How to Display, Catalog and Store Your Finds

The best way to display metal detecting finds is to combine three things: a catalog that records where and when each item was found, display materials that will not harm the metal, and storage that keeps humidity low. Riker mounts, shadow boxes and coin albums with inert, non-PVC holders work well for display, while labeled bags or trays in a dry, closed cabinet suit everything else. Done right, your collection stays stable for decades and keeps the history that makes each find meaningful.

Step one: catalog before you display

An unlabeled relic in a frame is a curiosity. The same relic with a record of where it was found, at what depth and with whose permission is a piece of local history. A good catalog also protects you: it documents that items were recovered legally, which matters if you ever sell, donate or are asked about a find.

What to record for each find

A spreadsheet works fine. Number small finds with a tag on their bag or holder rather than writing on the object itself.

Step two: clean only what needs it

Before anything goes on display, decide whether it should be cleaned at all. Harsh cleaning permanently changes surfaces and typically reduces collector value. Our guide on how to clean metal detecting coins (and when not to) explains the safe approach. Whatever you do, make sure items are completely dry before storage.

How to display metal detecting finds

Riker mounts

These shallow, glass-topped boxes hold objects against a padded backing. They are inexpensive, stackable and popular for buttons, buckles and small relics. Choose versions with acid-free or inert backing where possible.

Shadow boxes and frames

Deeper frames suit themed displays such as a single site, a single year or a type collection. Use inert mounting materials and avoid glues on the objects themselves. Hang them away from exterior walls, bathrooms, kitchens and direct sunlight.

Coin albums, flips and capsules

For coins, use albums, stiff non-PVC flips or hard plastic capsules. NGC warns that soft flips containing PVC plasticizer can leave a hazy film that turns green and oily and permanently etches the coin.

Display cases and drawer cabinets

Glass-fronted cases and shallow drawer cabinets let you show larger collections. Line drawers with inert materials and add a desiccant for metal collections.

Themed displays

Some of the most engaging displays tell a story: everything from one homestead arranged by type, a timeline of coin dates from one park, or a single relic with a printed map and a short history. Including a copy of an old map or a photo of the site adds context visitors remember.

Storage conditions that protect metal

The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) gives practical guidance for storing metals. Key points:

• Iron: rusts above about 65 percent relative humidity. Clean, stable iron is fine around 50 percent, but iron from the ground often contains salts and should be kept drier; CCI recommends below 35 percent for actively corroding iron.
• Copper alloys (copper, brass, bronze): mixed collections are generally kept at 35 to 55 percent. Objects with active, powdery green corrosion need drier conditions, below 35 percent.
• Silver: tarnishes from pollutants; closed, sealed containers are recommended.
• Desiccants: silica gel in closed drawers or boxes keeps humidity low. Check and recondition it regularly. CCI notes household dehumidifiers generally cannot get a room below about 40 percent.

Materials to avoid near metal finds

• Wood and wood-pulp products such as raw wood drawers and ordinary cardboard, which CCI says release acid and sulfur vapors
• Oil-based paints that are not fully cured
• Urethane foams, which degrade over time
• Plastic food wrap, which CCI says can break down into a corrosive gas
• Rubber bands and latex, which can tarnish silver
• Soft PVC coin flips

Storage checklist

1. Dry every find completely before storage.
2. Separate metals: iron, copper alloys, silver and gold in their own containers.
3. Use inert polyethylene bags, archival boxes or non-PVC holders.
4. Label every container with its catalog number.
5. Add silica gel to closed containers holding iron or unstable copper.
6. Store indoors in a climate-controlled room, not a basement, garage or attic.
7. Handle finds with clean cotton or nitrile gloves; skin oils and salts mark silver and copper.
8. Check the collection a few times a year for new corrosion.

Many detecting accessories, including pouches and finds containers for the field, are in our accessories collection.

Photographing your finds

Good photos make identification, insurance and sharing far easier, and they reduce how often you need to handle the objects themselves. You do not need a studio:

1. Use soft, even light. Daylight from a window or two lamps placed at angles avoids harsh glare on shiny metal.
2. Use a plain background. Neutral gray or black card makes details stand out and keeps colors accurate.
3. Include a scale. A small ruler or scale bar in the frame records size, which matters for buttons, bullets and coins.
4. Shoot both sides and the edge. Backmarks on buttons, mint marks on coins and maker marks on buckles are often on the reverse.
5. Try raking light for worn details. A single light held low to one side can make faint dates and lettering readable.
6. Name files by catalog number. A file called 2026-041-obverse.jpg links straight back to your record.

Store a copy of your photo folder and catalog together in cloud storage or on an external drive, so the record survives even if a device fails.

Valuable finds and insurance

If you have coins or relics of significant value, photograph them, keep your catalog backed up off-site and talk to your insurer about coverage. For potentially rare coins, our guide to valuable coins found metal detecting covers what to look for and when to consult an expert.

Sharing your collection

Many detectorists share finds with landowners, local historical societies, schools and museums. A landowner who sees a framed display of finds from their property is often happy to keep the gate open. Remember that finds from private land may belong to the owner unless you agreed otherwise; see who owns what you find metal detecting.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to display metal detecting finds?

Riker mounts and shadow boxes work well for relics, while coins are best in albums, stiff non-PVC flips or capsules. Pair any display with a catalog that records where each item was found.

How do I stop my relics from rusting?

Keep iron dry. The Canadian Conservation Institute recommends keeping actively corroding iron below 35 percent relative humidity, which usually means a closed container with silica gel.

Are PVC coin flips safe?

Soft PVC flips are not suitable for long-term storage. PVC residue can form a green film and permanently damage coin surfaces. Use stiff non-PVC flips or capsules.

Should I write on my finds to label them?

No. Label the holder, bag or mount with a catalog number instead of marking the object.

How should I catalog my finds?

Record a catalog number, date, site, landowner, location, depth, identification, treatment and photos for each item, in a spreadsheet or dedicated app.

Sources

• >Canadian Conservation Institute: Storage of Metals (CCI Notes 9/2)
• >NGC: The Dangers of PVC Residue