@Mark Dayton Thanks, Mark. This is still timely. I'm ready to pull the trigger on buying a Manticore package but will give you a few days to work on High Plains. Looks like you are recommending a package with the 9" coil. For the larger coils (M11 & M15), I'm in So Cal but don't do much beach hunting. My main activity is relic hunting at inland (dry) sites. What's the best for relic hunting--M11 or M15? Or should I get both? I will go with your recommendation and am looking forward to getting a new Manticore.

@Mark Dayton Hi Mark. I finally took the plunge and got the Manticore with M9, M11 & M15 coils. Couldn't find a good package at High Plains, so went with another dealer. Thanks for your feedback, which was very helpful. When the machine arrives in a few days, I'm going to go through the information you have posted about best settings for the Manticore. If I have any questions beyond that, hope I can call or PM you. I'm pumped to be joining the Manticore club!!

Nice IHP, Alan. What's that 1888 doing at a Civil War battle site? Must have been dropped by a later visitor (graverobber?).

My main advice would be to concentrate on older parks, especially those before 1950. Go online and search for park history. You should be able to find a few older parks. If you detect those, wheats should be there and not difficult to find. Silver is more difficult but is also doable. Try areas close to trees, restrooms, rocks, etc. I also find silver in lawn areas but less so because those areas have often been cherry picked.

One other thing, James. When detecting with my Nox 800, I have noticed that wheats and pre-1983 Memorials typically ring up 22-25, whereas zinccoins ring up 19-20. By watching for the #s for wheats, you can increase your chance of getting them. If you use another detector, the #s would be different for you but I'm sure there would still be a spread in the #s between wheats and zinccoins.