I know there are higher end detectors that can be used for precious metals, hence this question.

I have a customer that has developed Alzheimer's. Sadly I've been dealing with a number of these lately. He could not remember the combination to his safe, but was smart enough to leave it open so that we could get everything straightened out.

While there I was told that at some point in the past he had hidden a 20 oz tube of Krugerrands somewhere in his basement. The obvious hiding places have been checked without any luck. With that much gold, concentrated in that small of a space, is there any type of metal detector that could differentiate between it and all of the normal metal found within a home? Figured if it were possible, it would be easier to run around the basement with a detector prior to demolishing everything in an attempt to find them.

I believe Yes. You'd be best served finding a professional and have then search vs getting a metal detector and taking on the search yourself. You want to discriminate between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Any information on the location of pipes, wires etc would also be helpful.

If you don't get a solid answer in a while I'd recommend going to kellyco .com and chatting with s staff member there.

Contact these folks. https://gatewaymetaldetectingclub.com/lost-something/

If they can't help you, then maybe they know someone who can. It is very common for detectorists to volunteer their time and equipment for locating lost objects. While most expect nothing in return, nearly all appreciate being rewarded with permission to search properties. e.g. Maybe someone comes over to help with the basement search, and the owner grants permission to search the yard.

Edit to add: There are other clubs in the vicinity. See https://metaldetectingforum.co...owthread.php?t=14013

Wish you luck, other than that, I'm no help.

I think what you want is called a gold spear.

there are underground imagining services which you could hire to do the job.

Normally used for industrial tasks, this is more like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), if you are familiar with that, as opposed to traditional metal detection.

Will be a few thousand dollars to hire this service, but obviously worthwhile.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...nd-penetrating_radar

Around here you can rent a metal detector and may be an option for you. The detector I have can hint at what metal it is detecting and can aid in your search.

Depending on the age of the house if it has a dirt floor is one thing, but concrete may have reenforcing bars in it and could confuse the detector. However, if it is concrete you should be able to spot a patch in the floor and possibly dig there. If it is dirt or concrete and you are concerned about pipes and wires you can check along a path to see if it continues or is a "spot".

Also, don't forget about joists and support beams. I found a carpenters plane in a joist bay at a previous house we lived at. If the foundation is stone take the detector along the walls for a false stone.

Good luck with your hunt and hopefully the family will appreciate all you have done.

From my pal, Uncle Spooky:

quote:

Any decent detector that the iron signal can be decreased without interfering with your non ferrous signals. Also, on most detectors, gold will ring in the aluminum range. You'll need to check every signal. It shouldn't be too hard to do since he didn't bury it.

As a detectorist I would love to have the opportunity to search for it. Just the thrill of the search would be reward enough. Many other detectorists feel the same way.

Like others have suggested find someone local. The machine is only part of the equation for finding the gold, most of the success will come from a experienced person using the detector. There is a steep learning curve. Especially when dealing with other metals nearby. I have a Minelab 3030 that can pick up and determine ferrous or non ferrous signals, even if they are on top of each other. But it takes time to learn how to use it, and costs 3K.

quote:

Originally posted by Joe123:
As a detectorist I would love to have the opportunity to search for it.

The "we found gold" dance is payment enough.

_{Detectorists is a British single-camera television comedy series which was first broadcast on BBC Four on 2 October 2014. It is written and directed by Mackenzie Crook, who also stars alongside Toby Jones. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detectorists}

Does anyone have the contact info for Gary Drayton” Mr. Top Pocket Find!

Thanks for all the replies.

It won't be buried. It's a full finished basement that's concrete all the way around, framed, drywalled, carpeted, etc. It could be buried in a hollowed out book (thousands of them) on a shelf, in an air duct beyond where they already reached, in a piece of furniture, or something along those lines.