Michigan’s soil has given up amazing discoveries worth millions of dollars. From valuable coins to historical artifacts, these finds tell stories of our past.
Looking for treasure can be a thrilling adventure right here at home. Many successful treasure hunters use metal detectors along beaches, old homesteads, and abandoned town sites.
Local historical societies often display these found treasures and share the exciting stories behind them.
Learning about Michigan’s discovered treasures connects us to the rich history of our beautiful state. Who knows what amazing find might be waiting for you to discover it?
Amazing Treasures That Have Been Found In Michigan
Check out some of the most extraordinary treasure finds in Michigan’s history. After learning about these amazing discoveries, be sure to explore our coverage of 16 Hidden Treasures in Michigan that you might still have a chance to find!
Treasure of the Westmoreland – $20,000,000+
The Westmoreland was a passenger steamer that sank in Lake Michigan in 1854. The ship was carrying military supplies and possibly gold coins ment for Fort Mackinac. It remained lost for over 150 years before divers found it in 2010.
Explorers were surprised to find the wreck sitting upright on the lake bottom. The cold waters helped preserve it in an incredible condition. Some legends claim that the ship’s safe holds gold coins worth millions today.
Divers who discovered the wreck have not been able to confirm if the gold still remains onboard. Many believe it was already salvaged long ago. Still, the ship itself is an amazing piece of history that has sparked the imaginations of treasure hunters.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The rumored gold treasure could be worth over $20 million in today’s money.
Six-Ton “Minnesota Mine” Copper Mass – $50,000+
In 1847, miners in Ontonagon County made a huge discovery. They unearthed a massive chunk of pure copper weighing six tons. Unlike smaller copper pieces, this was a single solid mass, making it one of the most impressive finds in Michigan’s mining history.
Workers struggled to move the enormous nugget. At the time, copper mining was a booming industry in the area, and this find proved just how rich the land was. Even though the metal was valuable, the historical significance of the discovery made it even more important.
Mining in Michigan slowed down in later years, but the Minnesota Mine copper mass remains legendary. It showed just how large natural copper deposits could be. Many similar finds have been discovered in the region since then.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The six-ton copper mass would be worth around $50,000 based on its metal value alone, not including its historical importance.
Largest Isle Royale Greenstone – $30,000+
The Isle Royale greenstone, also known as chlorastrolite, is Michigan’s state gem. It is usually found in small pebble-sized pieces along the shores of Lake Superior. However, the largest gem-quality greenstone ever discovered was an exceptional find.
Divers retrieved the massive greenstone from underwater near Isle Royale. Unlike typical greenstones, which are often under an inch in size, this specimen measured about 3 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. Its size, color, and quality make it one of the rarest greenstones ever found.
Greenstones are highly valued by collectors and jewelers due to their unique pattern and rarity. The largest specimen ever found is now housed at the Smithsonian Museum, where it remains an important geological treasure.
If a similar greenstone were discovered today, its value would be significant. Collectors and museums would pay a high price for such an exceptional piece.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The largest Isle Royale greenstone could be valued between $10,000 and $30,000.
Kent County Mastodon – $250,000+
In 2022, a surprising discovery was made on private land in Kent County. A nearly complete mastodon skeleton was found buried deep in the ground. The ancient remains belonged to a juvenile mastodon that lived over 11,000 years ago.
Paleontologists were amazed at how well preserved the bones were. The skeleton was around 75% complete, making it one of the best mastodon fossils found in the region. Fossils like these help scientists learn more about prehistoric life in North America.
Finding such a complete skeleton is rare. Most fossils are scattered or damaged over time. This discovery added to Michigan’s long history of mastodon finds and sparked new interest in Ice Age creatures.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The well-preserved mastodon skeleton could be worth around $250,000 to museums or private collectors.
Copper Cargo of the Pewabic – $750,000+
The SS Pewabic was a wooden-hulled steamship that sank in Lake Huron on August 9, 1865, after colliding with its sister ship, the SS Meteor.
At the time of its sinking, the Pewabic was transporting a substantial cargo of copper ingots from Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula mines, with estimates suggesting the total copper cargo approached 200 tons.
Salvage operations have been conducted over the years to recover this valuable cargo. One of the most notable efforts occurred in 1917, led by Benjamin F. Leavitt, who utilized innovative diving suits for the operation.
Another significant salvage took place in 1974 by Busch Oceanographic, during which artifacts, including the ship’s 2,345-pound bow anchor, were retrieved and are now displayed at the Besser Museum in Alpena, Michigan.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Based on the amount retrieved and modern copper prices, the recovered treasure is estimated to be worth $500,000 to $750,000 today.
Lansing Coin Hoard – $50,000+
A family in Lansing was cleaning out an old home when they made an unbelievable discovery. Inside a closet, they found a World War I artillery shell. Fearing it could be dangerous, they called in experts to examine it.
X-rays revealed something completely unexpected. Instead of explosives, the shell was packed with coins and banknotes from the 1800s.
The collection inside included rare coins and old paper currency. Some of the coins were silver, while others were made of gold. Over time, their value had increased, making this an incredible find. Collectors place high value on old money, especially when it is well-preserved.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The hidden hoard could be worth between $20,000 and $50,000 today.
Lowell Barn Art Trove – $300,000+
A woman in Lowell Township bought a home and got much more than she expected. Inside a barn on the property, she found hundreds of paintings and sketches. These were not just ordinary artworks but originals from famous artists.
The barn once belonged to John and Janet Baughman. Both were respected artists, and their work was widely admired.
Many of the paintings were in good condition. Some needed restoration, but overall, it was a valuable discovery. Experts believe the collection could be worth a lot, especially to art lovers and collectors.
Finding hidden art is rare, especially in such large numbers. The new homeowner was shocked but excited to learn she had found something so important. The artworks now have a second chance to be appreciated.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Art experts believe that the entire collection could be worth at least $150,000 to $300,000, depending on individual piece values.
Bristle Mammoth – $300,000
A Michigan farmer was digging in his wheat field when he hit something unexpected. At first, he thought it was just a large rock. Instead, he had discovered the remains of a woolly mammoth.
Scientists rushed to the site to examine the bones. They uncovered the skull, tusks, and many other parts of the massive animal.
Mammoths roamed North America thousands of years ago. Their remains are rare but valuable to researchers studying prehistoric life. Each new discovery helps scientists understand how these ancient creatures lived.
A skeleton in such good condition is extremely valuable. Museums and private collectors would be willing to pay a high price for a well-preserved mammoth. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime find.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A mammoth skeleton like this could be worth between $200,000 and $300,000 if sold to a museum or collector.
La Salle’s Le Griffon – $5,000,000+
In 1679, French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, built a ship named Le Griffon to sail the Great Lakes. It was one of the first European ships in the region. After its maiden voyage, it mysteriously vanished, becoming one of North America’s greatest lost shipwrecks.
In 2011, treasure hunters Kevin Dykstra and Frederick Monroe found a shipwreck in northern Lake Michigan. They were searching for lost Civil War gold when they discovered the wreck. Sonar imaging and underwater footage led them to believe it could be Le Griffon.
The ship’s age and design match historical descriptions, but experts debate its true identity. Some believe it could be a more recent wreck, such as a 19th-century tugboat. Without excavation and artifact recovery, confirming the ship as Le Griffon remains impossible.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If confirmed to be Le Griffon, the shipwreck and its artifacts could be valued between $2 million and $5 million.
1836 Gold Sovereign – $15,000+
A group of treasure hunters was exploring a former village site in West Michigan. Using metal detectors, they searched for lost artifacts. One lucky dig revealed something incredible.
A gleaming gold coin was pulled from the ground. It turned out to be an 1836 British gold sovereign.
Old coins like this are rare in Michigan. Most treasures found in the area are relics from early settlers, not gold. How the coin ended up there remains a mystery.
Collectors value gold sovereigns for both their gold content and historical importance. This particular coin was well-preserved, making it even more desirable. It was a thrilling find for the detectorists.
How much the treasure would be worth today
An 1836 British gold sovereign could be worth between $5,000 and $15,000.
Stolen Art Returns – $180,000+
A Grosse Pointe family was reunited with something they thought was gone forever. Authorities recovered six stolen paintings and returned them to their rightful owners. The artworks had been missing for years.
Each painting had significant value. Together, they were estimated to be worth over $100,000. Their return was a relief, as stolen art often never makes it back to the original owners.
Restoring lost artwork to the rightful owner is always a rare event. Many people never get back what was taken from them. This case had a happy ending, something that does not happen often.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The six stolen paintings had an estimated value between $120,000 and $180,000 when returned.
Ropes Gold Mine Output – $20,000,000+
The Ropes Gold Mine near Ishpeming operated from 1881 to 1897 and produced approximately $645,792 worth of gold and silver. It remains Michigan’s only major gold mine and played a key role in the region’s mining history.
Miners extracted high-quality ore, which was carefully measured and processed. The money earned from the mine helped develop local towns and provided steady employment. The working conditions were harsh, but the miners remained committed to the operation.
Geologists and historians study the mine’s unique ore body and the mining techniques used. The Ropes Mine is remembered for its contribution to Michigan’s economy and the lasting impact it had on the region.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The mine’s output in today’s dollars would be valued at roughly $20 million.
“Yooperlite” Glowing Rocks – $25,000+
In 2017, Erik Rintamaki discovered Yooperlites, fluorescent rocks that glow under ultraviolet light. Found along the shores of Lake Superior, these rocks contain sodalite, which gives them their unique glow.
Scientists confirmed that Yooperlites are syenite rocks rich in fluorescent minerals. The discovery introduced a new category of collectible stones and sparked interest among geologists and rock collectors.
Collectors value Yooperlites for their glowing effect and rarity. They are often used in jewelry and decorative pieces. Many rock hunters visit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in search of these glowing stones.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A collection of well-selected Yooperlites could be valued at around $25,000 by specialty collectors.
Owosso Mastodon (Most Complete) – $350,000+
A mastodon skeleton discovered near Owosso is the most complete ever found in Michigan, with 80–90% of its bones intact. The remains were carefully excavated and are now displayed at the University of Michigan’s Natural History Museum.
Paleontologists studied the bones to learn about mastodon behavior, environment, and extinction. The discovery provided important insights into Ice Age creatures and their role in prehistoric ecosystems.
Visitors can see the skeleton at the museum, where it serves as an educational exhibit. The completeness of the find makes it one of the most valuable mastodon discoveries in the state.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Owosso Mastodon would be estimated to be worth about $350,000.
11-Carat Dowagiac Diamond – $75,000+
In 1894, Michigan’s largest diamond, an 11-carat gem, was found in a Dowagiac gravel pit. Workers discovered the uncut stone while shifting gravel, making it one of the state’s most remarkable finds.
Gemologists determined that the diamond was of exceptional quality. It was later cut into four separate stones, each maintaining high clarity and brilliance. The original stone was one of the largest diamonds found in the Great Lakes region.
The discovery remains a significant event in Michigan’s gem history. Treasure hunters continue to search for similar finds, though no diamond of this size has been found in the area since.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The 11-Carat Dowagiac Diamond is estimated to be worth about $75,000, given its rarity and historical importance.
Picasso Sketch Recovered – $120,000+
A Pablo Picasso sketch stolen from the University of Michigan’s art museum in the 1980s was recovered nearly 30 years later. Authorities tracked down the missing artwork and returned it to the museum.
The sketch is an original work by Picasso, making it highly valuable. Museum staff displayed the piece once again, celebrating its return. The recovery was considered a major success in the fight against art theft.
Collectors and art experts value the piece for its historical and artistic significance. The sketch is now preserved as part of the museum’s permanent collection, ensuring its protection for future generations.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The recovered Picasso sketch would be valued at approximately $120,000 today.
Edmore “Doorstop” Meteorite – $150,000+
In 1988, a man named David bought a farm in Edmore, Michigan. The property included a large, heavy rock that the previous owner had been using as a doorstop. The former owner claimed it was a meteorite that had fallen in the 1930s.
For over 30 years, David kept using the 22.5-pound rock as a doorstop, occasionally wondering if it was anything special. In 2018, he decided to have it examined by Central Michigan University professor Mona Sirbescu. Tests confirmed that it was an iron meteorite, made of 88.5% iron and 11.5% nickel.
The discovery was significant, making it one of Michigan’s largest meteorites. Experts estimated its value at around $100,000, attracting interest from museums and collectors. Michigan State University’s Abrams Planetarium eventually purchased it for $75,000.
The meteorite is now on display, allowing students and visitors to study a real piece of space history. This discovery shows how everyday objects can turn out to be priceless treasures.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Edmore Meteorite could be valued at around $150,000 today.
These great discoveries have been made, but do you want to see what’s still lost, waiting to be found? Discover our list of 16 Most Incredible Hidden Treasures in Michigan!
