Article Archives

This is a collection of previously released or published articles that Thomas Dankowski has written over the years or that feature Thomas in his works as a detectorist.

Dreams Dug

By: Thomas J. Dankowski
August 2012.

There are several things that can make a coin rare/valuable. This photo gallery, exclusively on dankowskidetectors.com, shows examples of criteria that makes seemingly mediocre coins valuable.

When ADJUSTABLE Iron Discrimination is Paramount

By: Thomas Dankowski
January 2011.

This article, by Thomas Dankowski exclusively for dankowskidetectors.com, explores the criticality of ADJUSTABLE iron discrimination when confronted with metal objects that consist of both ferrous and non-ferrous elements. Numerous 'Real World' examples are displayed of how non-ferrous metals can become 'fused' with ferrous trash and cause desirable targets to be missed. This article further explains where High Resolution Iron Discrimination, where you can adjust HOW MUCH iron is to be discriminated, is of extreme importance.

Fort Meade, Florida

Third Seminole Indian War
Archaeological Metal Detecting Project

This article presents the discoveries from the Fort Meade, Florida Archaeological Metal Detecting Project conducted by Thomas Dankowski. This compilation presents the most accurate datum, from a scientific approach in the form of hard evidence (actual relics), to paint a picture of the lifestyle of an era and an area. This article features numerous images of relics found with explanations of their historical relevance. An interesting article that demonstrates how metal detectors can be used as archeological tools.

After finding a gold coin at a metal detecting site, Thomas Dankowski undertook an unprecedented endeavor by excavating an area and removing all ferrous target-masking items to document the amount of non-ferrous targets that were masked. The results were astonishing, but painful.

A head-to-head comparison is VERY difficult to perform. Absolutely ALL variables must be removed if any form of validity is to be ascertained. The slightest changing variable can completely void the test. This article explains the parameters and conditions that must be considered and how to turn these variables into constants. By keeping an open mind, avoiding pre-conceived bias and using this knowledge you can increase your volume of "keeper" finds!!!

The Pull Tab! Introduced in 1962

Now that the video is complete, I have more time to write articles. I have just finished an article that I submitted to Fisher Research Laboratory for inclusion in their Fisher Intelligence Fifth edition.   This article concerns research I performed a few years ago in trying to determine the depth of the 1962 dirt strata.   1962 is the year when the metal detectorists' worst nightmare was introduced, the pull-tab.   I think you might find this article interesting.   Knowing the depth of the 1962 dirt strata can help you make better decisions on which targets to dig so that you will recover better, older stuff.

Beneath the Mask

By: Thomas Dankowski

2000. Unedited version of article published in
Western & Eastern Treasures March, 2000.

Thomas investigates and explains the complex phenomena of masking and silent masking. His findings from extensive research over a five month period are revealed in this very informative article. This article is crucial reading material for the serious metal detectorist! Click Here to View the 'Beneath the Mask' Article!

Left Behind

By: Thomas Dankowski

2000. Unedited version of article published in
Western & Eastern Treasures March, 2000.

Thomas features a Minelab SD2200d metal detector in this interesting adventure. This article is a great example of how a superior metal detector used with proper techniques can find the treasures 'left behind' in areas that some would consider 'hunted out'. Click Here to View the 'Left Behind' Article!

Love is Deep!

By: Thomas Dankowski

2000. Unedited version of article published in
Western & Eastern Treasures March, 2000.

An educational and informative article that exhibits how depth is related to the age of objects found. This article illustrates how Thomas painstakingly gathers data to increase the knowledge base of metal detecting. This article also shows how a well tuned, well adjusted detector can find coins that you would have never known were there. Click Here to View the 'Love is Deep!' Article!

Paid in Cache!

By: Thomas Dankowski and Michael Holman

1999, Unedited version of article published in
Western & Eastern Treasures, January 1999.

This article written by Thomas Dankowski and Michael Holman describes a good old fashion treasure hunting rivalry between two good friends who both happen to be great THers. Their adventure together shows that 'hunted out' areas can produce overlooked deep coins if hunted properly and methodically. Thomas finds a Civil War button, taking the lead in the rivalry, until he sees the cache that Michael Holman had found! Click Here to View the 'Paid in Cache!' Article!

Above All Others

By: Thomas Dankowski

1998. Unedited version, portions used by KellyCo.

At the request of professional treasure hunters, Thomas field tested the Minelab 'SD' series detectors on the beach. This Head-to-head comparison is the most understood universal language among detectorists. Minelab Excalibur and Fisher 'CZ' series owners, this is your wake-up call. Click Here to View the 'Above All Others' Article

The Most Impressive Find, Missed

By: Walter Shivel

During the video shoot for the Inland Coin and Relic Hunting DVD, we captured a lot of really great finds on video, but we missed what I considered to be the most impressive find. This article tells the story of this truly amazing find, missed. Click Here to View the 'The Most Impressive Find, Missed' Article!

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