Living in New York means walking the same ground where amazing treasures were discovered. You might pass by spots every day where fortune hunters once struck it rich right here in our state.
The stories of treasures found across New York will absolutely blow your mind. Some lucky people have uncovered millions of dollars worth of gold coins, rare artifacts, and even historic relics from centuries ago.
Our state parks, forests, and old properties hold countless opportunities for treasure hunting. Many New Yorkers spend their weekends scanning beaches with metal detectors or exploring abandoned sites looking for the next big discovery.
Getting to know these incredible treasure stories makes living here even more exciting. We’re going to look at some of the most amazing finds that happened in the state.
Amazing Treasures That Have Been Found In New York
Some of the most fascinating treasure discoveries in New York range from hidden Revolutionary War gold to forgotten bank vaults and Prohibition-era stashes.
Once you’ve explored these intriguing finds, keep in mind that plenty of valuable treasures are still missing. Don’t miss our coverage of the 19 real treasures hidden in New York awaiting your discovery!
Bank of New York Hoard – $2,000,000+
Many years ago, workers at the Bank of New York discovered a hidden collection of coins in the bank’s basement. The hoard contained several thousand Fugio cents, which were the first official coins of the United States.
Each coin dated back to 1787 and showed the early American motto “Mind Your Business.” Some of the coins were in excellent condition, while others had signs of age and wear.
Coins like these are rare and valuable to collectors. Some have been sold for hundreds of dollars, while others are worth less depending on their condition. The historical importance of these coins makes them even more desirable.
The Fugio cents represent a time when the young United States was trying to establish its own currency system. Collectors and historians view this hoard as an important piece of American history.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The coins were found in large numbers, and some have been valued at up to $500 each, making the entire hoard worth over $2 million.
Wiawaka Bateaux – $5,000,000+
Deep beneath the waters of Lake George, researchers uncovered seven wooden boats from the 18th century. These bateaux were used by British and colonial forces during the French and Indian War in 1758.
The boats had been intentionally sunk to hide them from enemy forces, and they remained there undisturbed for centuries. The wooden remains provide a glimpse into how soldiers transported supplies and troops during the war. Each boat was well-preserved due to the cold, fresh water of the lake.
This discovery helped historians understand the conditions soldiers faced during wartime. The boats also showed details of how they were built and used in battle. Unlike larger warships, these bateaux were small and easy to maneuver in rivers and lakes.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The value of these bateaux could be over $5 million.
Fort Orange Artifacts – $3,000,000+
Excavations at an old Dutch settlement uncovered objects from daily life in the 1600s. Archaeologists found items such as clay tobacco pipes, colorful beads, and pieces of Delftware pottery.
Fort Orange was an early Dutch trading post, and these artifacts helped show how people lived back then. Many of the items came from Europe and were brought over by settlers. The site offered new information about trade and culture in early America.
Some of the artifacts were used for personal decoration, while others were for household use. The blue and white Delftware was especially interesting because it showed the influence of Dutch design in the New World.
Many of these artifacts were carefully preserved and are now displayed in museums.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The collection of artifacts is worth at least $3 million, with some individual pieces valued at thousands of dollars each.
Dutch Schultz’s Treasure – $130,000,000+
Dutch Schultz, a Prohibition-era mobster, was said to have hidden a stash of cash and gold near Phoenicia, New York. Before he was killed in 1935, he reportedly buried a box filled with riches somewhere in the Catskill Mountains.
Though the treasure itself has never been found, search efforts have uncovered other relics. Old coins, glass bottles, and even pieces of broken tools from the early 1900s have been discovered.
These artifacts provide glimpses into the past and add to the mystery. People continue to hunt for the lost hoard, hoping to be the lucky ones to uncover it.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If discovered, the rumored treasure would be worth at least $130 million.
Hussey Hill Gold Mine – $100,000+
In 1877, reports surfaced that gold-bearing quartz had been discovered at Hussey Hill. Excitement spread quickly as people hoped the mine would bring great wealth.
Unfortunately, the gold deposits were not large enough to make the mine successful. The dream of striking it rich faded just as fast as it appeared.
Miners worked hard to extract what they could. Some gold was found, but not in amounts that made the effort worthwhile. In the end, the mine was abandoned, leaving behind only stories of what could have been.
Today, Hussey Hill is remembered as a part of local history. Gold mining may not have worked out, but the search for riches continues in other parts of the country. People still explore the area, hoping that maybe something was missed all those years ago.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The total amount of gold found remains uncertain, but even a small deposit today could be worth over $100,000.
Land Tortoise Shipwreck – 10,000,000+
Hidden beneath the waters of Lake Champlain, a British warship from 1758 was found almost perfectly intact. This wooden ship, called the “Land Tortoise,” was a small vessel used by British forces during the French and Indian War.
It was designed with a turtle-like shape to make it harder for enemies to attack. The ship was abandoned and sank to the bottom of the lake, where it remained untouched for centuries.
Historians were amazed by the ship’s condition. It still had its wooden frame, and even some original features were visible. The Land Tortoise is believed to be the oldest warship of its kind ever discovered in North America.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The shipwreck is valued at more than $10 million.
Crofton Brothers’ Gold Coins Discovery – $500,000+
A hidden stash of gold coins linked to the Crofton brothers was uncovered near Sulphur Springs. The coins were believed to be part of an outlaw hoard buried in the 19th century. Though the exact reason for their hiding remains unknown, some think the brothers stashed them while fleeing the law.
The coins were found by accident, leading to excitement and curiosity about their origins. Each piece was examined, showing details from the 1800s, including mint marks and dates.
Their discovery fueled stories about the Crofton brothers and their criminal past. Some speculated that more gold could still be buried nearby, waiting for another lucky finder.
Collectors value these types of coins because of their history. The purity of gold and the age of each piece make them valuable beyond just their weight.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Depending on the number of coins recovered, their total value could exceed $500,000, with individual coins fetching thousands of dollars each.
Herkimer Diamonds (Quartz Crystals) – $5,000+
Clear quartz crystals have been forming for millions of years within the ground of Herkimer County. These crystals, known as Herkimer Diamonds, are prized for their clarity and unique shape.
Unlike regular quartz, they have two pointed ends, making them look like real diamonds. People have been mining them since the 19th century, and they remain popular among collectors.
Miners often find these crystals alongside gold deposits, though gold itself is rare in the region. Some Herkimer Diamonds are completely clear, while others contain small inclusions of water or minerals.
Geologists study these crystals to learn about the conditions in which they formed. Their unique structure makes them valuable for scientific research as well as jewelry.
How much the treasure would be worth today
High-quality Herkimer Diamonds can be worth anywhere from $50 to $5,000.
Seneca Village Artifacts – $2,000,000+
Archaeologists uncovered thousands of artifacts in Central Park, revealing the lost 19th-century African American community of Seneca Village. Items included ceramic plates, shoe soles, cooking tools, and religious objects.
The site, located between 82nd and 89th Streets, was demolished in the 1850s for park construction. Excavations found well-preserved building materials like foundation stones, confirming the layout of homes and churches.
Some items are now displayed in museums, showcasing the forgotten history of Seneca Village.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The historical significance of these artifacts makes them priceless, but if sold, the collection could be worth over 2 million dollars.
New York Couple’s Backyard Safe – $60,000+
A Staten Island couple, Matthew and Maria Colonna-Emanuel, discovered a rusted safe while gardening. Inside, they found 52,000 dollars in cash, gold, and diamonds. The safe had likely been buried for years and contained a note with a name and address.
After investigating, they realized it belonged to a neighbor who had been robbed in 2011. Instead of keeping the money, they returned everything. Their honesty gained media attention, and their story inspired others to check their own backyards.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The contents were valued at 52,000 dollars. It could now be worth $60,000 or more.
Cohoes Mastodon (1866) – $500,000+
Workers digging for a mill in Cohoes, New York, unearthed a nearly complete mastodon skeleton. The prehistoric animal, an ancient relative of elephants, lived around 13,000 years ago.
Scientists analyzed the bones and found evidence of the mastodon’s diet and habitat. The skeleton was carefully excavated and preserved, eventually becoming a permanent exhibit at the New York State Museum in Albany.
It remains one of the best mastodon finds in the United States and continues to be studied by paleontologists.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A full mastodon skeleton today could be valued at over $500,000, though its scientific value is immeasurable.
Saratoga Springs Gold Coin Find – $1,000,000+
During excavation in Saratoga Springs, workers discovered a hidden cache of gold coins. The exact number of coins remains unknown, but reports suggest they dated back to the 19th century.
Some believed the coins had been hidden during the Civil War, while others speculated they were lost savings. The discovery created a local sensation, with treasure hunters flocking to the area.
Historians studied the coins to determine their origins, but little was documented about where they ended up.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The total value could exceed $1 million in today’s market.
Bloomville Silver Find – $100,000+
A collection of 19th-century silverware, coins, and jewelry was discovered in Bloomville, New York in 2022. Some pieces were engraved with initials, hinting at their original owners. The find included spoons, candlesticks, decorative boxes, and rare silver coins, some minted in the early 1800s.
Experts believe the items may have belonged to a wealthy family or been buried for safekeeping. The objects were cleaned, cataloged, and studied by local historians.
Some pieces were donated to museums, while others remained in private collections.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The silver collection was estimated to be worth around $100,000, with some rare items valued at thousands of dollars each.
Colonial Belt Buckle – $3,000+
Buried just eight inches underground, an old belt buckle was found on a farm in New Paltz. The buckle had intricate designs and appeared to be from the colonial era. It was likely worn by someone in the 1700s, possibly a farmer or a soldier.
Over time, it had been covered by soil and forgotten. The detailed craftsmanship showed how much effort was put into even simple accessories back then.
Collectors often seek items like this. Depending on its condition and historical importance, the buckle could be worth a lot. It represents a small but valuable piece of American history.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Experts believe the buckle could be valued between $500 and $3,000 today.
HMS Hussar (1780) – $100,000+
Sinking in the rough waters of Hell Gate, the HMS Hussar met its fate during the American Revolutionary War. The British Royal Navy frigate was said to be carrying a fortune in gold coins when it went down in 1780.
Treasure hunters have searched for years, hoping to uncover its lost riches, but no gold has ever been found. Despite this, the shipwreck remains one of New York’s most legendary treasures.
A surprising discovery connected to the ship happened in 2013. A cannon from the Hussar was found stored in a Central Park building. Still loaded with gunpowder and shot, it had been forgotten for years before workers stumbled upon it. The discovery proved to be a rare and important piece of history from the Revolutionary War.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If the rumored gold coins were ever found, they could be worth over $10 million, but the cannon itself has an estimated value of $100,000.
French Coins near North Wolcott – $250,000+
Coins washing up on a beach usually don’t mean much, but in the 1930s, a strange discovery was made near North Wolcott. Hundreds of French coins were found scattered along the Lake Ontario shoreline.
The coins were well-preserved, with some showing clear markings from the time they were minted. No one knew exactly how they got there, leading to many theories about their origin.
Some believed they came from a lost shipwreck, while others thought they were hidden by someone long ago. The coins could have been part of an old trade route, carried by merchants or settlers.
The find attracted historians and collectors, eager to learn more about these unexpected relics.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If all the coins were collected and sold, their total value could be worth more than $250,000, with rare pieces fetching higher prices.
For every treasure recovered, there are many more still waiting to be found. If you’re curious about the riches that remain hidden, read about the 19 real treasures hidden in New York that could still be out there.
