Georgia’s red clay soil has revealed many amazing treasures over the years. From Native American artifacts to Civil War relics, the state has yielded valuable discoveries that tell stories of its rich past. These found treasures provide glimpses into the history that shaped Georgia.
The mountains, coastline, and forests of Georgia have all produced remarkable finds. Gold discoveries were once so plentiful that America’s first gold rush happened right here in Georgia. People continue to uncover coins, jewelry, and historic items worth thousands of dollars.
Georgia’s treasure-filled landscape has rewarded many dedicated searchers. Museums across the state now display these valuable discoveries for everyone to enjoy. Each found treasure helps us better understand Georgia’s fascinating history.
Amazing Treasures That Have Been Found In Georgia
These remarkable treasure discoveries in Georgia will leave you amazed. But once you’ve read about these legendary finds, make sure to explore our guide to 17 Hidden Treasures in Georgia that might still be out there!
Etowah Marble Effigies – $1,500,000+
Ancient artists carved these marble statues nearly 800 years ago. The figures, one male and one female, were found at the Etowah Mounds in Georgia. They are considered some of the most impressive prehistoric sculptures ever found in the Southeast.
Historians believe these effigies were used in religious ceremonies. The level of detail in their facial expressions and clothing suggests they had great cultural importance. Some scholars think they represented ancestors or deities worshiped by the Mississippian people.
Archaeologists discovered them in the 19th century. Since then, they have been carefully studied and preserved. Made from solid marble, these figures show the skill and artistic talent of their creators. No similar sculptures have been found in such excellent condition.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Experts estimate the statues could be worth over $1.5 million today.
Button Gwinnett’s 1776 Letter – $1,000,000+
This letter is one of the rarest signatures of a U.S. founding father. Button Gwinnett was a Georgia signer of the Declaration of Independence. His autograph is extremely rare because he died in a duel in 1777.
Collectors search for anything with his signature. A signed letter from 1776 was believed lost for years. When it was finally found, it became one of the most valuable pieces of American history.
The letter was sold at Sotheby’s in 2010. It set a record for American autographs, showing how important it is. Few documents from Gwinnett exist, making every signature extremely valuable.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The letter today could easily be worth over $1 million, especially if another one does not appear.
Etowah “Rogan” Copper Plates – $150,000+
Skilled Mississippian artists crafted these copper plates centuries ago. The designs feature an eagle dancer, an important religious symbol. These plates were found in Etowah Mound C in 1884, buried with elite members of the society.
Archaeologists believe the plates were used in sacred ceremonies. They were made using advanced metalworking techniques. Some of the details are so intricate that they reveal incredible craftsmanship.
Only a few of these plates exist today. Each one tells a story about the Mississippian culture. Because they are so rare, they are considered priceless relics of Native American history.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A similar plate could sell for over $150,000 due to its rarity and significance in indigenous history.
S.S. Republic Treasure – $200,000,000+
A violent storm sank the S.S. Republic in 1865. The ship carried a fortune in gold and silver coins. It was traveling from New York to New Orleans when it went down off the coast of Georgia.
Treasure hunters located the wreck in 2003. More than 51,000 coins were recovered from the deep sea. Many of them were in excellent condition despite being underwater for over a century.
Historians believe the gold was meant to help rebuild the South after the Civil War. Each coin tells a piece of history from a crucial time in America. This makes the discovery even more valuable than its gold alone.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The total value of the treasure today could exceed $200 million, making it one of the most valuable shipwreck finds.
Templeton Reid $2.50 Gold Coin – $500,000+
Georgia’s first gold rush led to the creation of these coins. Templeton Reid, an assayer, minted them in 1830 in Milledgeville. Only a handful remain today.
Reid’s coins were not widely accepted at the time. Some people doubted their purity, so few were made. Those that survived are now among the rarest gold coins from early America.
One of these coins sold for $480,000 in 2020. Because of their history and rarity, they continue to rise in value. Coin collectors consider them a prized part of American numismatic history.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A top-condition Templeton Reid $2.50 coin could now fetch over $500,000 or more at auction.
Kolomoki Mounds Pottery Cache – $1,000,000+
Buried deep within Mound D at Kolomoki, archaeologists uncovered a stunning collection of ceramic vessels. This site, located in Early County, dates back to around 500 AD during the Woodland period. The pottery included finely crafted animal effigy bowls shaped like deer, quail, and owls.
People of this ancient culture likely used these vessels in religious ceremonies or as offerings for the deceased. Each piece shows remarkable craftsmanship, with intricate details that reveal their artistic skill. The level of preservation is also impressive, considering they were buried for over a thousand years.
Excavators believe the pottery was placed in the mound as part of a burial ritual. Many early Native American cultures buried objects with their dead to aid them in the afterlife. These vessels were likely made specifically for this purpose, making them even more significant.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If sold today, individual pieces from the Kolomoki pottery cache could be worth between $5,000 and $10,000 each, making the entire collection potentially worth $1 million.
Santa Catalina Spanish Treasure – $1,000,000+
Gold and silver artifacts were not expected to be found at the Santa Catalina de Guale mission. Spanish missionaries established this settlement on St. Catherines Island in the 16th century. Archaeologists were stunned when they unearthed a variety of valuable relics.
A large number of glass beads, rings, and medallions were discovered. These objects came from Europe and Asia, revealing a vast trade network. The beads alone numbered around 65,000, showing how valuable they were in early colonial trade.
Mission Santa Catalina was an important Spanish outpost. Native people lived and worked with the missionaries, and the artifacts reflect this cultural exchange. The presence of gold and silver suggests the mission may have been wealthier than once believed.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The total value of the Santa Catalina treasure could exceed $1 million today.
1854-D Three-Dollar Gold Piece – $100,000+
Few coins are as rare as the 1854-D three-dollar gold piece. This coin was struck at the Dahlonega Mint in Georgia, and only 1,120 were ever made. It is the only three-dollar coin ever minted there.
Most of these coins were lost or melted down over time. Today, fewer than 20 are known to exist. The rarity of this piece makes it highly sought after by collectors.
One of these coins was auctioned in 2019 and sold for $43,200. Even lower-grade examples are still worth thousands. The historical significance of this coin, along with its extreme rarity, ensures it remains a prized piece of American numismatic history.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A well-preserved 1854-D three-dollar gold piece could now sell for over $50,000, with higher grades reaching six figures.
Jackson’s Crossroads Amethyst – $500,000+
Deep purple amethyst crystals were uncovered at Jackson’s Crossroads Mine in Georgia. This location is famous for producing some of the finest amethyst in the world. The most spectacular find happened in the 2000s when a breathtaking cluster was unearthed.
Collectors prize these gems for their deep color and clarity. The largest specimens have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Even smaller crystals fetch high prices, proving their extraordinary quality.
Geologists and gem enthusiasts consider this mine one of the best in the country. Its amethyst rivals some of the finest gems found anywhere. The deep hues and brilliant shine make these stones truly special.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A top-quality amethyst cluster from Jackson’s Crossroads could sell for over $500,000 today.
1861-D Gold Dollar – $100,000+
Gold coins minted in Dahlonega are rare, but the 1861-D gold dollar is the rarest of them all. This coin was struck at the Dahlonega Mint in Georgia under Confederate control. Only around 1,000 were made before the mint shut down, making it extremely valuable to collectors.
Confederate forces took over the mint in April 1861. They continued to produce gold coins for a short time using the remaining gold supply. The quality of these coins varies, with some showing weak strikes due to rushed production.
Historians see this coin as a relic of the Civil War. It represents one of the last gold dollars produced before the South’s economy collapsed. Few have survived in good condition, increasing their value even more.
Collectors pay a premium for coins with clear details and original surfaces. An example in Mint State condition can be worth a fortune. Because of its historical importance, it remains one of the most sought-after coins from the Dahlonega Mint.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A well-preserved 1861-D gold dollar could sell for over $100,000, while mid-grade examples range between $40,000 and $60,000.
Hamby Nugget (1889) – $100,000+
A giant gold nugget was unearthed in White County in 1889. Miners at the Hamby site found the massive chunk of nearly pure gold weighing 25.5 ounces. It remains the largest gold nugget ever found east of the Mississippi River.
Prospectors had been searching for gold in Georgia since the early 1800s. This discovery proved the region still held significant deposits. The nugget was quickly sold and likely melted down for its raw gold value.
Historians regret that the nugget no longer exists in its original form. If it had been preserved, it would be worth much more than its gold weight. Large nuggets like this are extremely rare and fetch high prices from collectors.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If the Hamby Nugget still existed, it could sell for well over $100,000.
Complete Dahlonega Gold Set – $715,000+
A collector in Georgia spent years putting together a full set of gold coins from the Dahlonega Mint. This collection included all 62 different dates and denominations struck between 1838 and 1861. Each coin tells a story of the early Southern gold rush.
Dahlonega gold coins are among the most difficult to collect. Many were lost, melted, or heavily circulated. Finding all 62 coins in good condition took extreme patience and dedication.
The collection was eventually donated to the University of Georgia in 2017. It remains one of the most valuable sets of Southern gold coins ever assembled. Few collectors have ever achieved this feat, making it a truly remarkable collection.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The full Dahlonega gold set would be worth over $715,000 on the market.
Claxton Mailbox Meteorite – $100,000+
A meteorite crashed down in Claxton, on December 10, 1984. It struck a mailbox, making it the only recorded meteorite in history to hit one. The impact destroyed the mailbox and turned it into a famous relic.
The meteorite itself was a common chondrite, not a rare type. However, its unusual story made it highly desirable to collectors. People were eager to own a piece of the space rock that caused such a strange event.
In 2007, the battered mailbox was auctioned off for $83,000. Pieces of the meteorite also sold for high prices. Even small fragments can fetch hundreds of dollars per gram.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Claxton meteorite and its mailbox would now be valued at well over $100,000, with meteorite fragments still selling for up to $100 per gram.
Megalodon Shark Teeth – $10,000,000+
Fossil hunters along Georgia’s rivers sometimes find enormous shark teeth. These belong to Megalodon, a prehistoric predator that ruled the oceans millions of years ago. Some of these teeth measure over six inches long.
Savannah and Satilla rivers are prime locations for finding these fossils. Teeth from smaller sharks are common, but Megalodon teeth are rare. Their massive size and sharp serrations make them highly sought after.
Collectors prize large, well-preserved specimens. A Megalodon tooth over seven inches can sell for thousands of dollars. Even smaller ones still command high prices.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The overall value of Megalodon teeth could easily exceed $10 million.
Skidaway Giant Ground Sloth – $450,000+
Fossil bones of a massive ground sloth were found on Skidaway Island in the early 1820s. This prehistoric creature, known as Megatherium or Eremotherium, lived during the Ice Age. When fully assembled, its skeleton stands over 11 feet tall, showcasing its enormous size.
Scientists believe these sloths once roamed Georgia’s coastal regions in search of food. They were herbivores, feeding on leaves and plants using their powerful claws. Unlike modern sloths, they walked on the ground and could stand on their hind legs to reach vegetation.
Excavations have uncovered nearly complete skeletons, making this one of the best-preserved specimens. The bones help researchers understand Ice Age animals and how they survived.
Museums proudly display these fossils, attracting visitors eager to see creatures from the past. Private collectors also seek such rare finds, with complete skeletons selling for large sums at auctions. These fossils are considered priceless in the study of prehistoric life.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A fully intact Skidaway giant ground sloth skeleton could be worth around $450,000.
CSS Georgia Cannons – $100,000+
A Confederate warship sank in the Savannah River in 1864. The CSS Georgia was intentionally scuttled to keep it out of Union hands. For over a century, it remained hidden beneath the water, its cannons lost to history.
Archaeologists began recovering artifacts from the wreck between 2015 and 2017. Over 30,000 relics were raised, including several large cannons. These heavy weapons once protected Savannah’s waters but were left to rust beneath the waves.
The ship itself was an ironclad, built to defend the South during the conflict. Despite its strong design, it never saw a major battle and was sunk by its own crew.
Researchers continue to study the artifacts, preserving them for future generations. The cannons are reminders of Georgia’s role in the war. Museums now showcase some of these relics, allowing people to learn about the past.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Well-preserved Confederate cannons from the CSS Georgia could each be valued at over $100,000, depending on their condition and historical importance.
Appalachiosaurus Dinosaur Remains – $1,000,000+
Fossil hunters in western Georgia made an exciting discovery. They found bones and teeth belonging to an ancient dinosaur called Appalachiosaurus. This predator lived around 75 million years ago, making it one of Georgia’s oldest known fossils.
Appalachiosaurus was related to Tyrannosaurus rex, though it was smaller in size. It likely hunted in dense forests, preying on smaller animals. Its sharp teeth and strong legs made it a powerful hunter.
Scientists have studied the remains to learn more about dinosaurs in the eastern United States. Most fossil finds are from the western part of North America, making this discovery unique.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If a complete Appalachiosaurus skeleton were found, it could be valued at over $1 million, while individual teeth and bones can fetch thousands each.
Dahlonega Doorstop Coin Find – $20,000+
In 2016, a metal detector, while searching a demolished home site, uncovered an 1843 Dahlonega $5 gold coin buried just inches underground. It had been sitting there for over a century, hidden from view.
Dahlonega gold coins are rare because the mint only operated for a short time. Many coins from this era were melted down or lost. Finding one in such an unexpected location was a shock to the collector.
Gold coins from this time period have significant value. The Dahlonega Mint produced coins using locally mined gold. That history makes them extremely valuable to numismatists.
This lucky discovery proves that history can still be found beneath our feet. Some of the rarest coins have been found in the most unexpected places. Collectors continue to search, hoping to make the next big find.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A well-preserved 1843 Dahlonega $5 gold coin could be worth over $20,000, with higher-grade examples selling for even more.
If these finds amazed you, take a look at our list of 17 Hidden Treasures in Georgia that might still be buried beneath your feet.
