Incredible treasures have popped up all across our beautiful Virginia over the years. Our state’s rich soil and waters have given up amazing finds worth millions of dollars to lucky searchers.
Many people have discovered valuable coins, jewelry, and historical items in their own property.
We Virginians know our backyard holds more secrets than most places in America. Learning about these finds connects us to our state’s amazing past.
The thrill of possibly finding something valuable makes hiking our trails and beaches even more exciting. Our Virginia continues to reward those who look closely at what others walk right past.
Amazing Treasures That Have Been Found In Virginia
The following discoveries rank among the most fascinating treasures ever unearthed in Virginia. Once you’ve explored these incredible finds, be sure to check out our guide to the 16 Most Valuable Lost Treasures in Virginia that could still be waiting to be discovered!
Buckingham “Motherlode” Vein – $100,000,000+
In 2019, geologists discovered a notable gold-bearing quartz vein in Buckingham County, Virginia. It was identified through surface prospecting and subsequent drilling programs.
The vein trends northwest-southeast and is sub-vertical in orientation. It outcrops at the surface and has been intercepted in drill cores at depths greater than 90 meters and along a strike length exceeding 200 meters.
Initial drilling by Aston Bay Holdings in 2019 yielded promising results. Notable gold intercepts included 35.61 grams per tonne (g/t) over 2.03 meters and 24.73 g/t over 3.57 meters, which included a higher-grade segment of 62.51 g/t over 1.39 meters. These findings indicated the presence of high-grade gold mineralization within the vein.
Further exploration in 2020 extended the known strike length of the vein by an additional 150 meters, bringing the total to over 200 meters. Drilling during this phase continued to intersect gold-bearing quartz veins, with assays returning values such as 33.50 g/t over 1.29 meters and 6.56 g/t over 2.18 meters.
These results suggest that the vein remains open both along strike and at depth, indicating potential for further mineralization.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Buckingham “Motherlode” vein, containing high-grade gold, could be worth an estimated $50 million to $100 million, depending on the total tonnage extracted.
Jamestown “Jane” Bones – $100,000+
In 2012, archaeologists at Jamestown made a grim discovery: the remains of a 14-year-old English girl, later named “Jane.” Her bones bore clear signs of cannibalism, shedding light on the desperate conditions during the “Starving Time” in the winter of 1609-1610.
This period was marked by extreme food shortages, leading colonists to consume whatever was available, including, as this evidence suggests, human flesh.
The forensic analysis revealed multiple chop marks on her skull, indicating attempts to access the brain for sustenance.
This finding provides concrete evidence of the lengths to which settlers went to survive in the face of starvation. Jane’s remains were found discarded in a refuse pit alongside animal bones.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The historical significance of Jane’s remains makes them priceless, but similar early colonial-era artifacts have fetched over $100,000 at auctions.
Norfolk Mace – $500,000+
The Norfolk Mace, a 104-ounce silver ceremonial piece, was presented to the city of Norfolk in 1754 by Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddie. This ornate symbol of authority was cherished by the community.
During the Revolutionary War, as British forces threatened the city in 1776, residents disassembled and buried the mace in Kemps Landing (now part of Virginia Beach) to protect it.
It remained hidden until 1790 when it was returned to the city’s Clerk of Court. However, its trials didn’t end there. After the Civil War, the mace was forgotten and languished in obscurity.
In 1894, Police Chief C.J. Iredell discovered it in a state of disrepair among old records in a police station storage room. Recognizing its significance, efforts were made to restore and preserve this historic artifact.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The Norfolk Mace, weighing 104 ounces of silver, would be worth around $3,500 in silver value alone, but as a historical artifact, it could fetch over $500,000 at auction.
Great 9-Pound Gold Nugget – $250,000+
In the 19th century, Virginia’s gold mining industry witnessed a remarkable find: a gold nugget weighing approximately 9 pounds. This significant discovery occurred at Tongue Quarter Creek in Buckingham County, an area known for its gold deposits. The nugget’s size and purity made it one of the largest ever found in the state.
This find spurred increased interest in gold prospecting within the region, leading to the establishment of several mines. The discovery of such a substantial nugget underscored the potential wealth hidden within Virginia’s rivers and streams.
Today, this nugget remains a symbol of the state’s rich mining history and the allure of the quest for gold.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A 9-pound gold nugget at today’s gold prices would be worth around $250,000, but as a rare specimen, it could sell for much more at an auction.
Yorktown Mastodon Bones – $1,000,000+
In 2018, a nearly complete skeleton of a young mastodon was discovered in York County. This Ice Age elephant roamed the region approximately 15,000 years ago. The discovery began in 1983 when a bricklayer found a mastodon tooth in a stream.
However, it wasn’t until 35 years later, under new property ownership, that a full excavation was conducted, revealing around 200 bones. This find is particularly significant as it’s the first mastodon discovered east of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.
The well-preserved skeleton offers invaluable insights into the prehistoric fauna of the region and the environmental conditions of the time.
Currently, the Virginia Living Museum is undertaking the meticulous process of preserving these fragile bones for future study and display.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A nearly complete mastodon skeleton could be worth anywhere from $200,000 to $1 million.
Spanish Galleon La Galga – $50,000+
In 1750, the Spanish galleon La Galga set sail from Havana, Cuba, escorting a convoy of merchant ships bound for Spain. On August 18, a powerful hurricane struck, scattering the fleet and driving La Galga toward the American coastline.
The ship ultimately wrecked near the Maryland-Virginia border, close to present-day Assateague Island. Remarkably, most of the crew and passengers survived, reaching the shore safely.
Local residents salvaged what they could from the stranded vessel before a subsequent storm destroyed the remains. For centuries, the exact location of La Galga’s wreck remained a mystery, fueling local legends.
In the late 1990s, researchers identified the wreck site by recovering coins dated 1734, confirming the ship’s identity. While no vast treasure was found, the discovery holds significant historical value.
Today, artifacts from La Galga are preserved and displayed, offering insights into 18th-century maritime history. The tale of La Galga intertwines with local folklore, enriching the cultural tapestry of the region.
How much the treasure would be worth today
While no substantial treasure was recovered from La Galga, the historical artifacts and their connection to local legends are considered invaluable, with some items potentially appraised at over $50,000.
8.9-Pound Topaz Crystal – $50,000+
In September 1982, mineral collector Peter McCrery made a remarkable discovery in Powhatan County, Virginia. While exploring the dumps of the old Herbb No. 2 mica mine, he unearthed a massive topaz crystal.
This gem-quality specimen weighed an impressive 8.9 pounds (4 kilograms) and measured 10.9 inches in length.
The crystal was virtually flawless, transparent, and colorless, with a well-formed termination on one end. Its discovery marked it as the largest gem-quality topaz found in North America at the time.
The Herbb No. 2 mine, active during the mid-20th century, was known for producing various minerals, including beryl and mica.
McCrery’s find brought renewed interest to the site, highlighting Virginia’s potential for yielding significant mineral specimens.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A topaz crystal of this size and quality could be valued at approximately $50,000 in today’s market.
1773 Virginia Halfpenny Hoard – $500,000+
In the mid-19th century, a remarkable discovery was made in Richmond. An old keg filled with thousands of uncirculated 1773 Virginia copper halfpenny coins was unearthed.
These coins, minted in 1773, were authorized by the Virginia Assembly to address a shortage of small denomination currency. The halfpennies featured the bust of King George III on one side and the Virginia coat of arms on the other.
Despite being minted before the American Revolution, they remained in circulation for years. The discovery of this hoard provided a unique glimpse into colonial America’s monetary system.
The coins were remarkably well-preserved, having been stored away for decades. Their uncirculated condition made them particularly valuable to collectors and historians.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A single 1773 Virginia halfpenny in uncirculated condition can be worth around $500, meaning the entire hoard could be valued at over $500,000 today.
Lorton Meteorite – $300,000+
On January 18, 2010, a meteorite came crashing through the roof of a doctor’s office in Lorton, Virginia. The space rock weighed approximately 0.3 kilograms (0.66 pounds) and shattered into multiple fragments upon impact.
The meteorite was quickly identified as an ordinary chondrite, a common type of stony meteorite. Scientists determined that it had traveled through space for millions of years before entering Earth’s atmosphere.
Its descent was witnessed by several people, and its crash created a significant buzz among meteorite enthusiasts and scientists alike.
The Smithsonian Institution acquired the meteorite for further study and display. Meteorites like this provide valuable insights into the early solar system and planetary formation. The Lorton Meteorite remains one of the most famous meteorite falls in Virginia’s history.
How much the treasure would be worth today
Meteorites of this size and type can sell for around $1,000 per gram, making the Lorton Meteorite potentially worth over $300,000 today.
Walton 1913 Liberty Nickel – $3,100,000+
In 1913, the U.S. Mint produced five Liberty Head nickels without official authorization, making them exceedingly rare. One of these elusive coins, known as the “Walton” nickel, was acquired by collector George O. Walton in the mid-1940s for about $3,750.
Tragically, in 1962, Walton died in a car accident, and the coin was recovered from the crash site. However, experts at the time mistakenly declared it a fake, and it remained hidden in a Virginia closet for over four decades.
In 2003, prompted by a million-dollar reward for the missing nickel, Walton’s heirs had the coin re-evaluated. Experts authenticated it as the genuine 1913 Liberty Head nickel.
This discovery astonished the numismatic community, as the coin had been presumed lost. The coin’s journey from obscurity to fame highlights the importance of second opinions in appraisals.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The “Walton” 1913 Liberty Head nickel sold for $3.1 million in 2013, and its value has likely appreciated since then.
Thomas Jefferson’s Fossil Collection – $100,000+
Thomas Jefferson developed a keen interest in paleontology in the late 18th century. He received fossilized bones from a giant ground sloth in 1787, which he named “Megalonyx,” meaning “great claw.” These fossils were sent to him from a cave in western Virginia.
Jefferson’s fascination with these remains led him to present a paper to the American Philosophical Society in 1797. In this paper, he detailed his findings and proposed the existence of the Megalonyx species. His work contributed significantly to the early study of American paleontology.
Jefferson’s interest in fossils also influenced his vision of the American West. He believed that exploring these unknown territories could lead to more such discoveries.
This passion partly inspired the Lewis and Clark Expedition, aiming to uncover the continent’s natural wonders. Today, Jefferson is often regarded as the “father of American paleontology.”
How much the treasure would be worth today
While the original Megalonyx fossils are priceless due to their historical significance, similar fossils have been appraised at values exceeding $100,000.
Claude Moore Farm Coin Hoard – $25,000 +
During an archaeological excavation at a colonial farm site in Fairfax County in 1976, researchers uncovered a small buried pot containing 73 colonial-era coins. This site is now known as the Claude Moore Colonial Farm.
The hoard comprised a mix of currencies, including Spanish silver reales, British coppers, and early American coins. The diversity of the coins suggests active trade and economic exchanges in the late 1700s.
It’s believed that the coins were deliberately hidden, possibly for safekeeping during turbulent times. The exact reason for their burial remains a subject of speculation among historians.
Discoveries like this provide valuable insights into the economic practices of colonial America.
How much the treasure would be worth today
A hoard of 73 colonial-era coins, including Spanish silver reales and early American currency, could be worth upwards of $25,000.
Saltville Ice Age Site – $10,000+
Saltville has long been a focal point for paleontological and archaeological research. In 1996, a significant discovery was made that pushed back the timeline of human habitation in North America.
Researchers found evidence indicating that humans hunted and processed a mastodon at this site approximately 14,000 years ago. This predates previous estimates of human presence in the Western Hemisphere.
The site, designated SV-2, revealed butcher marks on mastodon bones, suggesting the use of stone and bone tools for butchering.
Additionally, arranged stones and bones hint at possible ritualistic behavior. The surrounding area, once a floodplain, preserved these artifacts remarkably well. The diverse fauna included mammoths, giant sloths, and musk oxen, painting a vivid picture of the Pleistocene epoch.
Saltville’s rich deposits have attracted researchers since the 18th century, with ongoing excavations continuing to shed light on early human activities. These findings challenge previous notions about the timeline of human migration into the Americas.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The artifacts and fossils from the Saltville site are of immense scientific value, with individual items potentially valued at over $10,000, though their true worth lies in their contribution to understanding human history.
Martha Washington’s Thimble – $20,000+
In 2005, archaeologists conducting excavations at Mount Vernon discovered a thimble believed to have belonged to Martha Washington. This small sewing tool offers a tangible connection to the personal life of America’s first First Lady.
The thimble was found in an area known to have been Martha’s living quarters. Its design and craftsmanship are consistent with the late 18th century. Such personal artifacts provide insight into the daily lives of historical figures.
Martha Washington was known for her domestic skills, including sewing and embroidery. This thimble symbolizes the hands-on role she played in managing the household.
Today, the thimble is displayed at Mount Vernon, allowing visitors to connect with the personal history of the Washington family. Artifacts like this thimble help humanize iconic figures, reminding us of their everyday experiences.
How much the treasure would be worth today
The thimble, attributed to Martha Washington, has been appraised at approximately $20,000 due to its historical significance.
List of the 16 Most Valuable Lost Treasures in Virginia that could still be waiting for the right person to uncover them.
