Coil & Ground field guide
Metal detecting finds care
Care for metal detecting finds with practical guides to recording the findspot, handling coins and fragile objects, safe storage and when to seek expert advice.
The safest first response to an unfamiliar find is usually to record it, isolate it and avoid aggressive cleaning. Soil, corrosion and attached material can carry information; a wire brush, polish or chemical soak can remove it permanently.
Record before cleaning
Note an accurate grid reference, the find depth, land use and nearby material where it is safe and lawful to do so. Photograph the object as found. Keep delicate finds in small ventilated containers or bags rather than loose beside scrap metal.
Ask before you act
If an object may be Treasure, part of a group or archaeologically significant, follow the official reporting route. For other archaeological objects in England and Wales, your local Finds Liaison Officer can advise about voluntary recording through the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Read should you clean metal detecting finds? before using water, brushes, polish or household chemicals. Material, condition and reporting status decide the safe next step.
NEXT ROUTES
Continue from here
Record a find properly
Capture the location context photographs and labels before the evidence is disturbed.
Open field note →Field noteCheck reporting duties
Know when to stop who to contact and which country’s rules apply.
Open field note →Field noteRefine the recovery method
Protect the target before the spade or cleaning brush reaches it.
Open field note →Field notePack finds separately
Use a field setup that keeps fragile objects away from sharp scrap.
Open field note →Field noteProtect an old coin
Record the findspot avoid cleaning and package the coin without losing surface evidence.
Open field note →Field noteContact a Finds Liaison Officer
Understand what an FLO records what details to send and how to find the right local contact.
Open field note →Field noteDecide whether to clean a find
Protect fragile surfaces and choose the least damaging next step for each material.
Open field note →Field noteUse the Portable Antiquities Scheme
Understand voluntary archaeological recording in England and Wales and how to reach an FLO.
Open field note →Field noteStore found coins
Keep each coin and its findspot record together without rubbing or unnecessary cleaning.
Open field note →Field noteStore iron finds
Separate unstable iron and recognise when conservation advice is needed.
Open field note →Field noteIdentify possible lead objects
Describe grey-metal finds safely and avoid hazardous home tests.
Open field note →Field notePhotograph a find
Capture the setting object faces scale and a field number for a useful record.
Open field note →Field noteRecognise grouped finds
Know when multiple objects or a feature mean it is time to stop digging.
Open field note →Field noteIdentify a buckle
Read frame pin and plate details without guessing a date from shape.
Open field note →Field noteIdentify a button
Examine reverse attachment and construction before interpreting a motif.
Open field note →Field noteIdentify a token or jetton
Compare both faces and legends before deciding whether a disc is a coin.
Open field note →Field noteCatalogue a collection
Link permanent IDs findspots photos custody and storage over time.
Open field note →