Video Metal detectorist group strikes gold with ancient European treasures, including pots filled with coins
In Poland, a group of treasure hunters known as Denar Kalisz located earthenware vessels containing 631 medieval items, silver currency, and a Roman gold necklace dating back 1,800 years, possessing immense worth.
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While prospecting at a campsite from the era of the Australian Gold Rush, one metal detectorist made a striking find recently — even without uncovering any gold.
Angus James, a treasure seeker in the Australian state of Victoria, was searching an abandoned athletic field — locally referred to as a sports oval — on January 24 when he unearthed an odd-looking coin.
The field, located to the north of the mining town of Ballarat, had served as a campsite during the Australian Gold Rush, which commenced in 1851 and continued for many years.
While excavating in the earth, James discerned that the coin originated from Japan — and was crafted from bronze.
The discovery was no ordinary piece of money.
At an old Gold Rush-era campsite, a scarce Japanese bronze coin was found. The treasure hunter Angus James, at right, said uncovering the coin was “such a buzz.” (Angus James, @GOLDCOINRELICS via Facebook)
It was a 100 Mon Tempo Tsuho, a piece of currency that had limited purchasing power and was routinely employed for minor, daily transactions in 19th-century Japan.
Intriguingly, the inscriptions on the coin are Chinese, despite its production in Japan during the mid-19th century — a typical practice at the time.
James informed Fox News Digital that unearthing the relic was “such a buzz.” He also noted, “It is exceptionally rare to find a Japanese coin this old in Australia.”
“I have come across Chinese coins dating back to the Gold Rush period… Discovering a Japanese coin this old is a wonderful find.”
“I’m eager to discover what else I can detect at this site.”
James posted his discoveries on Facebook. He mentioned that when he first exposed the coin, he felt instant exhilaration — as well as curiosity.
He stated, “Initially, I had no clue what it was because I have never encountered anything similar.”
He further added that he was “not anticipating finding something so distinct in the location,” as his original intention was to find Australian currency and jewels. He has even stumbled upon gold nuggets in recent weeks.
The Japanese coin showcases Chinese symbols, a standard practice during the mid-19th century, when it was made. (Angus James, @GOLDCOINRELICS via Facebook)
He characterized the site as “extremely old,” adding that it was originally a campground. He commented that it had not been used as a sports field since the 1950s.
James said, “I’ve started to uncover other relics, including a belt buckle with an approximate date of the 1840s, along with a trade token coin bearing the date 1855.”
“I’m eager to discover what else I can detect at this site.”
James praised metal detecting as a pastime for those who might be interested, urging them to “go for it.”
The Australian Gold Rush, which began in 1851, brought prospectors and immigrants from across the globe to Victoria. (The Print Collector/Getty Images)
He said, “Metal detecting is a truly wonderful hobby.”
He stated, “You receive fantastic exercise [and] fresh air, and you can also unearth some incredibly amazing items.”
He added, “I always bring my young sons with me. They are completely enamored with it as well.”
The relic is among a number of coin-related discoveries that have recently come to light, thanks to metal detecting.
James mentioned that “Metal detecting is a truly wonderful hobby.” (Angus James, @GOLDCOINRELICS via Facebook)
This winter, the offspring of Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders located ancient currency in a previously undiscovered cave in the West Bank.
In Scotland, one metal detectorist recently surrendered the oldest coin ever made in Scotland to the country’s national museum.