"Coin shooting," what is it? For those individuals who are not familiar with metal detecting, they may envision a person shooting a coin out of the air with a gun. However, anyone involved with the hobby of metal detecting, understands that coin shooting means searching for lost or dropped coins while using a metal detector. It's an exciting hobby.

We also realize that the more information we have about where to search for those coins, the more finds we will locate. Here are three unusual areas to search.

Outhouses,

Yes outhouses, especially the old turn of the century types. I love old outhouses. For those who have seen my TV series, "Ghost Towns of the East," you know why.

Now, before you turn up your noses at the thought of searching in and around old outhouses, let me explain why they offer a great opportunity to locate old coins.

First, don't worry about getting the plague or some incurable disease from searching old outhouses. The bacteria died off years ago. Take it from someone who has spent years standing, and digging in century old outhouses. I am a walking, thriving testament to that theory. If the bacteria were still alive, I would have two heads, or an eye in the middle of my forehead by now. So, don't worry about catching some incurable disease, or becoming deformed.

Why are old outhouses a great place to coin shoot? Come on now. Do I really have to explain?  Just imagine all of those coins falling out of those pockets as duty is being done. I have located hundreds of old coins in and around outhouses. So, do not pass them by.

Whenever I see an outhouse, I get excited. I find out who the outhouse owner is, get permission, and I coin shoot like crazy. Give outhouse coin shooting a try.

Waterfalls

Every time I have metal detected around a waterfall I have found coins, and many of them have been older coins.

Waterfalls are great places to search around because many of them are located in or near an old picnic grove. And for years, the old groves were a haven for people to congregate. Most times, picnickers sat at the bottom of the falls near a pool of water used for swimming. This area is where they lost their coins. In addition, many people throw coins from the top of the waterfalls to the bottom, into the pool of water below. I have watched people throw coins from the tops of waterfalls, and even bridges. However, many of those coins thrown from above the falls, missed the water and landed on the ground around the pool. You will find those coins. So, do not pass up waterfalls. They can lead to some very exciting coins.

Hiking Trails

Most hiking trails used today have been around for hundreds of years. Many were once old Indian trails. Think of how many people that have walked those paths, and while they walked they were reaching into their pockets, and in doing so they were losing coins.

Some of my oldest, and most rare coins, have been found while coin shooting on a hiking trail. Search out those trails; you will be glad you did.

©Frank W. Pandozzi