90s Target ID on My Metal Detector... Means QUARTERS Almost EVERY Time!

Hey fellow treasure hunters!

If you've been metal detecting for any length of time, you know that feeling when your machine locks onto a solid, repeatable signal in the 90s on the Target ID (VDI) scale. Heart rate goes up. Pinpointer comes out. You just know something good is down there.

In my experience — after hundreds of hours in parks, schools, tot lots, and beaches — a clean VDI reading in the 90s (90–99) means it's a quarter about 99% of the time. Seriously. It's gotten to the point where I almost don't even get excited for anything else in that range anymore... because it's almost always George Washington smiling back at me!

Why the 90s = Quarters (For Me)

Most modern detectors (I'm running a [your detector model if you want to mention it]) assign quarters — both clad and silver — a VDI right around 92–96, sometimes creeping up to 98–99 depending on depth, soil conditions, and orientation. 

Here’s the breakdown I’ve seen over years of digging:

• 90–91: Occasionally a deep quarter or a nickel sneaking up high
• 92–95: Quarter city. Clad modern quarters dominate here.
• 96–99: Often older silver quarters (pre-1965) or deeper clad ones pulling slightly higher numbers

Pull tabs? Bottle caps? Screw caps? Sure, they register but well below on the VDI scale.... but once you hit a tight, repeatable 93–96 from multiple directions, that's quarter territory 99% of the time in my hunts.

Proof in the Plug – Watch This Insane Dig!

I caught one of these textbook 90s signals on camera recently, and the reveal did NOT disappoint. Solid tone, perfect VDI bouncing between 94–96... and boom — quarter! 🤯

You can literally hear the excitement in my voice as soon as that number pops up. Classic “I already know what this is” moment.

Pro Tip for New Detectorists

If you're still learning your machine:

• Trust those high 90s signals in coin-shooting spots (parks, schools, playgrounds).
• Always check from multiple angles — quarters give super consistent numbers.
• Dig them! Even if you think you “know” it’s a quarter... every once in a while, the detector gods throw you a silver surprise or even a bonus dime stacked underneath.

What’s Your Experience?

Drop a comment below and tell me:

• Do you get the same results with 90s VDI = quarters on your machine?
• What’s the highest VDI you’ve ever seen on a quarter?
• Ever been fooled by a 90s signal that WASN’T a quarter? (We’ve all been there 😂)

If you enjoyed this post and want more live digs, detector tips, and “I knew it!” moments, make sure to:

• Subscribe to my YouTube channel for daily Shorts and longer hunts
• Hit that like button on the Short if those 90s signals get you hyped too!

Until the next plug...  

Happy Hunting! 🏴‍☠️💿

Zeke aka Glenn!