Great questions

Never did learn that coin popping deal, saw the coin popper that looked like a cool tool, high chance of dinging the object if you're using metal though. I don't hunt a lot of yards.



Have to be talking about the flap, pulling a plug out definitely causes more damage


Harder than most people think especially on the east/ northeast beaches in a rough surf. Pinpoint and place one foot behind the coil, move the coil out of the way and bring the scoop down to the front of your foot. Dig in and pray  stick your foot in the hole so if it's not in the scoop you can get back in the spot, amazing how fast the sand fills in the hole. Good to practice this up in the wet or dry to get the mechanics down.

TD

Here’s an 1854-0 seated liberty half-dollar I dug upstate around 25 years ago.

I used a large military knife as my main digging tool back then. Well, that blade put
A nice size scratch across the face of this beautiful type coin!

I still use a large military knife to dig, but use a probe of some sort to help prevent this type of damage to coins and jewelry!

The lesson learned is always using a soft type probe made from brass, hard plastic or some softer than steel type material. The end of the probe can also have smooth ball type shape to also help prevent scratching any dug objects.



Thanks! 

I saw a few videos and I cut a slit to try and make as little damage. I use a towel for the extra dirt, pretty easy.