Massachusetts soil has yielded amazing treasures throughout history. These findings tell fascinating stories about our past and the people who came before us.
Explorers and archaeologists have uncovered valuable items dating back thousands of years across Massachusetts. Stone tools crafted by Native Americans reveal early hunting techniques and daily life practices. Colonial-era coins, buttons, and household items give us windows into America’s earliest European settlements.
Moreover, divers have recovered silver coins, navigational instruments, and personal belongings from shipwrecks along the coast. Underwater archaeological sites preserve moments frozen in time when vessels met their fate in storms or difficult navigation.
Museums across Massachusetts proudly display these recovered treasures for everyone to enjoy. Each artifact tells part of the state’s rich historical story!
Amazing Treasures That Have Been Found In Massachusetts
Over the years, Massachusetts has yielded some truly extraordinary treasure discoveries. After learning about these incredible finds, you’ll want to explore our collection of the 14 Most Elusive Lost Treasures in Massachusetts that are still out there waiting to be found!
Albrecht Dürer Drawing – $50,000,000+
A man browsing an estate sale in Concord in 2016 bought a small drawing for just $30. The artwork depicted a mother and child and appeared to be very old.
After consulting experts, he learned it was an original drawing by German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. Titled The Virgin and Child with a Flower on a Grassy Bench, the piece was authenticated as a rare lost work.
Experts believe it dates back to around 1503, making it over 500 years old. The discovery was extraordinary, as Dürer’s original drawings are extremely rare.
This unexpected find became one of the greatest art discoveries in recent history. The buyer, who originally had no idea of its worth, now owned a masterpiece.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Albrecht Dürer drawing is valued between $10 million and $50 million, making it one of the most valuable finds from an estate sale.
Whydah Gally Pirate Shipwreck – $4,000,000+
In 1717, the pirate ship Whydah Gally sank off the coast of Cape Cod during a fierce storm. The vessel, captained by the notorious pirate Samuel “Black Sam” Bellamy, was laden with treasures from over 50 captured ships. The shipwreck remained hidden beneath the waves for more than 260 years.
In 1984, underwater explorer Barry Clifford discovered the wreck, making it the first authenticated pirate shipwreck ever found in North America. The site has yielded hundreds of thousands of artifacts, including gold and silver coins, jewelry, and weapons.
Many of these artifacts are now displayed at the Whydah Pirate Museum in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts.
Efforts to recover and preserve artifacts from the Whydah continue to this day. In 2018, bones found at the site were believed to possibly belong to Captain Bellamy, sparking further interest and research.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Whydah Gally’s recovered artifacts have been valued at over $400 million.
Chester Emery Mine Discovery – $1,000,000+
In the 1860s, prospectors in Chester made a significant discovery of emery, a hard mineral composed primarily of corundum. This find marked the first American source of emery, which was highly valued as an industrial abrasive.
During the 19th century, emery was essential for manufacturing grinding wheels and other polishing tools. The Chester emery mine became a major supplier, contributing to various industries that relied on abrasive materials.
The economic impact of this discovery was substantial, as it reduced dependence on foreign sources and bolstered local industry.
While the mine is no longer operational, its legacy persists in the history of American industrial development. The discovery exemplifies how natural resources can drive economic growth and technological advancement.
Today, synthetic materials have largely replaced natural emery, but the historical importance of the Chester mine remains noteworthy.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If significant emery deposits were still accessible today, their value could be estimated at $1 million+ over time.
SS Andrea Doria Safe Recovery – $1,000,000+
The SS Andrea Doria, a luxurious Italian ocean liner, tragically sank near Nantucket in 1956 after colliding with another vessel. In 1984, divers salvaged a three-ton safe from the wreckage, hoping to uncover valuable treasures.
Upon opening, they discovered waterlogged U.S. $20 bills, Italian lira, and bundles presumed to contain currency. Despite the prolonged submersion, some banknotes were preserved and later sold to collectors.
Individual silver certificates from the wreck have fetched between $150 and $200 at auctions. This discovery provided a tangible connection to the ship’s storied past and offered insight into mid-20th-century maritime travel.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The waterlogged banknotes recovered from the safe have been sold at auctions for collectors, with individual bills fetching $150 to $200 each. The entire collection of recovered currency could be worth $500,000 to $1 million.
1795 State House Time Capsule – $500,000+
In 1795, notable figures Samuel Adams and Paul Revere placed a brass time capsule within the Massachusetts State House cornerstone. Rediscovered in 2015, this historical cache contained 24 silver and copper coins dating from 1652 to 1855, newspapers, and a silver plaque believed to be engraved by Revere himself.
The coins showcased the transition from colonial to federal currency, offering a tangible link to the nation’s early monetary history. The newspapers provided contemporary accounts of events and daily life in the late 18th century.
The silver plaque, a testament to Revere’s craftsmanship, added significant historical value to the collection.
The time capsule’s contents have since been preserved and studied, providing invaluable insights for historians and enthusiasts alike.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Experts estimate the time capsule’s contents at $200,000 to $500,000, though certain rare items could push the value higher.
Pliny Moody’s Dinosaur Tracks – $100,000+
In 1802, a young farm boy named Pliny Moody unearthed a peculiar slab of rock on his family’s property in South Hadley. The rock bore large, three-toed impressions that puzzled observers. At the time, these tracks were attributed to “Noah’s raven,” a mythical bird from biblical tales.
It wasn’t until years later that these impressions were recognized as the first dinosaur footprints discovered in North America. This groundbreaking realization provided early evidence of prehistoric life on the continent.
Today, these tracks are preserved and displayed at the Amherst College Museum of Natural History. The discovery has been instrumental in advancing the field of ichnology, the study of trace fossils.
Visitors to the museum can view these ancient footprints and gain insight into the creatures that once roamed the region. The tracks serve as a tangible connection to a distant past, sparking curiosity and wonder about Earth’s prehistoric inhabitants.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Individual dinosaur track fossils can sell for $5,000 to $20,000, but due to their historical significance and museum placement, the value could be estimated at over $100,000 if ever sold.
Barnstable Meteorite – $20,000+
In 2018, hikers in Barnstable County stumbled upon a 14.28-kilogram stony meteorite. This significant find is the largest meteorite ever discovered in the state.
Classified as an H4 chondrite, it contains a mix of silicate minerals and nickel-iron alloys. Meteorites of this classification are known to be among the oldest materials in the solar system.
Collectors and researchers value such specimens for their scientific importance and rarity. The Barnstable meteorite discovery has sparked interest among both the scientific community and private collectors.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Barnstable meteorite, weighing 14.28 kilograms, is estimated to be worth between $10,000 and $20,000.
Lavender Pearl in Quahog Stew – $16,500+
While celebrating his birthday at a restaurant in Peabody, Officer Michael Serino discovered a rare 6.22-carat lavender-purple pearl in his seafood stew. Initially mistaking it for a rock, Serino later learned it was a natural quahog pearl, a rarity in the gem world.
The Gemological Institute of America authenticated the pearl, noting its unique coloration and size. This unexpected find highlights the serendipitous nature of rare discoveries in everyday life.
Quahog pearls are formed by hard clams native to the eastern shores of North America and are prized for their distinctive hues. The pearl’s discovery brought significant media attention, shedding light on the rarity and value of such natural formations.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The lavender quahog pearl discovered in 2009 sold at auction for $16,500 in 2015.
Boston Seaport Shipwreck – $100,000+
During a 2016 construction project in Boston’s Seaport District, workers unearthed a 50-foot wooden ship hull buried 25 feet underground.
Believed to be a 19th-century coastal trading schooner, the vessel likely transported goods such as lime, which was crucial for masonry and agriculture. The ship’s remains were charred, indicating it may have caught fire before sinking or being buried.
Archaeologists documented the site meticulously, recognizing its significance in shedding light on Boston’s maritime history. While the shipwreck itself holds substantial historical value, assigning a precise monetary worth is challenging due to its archaeological importance.
The discovery provided insights into 19th-century shipbuilding techniques and trade practices in the region. Artifacts recovered from the site, including pottery and tools, offer glimpses into the daily lives of those who operated the vessel.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The wooden ship hull is historically significant but has no commercial value. However, if artifacts such as pottery, tools, or trade goods were recovered, they could collectively be worth $50,000 to $100,000 at auction.
Looted Ryukyu Artifacts (World War II) – $1,000,000+
A Massachusetts family, while cleaning their attic in 2023, discovered 22 artifacts looted from Okinawa during World War II. The collection included painted scrolls, a 450-year-old royal bowl, historical maps, and other items of cultural significance.
These artifacts were taken by a U.S. serviceman in 1945, during the final stages of the war. The family, realizing the importance of their discovery, contacted authorities to facilitate their return.
The FBI’s Art Crime Team helped repatriate the items to Japan, where they were received with great appreciation. Experts believe some of the artifacts belonged to the Ryukyu royal family, making them historically priceless.
The scrolls, featuring intricate calligraphy and artwork, depict Okinawa’s rich cultural heritage. The 450-year-old royal bowl is a rare artifact that represents traditional craftsmanship of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
The event highlights the impact of war on cultural heritage and the importance of preserving historical artifacts. Repatriation efforts like this help restore lost history and strengthen international cultural ties.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Experts estimate the looted Ryukyu artifacts to be worth well over $1 million due to their rarity and historical significance.
SS Portland Wreck – $100,000+
The SS Portland, a luxurious side-wheel paddle steamer, was built in 1889 for passenger service between Boston, Massachusetts, and Portland, Maine.
On November 27, 1898, during a fierce storm known as the Portland Gale, the vessel tragically sank off Cape Cod, resulting in the loss of all on board, with estimates of up to 192 lives. The exact number remains uncertain, as the passenger list went down with the ship.
The wreckage eluded discovery until 1989 and was conclusively identified in 2002. Resting upright in approximately 460 feet of water, the site is remarkably well-preserved.
While not a treasure ship laden with riches, the SS Portland is a maritime archaeological gem, offering insights into late 19th-century shipbuilding and the circumstances surrounding New England’s worst maritime disaster.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The wreck is an archaeological site, not a treasure ship, so it has no market value. However, if artifacts such as personal belongings or ship parts were recovered and sold, they could be worth $100,000+ collectively to maritime collectors.
Bull Brook Paleo-Indian Site – $1,000,000+
In the early 1950s, a group of young amateur archaeologists, later known as the “Bull Brook Boys,” uncovered one of North America’s largest Paleo-Indian sites in Ipswich, Massachusetts.
While excavating a sand and gravel pit near Bull Brook and the Egypt River, they discovered over 6,000 stone tools and weapon points. These artifacts, arranged in a large circular pattern, date back approximately 10,000 to 11,000 years, providing invaluable insights into early human habitation in the region.
The site’s unique circular arrangement suggests it was a significant gathering place for Paleo-Indian communities, possibly for social or ceremonial purposes.
Artifacts from Bull Brook have been studied extensively, offering clues about the tools, hunting practices, and social structures of early inhabitants.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If similar Paleo-Indian tools were available on the collector’s market, individual pieces could be worth $500 to $5,000, making the entire site’s artifacts worth over $1 million, but they remain in museum collections.
Podokesaurus Holyokensis Fossil – $500,000+
In 1910, geologist Mignon Talbot made a groundbreaking discovery near Mount Holyoke. She unearthed the partial skeleton of a small theropod dinosaur, which she named Podokesaurus holyokensis in 1911.
This find was particularly significant as Talbot became the first woman to discover and describe a non-avian dinosaur species. The Podokesaurus was a lightweight, three-foot-long predator, estimated to have lived during the Early Jurassic period.
Tragically, the only known fossil was lost in a fire at Mount Holyoke College in 1917. Despite this loss, detailed casts and Talbot’s comprehensive descriptions have preserved the knowledge of this species.
In 2022, Podokesaurus holyokensis was designated as the official state dinosaur of Massachusetts, highlighting its enduring scientific and cultural importance.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Since the original fossil was lost in 1917, it holds no monetary value. If a similar small theropod fossil were found today, it could be worth $200,000 to $500,000, but the significance of this specific find is historical rather than financial.
Hidden Floorboard Cash Stash – $60,000+
A Massachusetts family had long heard rumors about hidden money in their home. In 2021, they hired treasure hunter Keith Wille, who used a metal detector to search their attic floor.
After careful investigation, he discovered a metal box concealed beneath the floorboards. Inside, there were stacks of Depression-era U.S. banknotes totaling $46,000.
The money, stored in bundles, consisted mostly of $20 bills from the 1930s and 1940s. Despite some aging and minor damage, many of the bills were still in good condition.
The family had no idea who originally hid the money or why it remained undiscovered for decades.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The $46,000 cash stash could be worth over $60,000 today, depending on the condition and rarity of individual bills.
Northampton Meteorite – $20,000+
On May 8, 1963, a rare event occurred in Northampton when an iron meteorite fell to Earth. This incident marks the only recorded meteorite fall in the state’s history. Witnesses reported a bright fireball streaking across the sky, followed by a sonic boom.
Upon investigation, approximately 353 grams of the meteorite were recovered. These fragments have since been preserved in academic institutions for scientific study.
The meteorite’s composition offers valuable insights into the early solar system. While its scientific significance is immense, the meteorite’s rarity also adds to its allure among collectors.
Meteorites of this size and type can fetch a few thousand dollars in the collectors’ market. However, the true value lies in the information it provides about cosmic events.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Meteorites are valued by weight, and iron meteorites like this can sell for $2 to $10 per gram. At 353 grams, the Northampton Meteorite could be worth $7,000 to $20,000, though its scientific value makes it more valuable to researchers than collectors.
Marblehead Coin Hoard – $50,000+
During a 2023 home renovation in Marblehead, workers uncovered a chest containing 82 colonial-era gold and silver coins. The coins, dating from 1726 to 1814, originated from various countries, including Spain, France, Brazil, and the United States.
This diverse collection offers a glimpse into the types of currency that circulated in early America. The most notable coin in the hoard is a 1764 Mexican 8 Escudos, estimated to be worth between $7,000 and $10,000.
Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) graded these coins, and they were auctioned by Stack’s Bowers Galleries in August 2023. The discovery provides valuable insights into the economic history of the period and highlights the global connections of early American trade.
Such finds are rare and offer a tangible link to the past, enriching our understanding of colonial-era commerce.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Marblehead Coin Hoard, discovered in 2023, has been appraised at well over $50,000.
Cape Cod Pirate Coins – $10,000+
Cape Cod’s shores have long been a treasure trove for beachcombers and historians alike. Over the years, numerous Spanish gold doubloons and silver “pieces of eight” have washed ashore. These coins are believed to originate from pirate shipwrecks, notably those of Samuel “Black Sam” Bellamy’s fleet, which met their demise in 1717.
One famous photograph captures historian Edward Rowe Snow displaying Spanish gold and silver coins found in the sands of Chatham. The Whydah Gally, Bellamy’s flagship, sank off the coast of Wellfleet during a violent storm, taking with it a vast treasure.
Over time, shifting sands and currents have unearthed portions of this lost bounty, delivering them to the beaches. Treasure hunters and casual beachgoers alike have stumbled upon these historic coins, each find fueling tales of piracy and adventure.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Individual pirate coins found on Cape Cod beaches can be valued between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on their condition and rarity.
Col. Robert Gould Shaw’s Sword – $500,000
Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, commander of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, led one of the first African American units during the Civil War. In 1863, during the assault on Fort Wagner in Charleston, South Carolina, Shaw was killed in action.
His sword, believed lost for over a century, was discovered in 2017 in the attic of a family home on Boston’s North Shore.
The sword had been returned to the Shaw family in 1865 by Captain Solon A. Carter, who recovered it from a Confederate officer near Goldsboro, North Carolina. After being misplaced around 1900, the sword remained hidden until its recent discovery.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Experts estimate that Col. Robert Gould Shaw’s sword could be worth over $500,000 due to its historical significance and condition.
From the coast to the countryside, Massachusetts still holds plenty of mysteries—explore our list of the 14 Greatest Lost Treasures in Massachusetts that might still be out there.
