Have you ever wondered if there’s treasure hidden in your backyard or even inside an old wall? For a few lucky people, stumbling upon coin hoards in the most unexpected places led to incredible wealth and fascinating glimpses into history. Let’s explore five remarkable coin discoveries that stunned the world and enriched their finders.
1. Saddle Ridge Hoard (California, 2013)
Discovery:
A California couple walking their dog spotted a rusty can poking out of the ground on their property. What they uncovered was beyond imagination—a hidden treasure buried right beneath their feet.
What They Found:
Inside eight cans were 1,427 gold coins from the 1800s, many in near-mint condition, including the rare 1866 Liberty $20 Double Eagle coin.
Value:
The collection was valued at over $10 million, with the Liberty coin alone fetching nearly $1 million at auction. The couple sold their find through Kagin’s Inc., securing financial freedom and making numismatic history.
2. Staffordshire Hoard (England, 2009)
Discovery:
Terry Herbert, an amateur treasure hunter with a metal detector, struck literal gold in a farmer’s field in Staffordshire, England. Beneath the surface lay a treasure from ancient times.
What Was Found:
The hoard contained over 3,500 items, including coins, jewelry, and weapon fragments from the Anglo-Saxon period, showcasing incredible craftsmanship.
Value:
Valued at over $5 million, the artifacts were purchased by British museums. The find offered valuable insights into Anglo-Saxon life and sparked a metal-detecting craze across the UK.
3. Diminutive Penny Hoard (Utah, 2020)
Discovery:
During the demolition of an old house, a contractor found a jar hidden inside a wall. It looked ordinary but held a surprising secret.
What Was Found:
The jar contained over 200 rare pennies, including several 1909-S VDB Lincoln cents, famous for their low production numbers.
Value:
The collection turned out to be worth over $500,000, with some individual pennies fetching tens of thousands of dollars.
Impact:
This find proved that even small coins can carry significant value, encouraging others to check hidden corners for overlooked treasures.
4. Backyard Roman Coin Hoard (England, 2015)
Discovery:
While renovating their garden in Colkirk, England, a family stumbled upon a clay pot buried just a few feet underground.
What Was Found:
Inside were over 22,000 Roman coins from the 3rd century AD, featuring emperors like Diocletian. Most were made of silver and bronze.
Value:
Appraised at over $500,000, the hoard was eventually donated to a local museum, enriching historical understanding of Roman Britain.
5. Baltimore Gold Hoard (Maryland, 1934)
Discovery:
During the Great Depression, a construction worker in Baltimore unearthed a metal box while digging a foundation. Inside lay a stunning gold fortune.
What Was Found:
The box contained dozens of rare $10 and $20 Liberty Head gold coins, likely buried for safekeeping during tough economic times.
Value:
Today, the coins are worth over $1 million. Sold at auctions, their pristine condition and historical significance added to their value.
Impact:
This discovery sparked interest in urban treasure hunting and highlighted the potential for hidden riches in unexpected places.
FAQs: Astonishing Coin Discoveries
Q: What is a coin hoard?
A: A coin hoard is a collection of valuable coins deliberately hidden or buried, often for safekeeping. These caches are typically discovered long after their original owners buried them, sometimes centuries later.
Q: How did the Saddle Ridge Hoard get its name?
A: The name “Saddle Ridge” refers to the area where the coins were found on the couple’s Northern California property. This hoard became famous for its extraordinary value and the story of its discovery.
Q: Why are some coins so valuable?
A: Coins gain value due to factors like rarity, historical significance, minting errors, and condition. For instance, the 1866 Liberty $20 Double Eagle coin from the Saddle Ridge Hoard is rare because of its limited production and gold content.
Q: What should I do if I find old coins or a potential hoard?
A: If you discover old coins:
- Do not clean them—this can damage their value.
- Document the find—take photos of the discovery site.
- Consult experts—reach out to a reputable coin dealer or numismatist for an appraisal.
Q: Are metal detectors useful for finding coin hoards?
A: Yes, metal detectors are often used by hobbyists and treasure hunters to locate buried coins or artifacts. Many discoveries, like the Staffordshire Hoard, were made using metal detectors.
Q: Is it legal to keep treasures you find?
A: Laws vary by location:
- In the U.S.: Ownership depends on where you found the treasure (private or public land). Consult local regulations.
- In the UK: Finds must be reported under the Treasure Act, and museums may claim significant artifacts. Finders typically receive compensation.
Q: How do I know if old coins I find are valuable?
A: Check for these key indicators:
- Date and mint mark: Rare mint years are more valuable.
- Condition: Coins in better condition command higher prices.
- Metal content: Gold or silver coins are usually worth more than common metals.
Q: Can everyday places hide valuable coins?
A: Absolutely! Many discoveries happen in ordinary locations: backyards, walls of old houses, and even gardens. The Diminutive Penny Hoard and the Baltimore Gold Hoard are perfect examples.
Q: Why do people bury coins in the first place?
A: Throughout history, people have buried valuables to protect them from theft, war, or economic instability. Sometimes, the owners were unable to retrieve their treasures, leaving them hidden for future generations to find.
Q: What’s the most valuable coin hoard ever discovered?
A: While values vary, the Saddle Ridge Hoard ($10 million) and the Staffordshire Hoard ($5 million) are among the most valuable. Other ancient discoveries, like Roman coin hoards, hold significant historical and monetary value.