involves.
2Agree on terms
Many landowners accept a verbal agreement; others prefer written permission that says who keeps what. A permission form protects both of you.
3Leave no trace
Fill every hole and replace every plug. This decides whether you're invited back, and whether the landowner recommends you to neighbors.
4Share your finds
Show landowners what came off their land. A copy of an old map or a good photo of a significant find builds trust and opens doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best metal detector for Civil War relics?
The Nokta Legend 2 is our top pick for Civil War relic hunting, with the best mix of iron handling, multi-frequency depth and value, plus two coils in the box. For heavily pressured sites where fine target separation matters most, many serious Civil War relic hunters use the XP Deus II.
How deep can a relic detector find targets?
In ideal conditions (clean loam, a large flat target) top multi-frequency machines can reach a silver dollar-sized target at 14 to 16 in. On coin-sized targets in average soil, expect about 8 to 12 in with the best machines. Soil, target orientation and hunting pressure all change real-world depth. Our how deep do metal detectors go guide explains why.
Do I need an expensive detector for relic hunting?
More than in other kinds of detecting, but less than you might think. The X-TERRA ELITE and EQUINOX 700 outperform much pricier machines from a few years ago. On virgin sites with shallow targets in clean soil, a budget multi-frequency machine finds nearly as much as a flagship. On heavily hunted expert sites, the extra depth and iron handling of a Manticore or Deus II pay off.
What coil size should I use for relic hunting?
Open fields and farmsteads: a 13 to 17 in DD for depth and coverage. Heavily hunted sites with dense iron: a 6 to 9 in DD for separation. Forest and tight terrain: the stock coil. Most serious relic hunters own at least two coils.
Can I dig on Civil War battlefields?
Not on preserved battlefields in the National Park System; detecting there without a permit is a federal crime under ARPA. Private land next to battlefields, and private land with documented Civil War activity, can be hunted with the landowner's permission. Research ownership carefully before detecting any historic site.
What program should I start with for relic hunting?
Nokta Legend 2: Field mode with multi-frequency. Minelab EQUINOX 900: Field 2 with Multi-IQ. EQUINOX 700 and X-TERRA ELITE: the Field or Park profile with Multi-IQ. XP Deus II: the Fast program. Garrett ACE Apex: Relics or Custom mode in Multi-Freq. From there, keep iron bias low, sensitivity as high as stable and iron audio on.
How do I get permission to hunt on private land?
Show up in person, introduce yourself, explain the hobby briefly, promise to leave no trace, offer to share finds, and ask about a specific area rather than open-ended access. Written permission forms from detecting clubs protect both sides. Rejection is common; persistence across different properties pays off.
Is the original Nokta Legend still available?
Nokta has replaced it with the Legend 2, which is lighter, runs longer per charge, separates targets in iron better and comes with two coils and wireless headphones. For relic hunting, the Legend 2 is the one we recommend: see the Nokta Legend 2 collection. We have limited original Legend stock left in the Nokta Legend collection while it lasts.
Ready to Hunt History?
The best relic detector is the one matched to your ground and your experience. For most hunters that means a multi-frequency machine like the Legend 2 or EQUINOX 900, a second, smaller coil for iron-choked sites, good headphones, a real relic shovel, and time spent on research before you swing. Have a question about your sites? Call us and tell us where you hunt.
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