How A Typical Project Unfolds
Sweep Property Sections and Mark Targets
For most projects we employ a two-phased approach. Initially a large coil is used to mark all potential targets. It can identify deeper targets and covers more ground as we swing it side-to-side. For extraction, a much smaller coil is used to pinpoint the precise location of each marked target. This allows us to cut a much smaller extraction plug - typically less than 6 inches in diameter. In some instances, the smaller coil is not capable of seeing a deep target as well as the larger coil. In these cases, we will pinpoint with the larger coil and cut a slightly bigger plug.
Other considerations:
You are more than welcome to join in the process however, to hear deeper targets or eliminate road noise we may be wearing headphones. This can make it difficult to communicate.
Cut and Replace Plug after Target Removal
When extracting a target, we cut a U-shaped plug and fold it back along the uncut edge. Our detectors are fairly precise with determining the depth and exact location of the target. If additional dirt needs to be removed, we use a handheld shovel and place any removed dirt on a mat. Once the target is found, excess dirt is replaced and the plug is returned to its original position. Maintained lawns will appear exactly as they did before our arrival.
Other considerations:
Watch a full video of an extraction at https://youtu.be/OeVJrFUoaw4
Sometimes the target is trash (nails, bottlecaps, etc.). We always bag the trash and remove it from your property unless instructed otherwise.
Document Each Discovery Onsite
As each relic is removed, a photograph is taken. While a denomination can typically be determined, dates might be obscured by encrusted surface material. We take great care not to damage relics so exposing hidden dates is performed at our shop under ideal conditions. Surprisingly, a simple swipe of a thumb over a dirty coin can leave visible scratches on the surface. This may negatively affect valuation.
Other considerations:
We’ll review all finds with you prior to departure. If you are not available, we will provide an inventory report if requested.
It is impossible to tell what might lie under the surface of an encrusted coin. Silver coins tend to preserve in the ground very well while copper coins may be hiding significant corrosion. More often than not, we will not know condition until a portion of the surface material is removed.
Initial Cleanse, Analysis, and Sale Prep
At our shop, coins receive an initial bath in distilled water to remove loose surface material. Each coin is then reviewed under microscope. Sometimes lighting, angle, and a bit of moisture can help reveal a date that we could not see in the field.
If a date is scarce, or has valuable errors to search for, additional processing occurs. If it is a common date or shows any signs of corrosion, it is set aside. We will process all coins until the date and mintmark are visible. Viable candidates will be prepared for sale to the collector market.
Other considerations:
Even common date coins in excellent condition may hold value. We may prepare such coins for sale too.
Jewelry is typically taken to a jeweler for content identification and value assessment.
Finds from different customers are never comingled.
Set Pricing and List for Sale
When pricing for our online store or a reserve-based auction, we generally use eBay sold item history to get the best indication of current market trends. This is compared against average grade-level pricing published by NumisMedia and CoinValues on raw (not in a slab) coins. The combination of these three price points helps us to accurately price a listing.
Other considerations:
For graded coins, we rarely use the Buy Now feature on consignment auctions (like Heritage or Great Collections). Our experience indicates that bidding will typically exceed average prices.
Customers are notified when coins or other relics are listed on their behalf.
Sales and Payouts
Once a sales path is selected, and items are either listed or sent to a coin grading service, ProDetecting will email a detailed report with listing URLs and pricing information. When an item sells, customer accounts are credited for the net amount due. Monthly reports are provided until all items sell.
Other considerations:
ProDetecting has a 21-day return policy on all store sales. When selling coins for a customer we will not credit the account until the return period has past.
Customers may request a payout at any time provided the credit amount due is $100 or more. When the last item sells a final payout is automatically sent.
Total payouts that exceed $600 for any one person might require 1099 reporting.