Best Metal Detectors for Coin Hunting in 2025

Finding old coins is one of the most rewarding aspects of metal detecting. Whether you’re hunting wheat pennies in local parks, searching for silver at old homesteads, or chasing colonial coppers at historic sites, the right metal detector makes all the difference between walking over good targets and actually finding them.

After researching dozens of models and analyzing feedback from experienced coin hunters, we’ve identified the best metal detectors for coin hunting at every price point in 2025.

Quick Comparison: Best Metal Detectors for Coins 2025

Best Overall: Minelab Equinox 900

The Minelab Equinox 900 is the gold standard for serious coin hunters. Its Multi-IQ technology simultaneously runs multiple frequencies, giving you better target separation and improved performance in challenging ground conditions that single-frequency detectors simply can’t match.

Why Coin Hunters Love It

• Superior target separation: In iron-heavy sites like old homesteads or Civil War camps, the Equinox 900 can identify coins even when nails are almost touching the target.
• 119-point target ID: High-resolution display helps you sort trash from treasure before digging.
• Four detect modes: Park, Field, Beach, and Gold modes optimize for your hunting environment.
• Fully waterproof to 16 feet: Hunt creeks, beaches, and wet conditions without worry.
• Lightweight at 2.8 lbs: Carbon-fiber shafts let you swing all day without fatigue.

What’s Included

Both 11″ and 6″ waterproof Double-D coils (smaller coil excellent for trashy sites), wireless headphones, and built-in flashlight for dawn and dusk hunts.

Best Value: Nokta Legend

The Nokta Legend has disrupted the market by offering multi-frequency technology at nearly half the price of competitors. In head-to-head tests, it outperforms the Minelab Equinox 600-900 in low to moderate iron trash areas.

Why Coin Hunters Love It

• Multi-frequency detection: Adapts to all target types and ground conditions
• Exceptional target separation: Reviewers find coins in areas already searched with older detectors
• Fully waterproof to 16 feet: Take it in creeks, lakes, and ocean surf
• 20-hour battery life: USB rechargeable—no expensive batteries
• Free firmware updates: Nokta regularly improves performance through software

Real-World Performance

One experienced detectorist reported 40 hours across multiple trips, retrieving jewelry, gold, and 15-35 older coins each trip from an iron-infested trashy park. That’s performance you typically only see from $1,000+ machines.

Best All-Terrain: Garrett AT Pro

The Garrett AT Pro has been a workhorse for coin hunters since 2010. Made in the USA in Garland, Texas, it has a proven track record spanning over a decade with millions of coins found.

Why Coin Hunters Love It

• Waterproof to 10 feet: Hunt in rain, mud, shallow water, and wet grass
• Iron Audio feature: Hear iron contamination to decide whether to dig
• Fast recovery speed: Essential for trashy areas with close targets
• Pro and Standard modes: Standard for beginners, Pro for experienced hunters
• Legendary reliability: Garrett’s build quality lasts for years

Honest Assessment

The AT Pro runs on a single 15 kHz frequency, which works well in parks and freshwater beaches. Newer multi-frequency machines offer better target separation in heavily contaminated sites. The AT Pro also lacks a backlight for low-light conditions.

That said, for park hunting, schoolyards, and most field work, the AT Pro remains excellent. It’s easier to learn than multi-frequency detectors.

Best for Beginners: Garrett ACE 300

The Garrett ACE 300 is the most recommended entry-level detector: easy to learn, reliable, and capable of finding coins that more expensive machines would find. Made in the USA with Garrett’s reputation for quality.

Why Coin Hunters Love It

• Digital Target ID: On-screen numbers help identify targets before digging
• Five search modes: Zero-Disc, Jewelry, Custom, Coin, and Relic modes
• Enhanced Iron Resolution: Double the iron resolution of ACE 250
• Electronic pinpointing: Locate targets precisely before digging
• Lightweight at 2.5 lbs: Beginners won’t get fatigued

Best Budget Waterproof: Nokta Simplex Ultra

The Nokta Simplex Ultra breaks the mold for budget detectors. For under $300, you get a fully waterproof machine with features that used to cost $500+.

Why Coin Hunters Love It

• Fully waterproof to 16 feet: The entire unit—not just the coil—is submersible
• Vibration feedback: Feel targets through the handle, perfect for underwater hunting
• Carbon fiber shaft: Lightweight and durable
• USB rechargeable: No buying batteries
• Built-in flashlight: Hunt from dawn to dusk

What to Look for in a Coin Hunting Detector

Frequency Matters

• Lower frequencies (5-8 kHz): Better depth on larger coins like silver dollars
• Mid frequencies (10-15 kHz): Good all-around for most coins
• Multi-frequency: Best of all worlds for all coin types

Target Separation

Old sites are littered with iron nails, bottle caps, and trash. Good target separation identifies coins sitting next to iron trash. This is where multi-frequency detectors like the Equinox 900 and Nokta Legend excel.

Ground Balance

Mineralized soil can mask coin signals. Automatic ground balance adjusts for soil conditions. For beginners, automatic is fine.

Final Verdict

Serious about coin hunting? Invest in the Minelab Equinox 900.

Want the best value? The Nokta Legend offers 90% of the performance at half the price.

Want proven reliability? The Garrett AT Pro is simpler to use and lasts for years.

Just starting out? Begin with the Garrett ACE 300.

Need waterproof on a budget? The Nokta Simplex Ultra is unbeatable under $300.

This article contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.