People have been finding incredible treasures throughout Tennessee for generations. The rich landscape of our state has revealed valuable discoveries spanning thousands of years. From prehistoric times to the modern era, remarkable items continue to emerge across the region.
Adventurous explorers often discover valuable items while hiking or exploring rural areas. The changing seasons sometimes reveal what has been hidden as erosion and natural processes uncover buried treasures.
Farmlands and property grounds have yielded surprising finds for landowners. Simple activities like plowing fields or digging gardens sometimes turn up valuable items.
The connection between our past and present grows stronger with every treasure that returns to the light of day!
Amazing Treasures That Have Been Found In Tennessee
Following are some of the most remarkable treasures ever found in Florida! Once you’ve explored these incredible finds, don’t forget to check out our list of the 15 Most Valuable Lost Treasures in Tennessee that remain a mystery to this day!
Ducktown Copper Bonanza – $3,000,000,000+
In August 1843, a prospector searching for gold in Tennessee’s Copper Basin near Ducktown stumbled upon a reddish-brown rock rich in copper. This accidental discovery led to the opening of the Hiwassee Mine in 1850, followed by several others, transforming the area into a bustling mining hub.
By the 1850s, large-scale mining operations were extracting significant amounts of copper, contributing to the local and national economy.
However, the mining activities also had environmental consequences, including deforestation and acid rain, which devastated the local ecosystem.
How much the treasure would be worth today
In modern terms, the total copper extracted from the region (approximately 500 million pounds) would be worth around $2 billion to $3 billion.
Duck River “Link Farm” Treasure – $2,000,000+
In December 1894, a farmhand named Cave Nolan was working on the Link family farm in Humphreys County. While preparing a garden plot, he unearthed 46 finely crafted flint blades. These artifacts are now known as the Duck River Cache.
The collection includes various ceremonial items such as axes, batons, sword-like blades, disks, hooks, maces, and turtle effigies. Notably, the largest blade measures an impressive 28 inches in length.
A few months later, in March 1895, two sandstone statues were discovered at the same site. These statues, depicting a male and a female, were nicknamed “Adam” and “Eve” by the finders. The male statue is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, while the female statue has unfortunately been lost.
Archaeologists believe that these artifacts were likely buried as temple offerings by Mississippian-era people around AD 1300.
How much the treasure would be worth today
While these artifacts are archaeologically priceless, their cultural and historical significance makes them invaluable, with an estimated worth of $2 million.
Coker Creek Gold Rush – $7,000,000+
In 1831, placer gold was discovered along Coker Creek in Monroe County. This discovery sparked a fervent period of gold mining in the region. Between 1831 and 1854, miners extracted approximately $80,000 worth of gold from the creek.
The initial discovery led to a bustling community of prospectors eager to find fortune in the creek’s gravels. Despite the enthusiasm, the gold deposits were not extensive enough to sustain long-term, large-scale mining operations. By 1854, the fervor had subsided, and only sporadic mining activities continued in the area.
Today, Coker Creek remains a popular spot for hobbyists and enthusiasts interested in gold panning. While significant finds are rare, small flakes can still be found by those persistent enough to search.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The $80,000 worth of gold extracted between 1831 and 1854 would be valued at over $7 million today, based on current gold prices.
Jackson Gold Coin Hoard – $1,000,000+
In 1985, construction workers in Jackson were digging up a parking lot when they discovered a jar filled with gold coins. The coins included $2.50, $5, $10, and $20 denominations, dating from the 1830s to the 1850s.
Many workers took coins before authorities arrived, making it hard to know the exact number found. However, about $4,500 in face value was recovered
The origin of the hoard remains a mystery. One theory suggests it was loot from an 1858 bank robbery in Jackson, where $8,000 was stolen, including $4,500 in gold coins. The robbery was never solved, and some believe the bank president hid the coins on his property, which later became the parking lot.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The hoard’s face value was about $4,500, with a numismatic value exceeding $1 million.
Civil War Steamboat Wreck – $100,000+
In April 2021, researchers from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga discovered the wreckage of the U.S.S. Chattanooga in the Tennessee River. This Civil War-era steamship played a crucial role in 1863, delivering supplies to General Ulysses S. Grant’s besieged troops in Chattanooga.
After the war, the U.S.S. Chattanooga was moored across from what is now the Tennessee Aquarium and Riverfront. Over time, it deteriorated and eventually sank. The recent discovery was made using sonar equipment, revealing large and small structures on the riverbed.
The wreck is significant as it is only the tenth shipwreck recorded in Tennessee. It offers valuable insights into Civil War-era naval architecture and the logistical efforts during the war.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The wreck of the U.S.S. Chattanooga holds historical value rather than monetary worth, but if artifacts like cannonballs, ship parts, or personal items were recovered and auctioned, they could be worth $100,000 or more to collectors and museums.
“Diamond Lady” Sunken Casino Boat – $100,000
The Diamond Lady, launched in 1991, was America’s first riverboat casino. After operating for a few years, it was stored on the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2021, during a winter storm, the boat sank at its mooring.
In late 2022, record-low water levels in the Mississippi River due to drought conditions revealed the sunken vessel, now beached in mud. While not containing treasure, its reemergence serves as a historical marker of early riverboat gambling in the U.S.
The Diamond Lady’s story reflects the evolution of gambling laws and riverboat culture in the early 1990s, marking a significant shift in the entertainment industry.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Diamond Lady itself does not contain treasure, but if restored, it could be worth $500,000 to $1 million as a historical riverboat. In its current sunken state, scrap value would be significantly lower, around $50,000–$100,000.
Prehistoric “Mud Glyph” Cave Art – $1,000,000+
In 1980, researchers led by Dr. Charles Faulkner explored a cave in East Tennessee and discovered hundreds of prehistoric mud glyphs. These artworks, created by ancient artists around AD 1200, were etched into wet clay on the cave walls.
The glyphs include intricate symbols and figures, providing insights into the Mississippian culture’s beliefs and practices. This discovery was the first of its kind in the Southeastern United States, highlighting the region’s rich prehistoric heritage.
The cave has since been documented using advanced techniques, ensuring the preservation and study of these significant artworks for future generations.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The mud glyphs have no commercial value as they are protected cultural artifacts, but if a similar prehistoric artwork were auctioned, experts estimate it could fetch $1 million or more.
The “Survival” Pearl – $1,000,000+
In the 1930s, a remarkable 90.35-carat baroque pearl was discovered in the Tennessee River. Known as the “Survival Pearl,” it formed when a freshwater mussel was invaded by a snail parasite.
The mussel encapsulated the intruder with layers of nacre over approximately 50 to 70 years, resulting in a unique snail-like shape. The pearl’s lavender-pink hue adds to its rarity and beauty.
Today, the “Survival Pearl” is housed in the Smithsonian Institution, recognized as the largest documented freshwater pearl of its kind from North America. This extraordinary gem showcases the natural wonders found in Tennessee’s rivers and highlights the state’s rich history of pearl discoveries.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Given its exceptional size, unique formation, and historical significance, the “Survival Pearl” could be appraised at over $1 million in today’s market.
Monroe County Coin Cache – $200,000+
In 1927, three farm girls near Madisonville were hoeing a field when they unearthed a cache of old coins. The discovery included U.S. half-dollars from 1795 and Spanish colonial reales from the 1780s.
The coins were well-preserved and found without any container, suggesting they were buried around the War of 1812 era. The exact reason for their burial remains unknown, but it provides a glimpse into the region’s history during that period.
This discovery highlights the rich history of Monroe County and offers insights into the types of currency in circulation during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The exact number of coins found is unknown, but based on similar 18th and early 19th-century silver coins, the cache could be valued between $50,000 and $200,000.
Tazewell Meteorite – $500,000+
In 1853, a farmer in Claiborne County was plowing his field when he struck an unusually heavy iron object. Upon closer examination, this object was identified as a large iron-nickel meteorite, later named the Tazewell Meteorite.
The meteorite’s exterior was covered with a weathered shale rind, concealing a well-preserved iron-nickel core. The interior of the meteorite, when etched, revealed a beautiful crystalline pattern known as the Widmanstätten pattern, characteristic of iron meteorites.
The meteorite was acquired by C.U. Shepherd for his collection and eventually became part of the Amherst College collection in Massachusetts.
In 1978, Arizona State University acquired the Shepherd Collection, including the Tazewell Meteorite. Today, slices of this meteorite are prized by collectors and researchers alike, offering a tangible connection to the cosmos and contributing to our understanding of meteoritic materials.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Iron-nickel meteorites similar to the Tazewell Meteorite typically sell for $2 to $3 per gram, meaning a specimen of this size could be valued at $200,000 to $500,000.
Gray Fossil Site – $500,000+
In May 2000, during routine road construction on Tennessee State Route 75 near Gray, Washington County, workers unearthed a deposit of dark clay rich with fossilized remains.
This accidental discovery led to the identification of the Gray Fossil Site, a remarkable paleontological treasure trove dating back approximately 4.5 to 7 million years.
The site represents a prehistoric sinkhole lake environment that once teemed with diverse flora and fauna. Excavations have revealed a plethora of fossils, including those of tapirs, rhinoceroses, alligators, red pandas, and saber-toothed cats.
Notably, the site has yielded the world’s largest assemblage of fossil tapirs and has led to the identification of dozens of new species, offering invaluable insights into the region’s ancient ecosystem.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The fossils’ scientific value is immense, but assigning a specific monetary worth is difficult. However, if individual specimens were privately sold, certain rare fossils like the saber-toothed cat or rhinoceros could be valued at $50,000 to $500,000 each, depending on their condition and completeness.
Island 35 Mastodon Skeleton – $1,000,000+
A powerful spring flood in 1900 swept across Island No. 35 in the Mississippi River, revealing massive bones in the eroded riverbank. Local residents first noticed the unusual remains embedded in the muddy shoreline. Shortly after, archaeologist James K. Hampson led an effort to document the discovery.
The skeleton turned out to be that of a mastodon, a prehistoric relative of the elephant that roamed North America during the Ice Age. Unlike scattered fossilized remains found elsewhere, this mastodon was nearly complete.
The skeleton included massive leg bones, ribs, a large skull, and even parts of its enormous tusks. This was one of the best-preserved mastodon finds in Tennessee at the time.
Hampson carefully recorded details about the bones and their location. The discovery added to scientific knowledge about the ancient environment of the Mississippi River Valley.
It also hinted that mastodons may have lived in the region longer than previously thought. Over time, some of the remains were moved for study, but others were lost to erosion and shifting river currents.
How much the treasure would be worth today
If the mastodon skeleton were fully intact and available for private sale, it could be valued between $250,000 and $1 million.
“Sandy” Mississippian Stone Statue – $150,000+
In 1939, a farmer plowing his field at the Sellars Farm site in Wilson County made an unexpected discovery. He unearthed an 18-inch carved stone statue of a kneeling man, now affectionately nicknamed “Sandy.”
This remarkable artifact dates back approximately 700 years, placing it within the Mississippian cultural period.
The statue’s detailed facial features and posture highlight the advanced artistic skills of the Mississippian people. Notably, a matching female statue was also found at the site, indicating the possibility of paired ceremonial figures.
Together, these sculptures are considered among the finest prehistoric artworks ever discovered in the United States.
In recognition of its cultural significance, “Sandy” was designated Tennessee’s official State Artifact in 2014. Today, the statue resides at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where it continues to be a subject of study and admiration.
How much the treasure would be worth today
While priceless as a historical artifact, similar Mississippian stone statues have been sold for $50,000 to $150,000.
Dunbar Cave Pictograph Panels – $500,000+
In January 2005, volunteers mapping Dunbar Cave near Clarksville stumbled upon an extraordinary find. They discovered prehistoric pictographs and engravings adorning the cave walls. These images, drawn in charcoal, include concentric circles, human figures, and various animals.
Archaeologist Dr. Jan Simek from the University of Tennessee confirmed the authenticity of the artwork, dating it to around AD 1300. This discovery is significant because North American cave art is relatively rare, and such findings provide valuable insights into ancient Native American cultures.
To protect these invaluable artworks, a bat-friendly gate was constructed at the cave’s entrance. Since then, the site has been preserved as a state-owned natural area. Today, the public can view these rare archaeological features during guided cave tours, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Prehistoric cave art is protected by law and cannot be sold, but if a similar pictograph were legally acquired, its estimated value would exceed $500,000 due to rarity and cultural importance.
Smoky Mountain Mastodon Tooth – $10,000+
A guide at Tuckaleechee Caverns in Townsend noticed an unusual object near an underground stream in 2016. Upon retrieval, it was identified as a massive molar tooth weighing approximately five pounds.
Experts from the University of Tennessee verified it as an authentic mastodon tooth, dating back to the Ice Age.
Mastodons, prehistoric relatives of modern elephants, once roamed North America, including the Smoky Mountains region.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A well-preserved mastodon tooth can be valued between $5,000 and $10,000.
Big Bone Cave Giant Sloth – $500,000+
In 1811, saltpeter miners working in Big Bone Cave, located between Sparta and McMinnville, Tennessee, made a remarkable discovery. They unearthed the skeleton of a giant ground sloth, scientifically known as Megalonyx jeffersonii. The cave’s dry conditions contributed to the exceptional preservation of the bones.
The skeleton was later sent to the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, where it became the first complete specimen of its kind studied by scientists.
This discovery significantly advanced the understanding of prehistoric fauna in North America.
While the cave has been closed to the public due to concerns like White Nose Syndrome affecting bats, its legacy continues to intrigue researchers and history enthusiasts alike.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A complete giant ground sloth skeleton can be valued between $200,000 and $500,000.
Mississippi River Drought Relics – $25,000+
A local relic hunter exploring the Mississippi River in the fall of 2022 spotted something unexpected in the exposed mud. The water levels had dropped to record lows, revealing a Union Army cartridge box plate and several Minié balls.
These artifacts had been submerged for around 160 years before the drought exposed them.
The brass cartridge box plate was embossed with “US,” a clear indication of its Civil War-era origins. The Minié balls, a type of bullet used in the 1860s, were commonly fired from rifled muskets during the war. These items had likely been lost or discarded by Union troops stationed along the river during the conflict.
Unlike many historical discoveries that require careful excavation, these relics were simply lying on the surface, ready to be picked up. The finder, a 21-year-old history enthusiast, was amazed at how easily he recovered them.
This discovery was a rare example of nature revealing the past without human intervention.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The entire collection of relics could be valued at $500 to $25,000,
Only Dinosaur Bones in Tennessee – $150,000+
In the 1940s, five bone fragments were collected in West Tennessee but remained unidentified for decades. It wasn’t until 1992 that a University of Tennessee paleontologist recognized them as belonging to an Edmontosaurus, a duck-billed dinosaur.
These fossils, including three tail vertebrae, part of a leg bone, and a foot bone, suggest the dinosaur was approximately 26 to 29 feet long, comparable to the length of a school bus.
At around 66 million years old, these bones are the only confirmed land dinosaur remains in Tennessee, likely originating from the Coon Creek Formation, which typically yields marine fossils.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Since these are the only confirmed dinosaur bones in Tennessee, their scientific value is immeasurable, but if sold in a private market, similar Edmontosaurus fossils could fetch $50,000 to $150,000.
Enormous Freshwater Pearl – $100,000+
In 1903, Hugh Evans discovered an exceptional pearl while fishing in the Clinch River near Clinton, Tennessee. The pearl weighed 117.5 grains (approximately 29 carats) and was egg-shaped, measuring about three-fourths of an inch in length.
A local liveryman named Wallace purchased the pearl for $1,450, hoping to sell it for at least $5,000 to Tiffany & Co. in New York. At the time, it was considered one of the largest pearls found in North America.
This find highlights the rich history of pearling in Tennessee, where the Clinch and Emory Rivers were central to the industry from 1895 to 1936. The pearl’s discovery brought attention to the region’s natural resources and contributed to its economic development during that period.
How much the treasure would be worth today
This pearl could be valued between $50,000 and $100,000 in today’s market.
Coats-Hines Mastodon & Tools – $500,000+
During the 1990s, construction of a golf course near Brentwood led to the discovery of mastodon bones at the Coats-Hines site. Archaeologists unearthed over 1,500 bone fragments and 15 stone tools, including knives and scrapers.
Cut marks on the bones indicated that humans had butchered these Ice Age animals, providing evidence of Paleoindian hunters in the region approximately 12,000 years ago.
This site is one of the few in North America showing direct interaction between humans and mastodons, offering valuable insights into early human behavior and subsistence strategies.
How much the treasure would be worth today
As an archaeologically significant site, the mastodon bones and Paleoindian tools are preserved for research, not for sale. However, if a comparable mastodon skeleton were sold, it could be worth $250,000 to $500,000, and the stone tools could add another $5,000 to $20,000 collectively.
The thrill of treasure hunting never fades—now, take a look at our list of the 15 Most Valuable Lost Treasures in Tennessee that could still be waiting to be found.
