Throughout history, hidden coin hoards have captivated imaginations, often lying dormant for decades before their unexpected discovery. These tales not only offer a glimpse into the past but also underscore the enduring allure of buried treasures. Here are six compelling stories of lost coins found decades later, each rich in detail and historical significance.
1. The Great Kentucky Hoard: Civil War-Era Coins Unearthed
In 2023, an anonymous individual in Kentucky made a staggering discovery: over 700 Civil War-era coins buried in a cornfield. Dubbed the “Great Kentucky Hoard,” this collection includes:
- Hundreds of U.S. gold dollars (1850-1862)
- Twenty $10 Liberty coins (1840-1862)
- Several $20 Liberty Double Eagles (1863)
The hoard’s estimated value is around $2 million, offering a tangible connection to a tumultuous period in American history.
2. The 1975 ‘No S’ Dime: A Family’s Hidden Fortune
In October 2024, three sisters from Ohio sold a rare 1975 Roosevelt dime missing the San Francisco mint mark (“S”) for $506,250. Their late brother had purchased the coin in 1978 for $18,200 and kept it in a bank vault as a financial safety net. This dime is one of only two known to exist without the mint mark, making it extraordinarily rare.
3. The Chew Valley Hoard: A Glimpse into Post-Norman Conquest England
In 2019, metal detectorists Adam Staples and his team unearthed over 2,500 silver coins in a farmer’s field in southwest England. Known as the “Chew Valley Hoard,” the collection includes coins from the reigns of William the Conqueror and Harold II, dating back approximately 1,000 years. Valued at £4.3 million ($5.6 million), this hoard provides invaluable insights into the period following the Norman conquest of England.
4. The Lost French Gold: A Revolutionary War-Era Mystery
In 1755, during the French and Indian War, French soldiers buried their military payroll near present-day Minerva, Ohio, to prevent it from falling into British hands. The treasure, consisting of gold coins, was hidden after a skirmish that left only two survivors. Decades later, a nephew of one of the soldiers discovered a journal detailing the treasure’s location. Despite numerous attempts, the “Lost French Gold” remains undiscovered, continuing to intrigue treasure hunters.
5. The Great Silver Horde: A Novice’s Lucky Find
In early 2024, Mickey Richardson, a novice treasure hunter from Bournemouth, England, won a metal detector in a raffle. Within months, he discovered a hoard of 234 silver coins in a field in Ansty. Believed to have been buried in 1644 during the English Civil War, the coins sold at auction for £23,000. Mickey plans to use his share for a holiday with his wife, highlighting how unexpected discoveries can change lives.
6. The Norwegian Church Coins: Childhood Discovery Revealed After 60 Years
In 1964, Norwegian brothers exploring beneath the floorboards of Edøy Church found 14 medieval silver coins, along with fittings, an amber bead, and needles. The coins, dating back to the 13th century, were hidden for six decades before one of the brothers, Jan Gunnar Fugelsnes, reported them to authorities in 2023. The artifacts are now preserved by the Møre og Romsdal County Municipality, offering a unique glimpse into Norway’s medieval past.
| Discovery | Location | Year Found | Contents | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Great Kentucky Hoard | Kentucky, USA | 2023 | 700+ Civil War-era coins, including gold dollars and Liberty coins | $2 million |
| 1975 ‘No S’ Dime | Ohio, USA | 2024 | Rare Roosevelt dime missing San Francisco mint mark | $506,250 |
| The Chew Valley Hoard | Southwest England | 2019 | 2,500+ silver coins from reigns of William the Conqueror and Harold II | £4.3 million |
| The Lost French Gold | Minerva, Ohio, USA | Unfound | French military payroll gold coins buried in 1755 | Unknown |
| The Great Silver Horde | Ansty, England | 2024 | 234 silver coins from 1644 | £23,000 |
| Norwegian Church Coins | Edøy, Norway | 2023 | 14 medieval silver coins, fittings, amber bead, needles | Not specified |
FAQs
How are buried coin hoards typically discovered?
Buried coin hoards are often found by metal detector enthusiasts, construction workers, or individuals conducting archaeological excavations. Advances in technology, such as ground-penetrating radar, have also increased the likelihood of such discoveries.
What should someone do upon discovering a hoard of coins?
Upon discovering a hoard, it’s essential to report the find to local authorities or heritage organizations. Many countries have laws governing the discovery of treasure, ensuring that finds are properly documented, preserved, and, if applicable, shared with the public.
Why do some coin hoards remain hidden for centuries?
Coin hoards often remain hidden due to their deliberate concealment during times of conflict or economic instability. Over time, the original owners may have perished or forgotten the exact location, leaving the treasures buried until accidental discovery.
These stories of lost coins found decades later serve as a testament to the enduring allure of hidden treasures and the rich histories they unveil upon discovery.