Coin trading, much like archeology, is part educated analysis and part happy accidents. For example, many of the world’s finest artifacts were found by nonprofessionals who were in the right place at the right time. As a fellow adventurist, we at Cincinnati, OH’s Coins Plus seek to celebrate these chance discoveries by discussing three treasures from the world.

3 Amazing Treasures Found by Nonprofessional Collectors

1. The Hoxne Hoard

On a chilly November day in 1992, farmer Peter Whatling lost his hammer in his field and asked his friend Eric Lawes to search for it with his metal detector. During the search, Lawes stumbled upon some silver spoons, gold jewelry, and numerous coins. The two then contacted the Suffolk Archaeological Unit who then uncovered the decayed remains of a wooden chest containing many other valuables from the fourth or fifth century Roman Empire. Valued at $3.8 million, the collection was named the Hoxne Hoard, after its village of origin.

2. Xian Terra Cotta Army

Eighteen years earlier and 5,000 miles away, a group of Chinese farmers also chanced upon an amazing discovery: the hidden tomb of the third century B.C. Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the Qin Dynasty’s first emperor. The seven men were digging a well when one of their shovels struck the head of what they thought was a bronze bust. Later excavations instead found 8,000 life-sized terra cotta soldiers, horses, and chariots. These war figuri, our coin trading experts explain, were thought to protect the emperor in the afterlife. You can see this extraordinary find for yourself at Xian, China’s Terracotta Army Museum.

3. The Caesarea Sunken Treasure

You may not realize it, but these chance discoveries are still occurring, even today. Just two years ago, for example, scuba divers exploring the harbor of Caesarea National Park, Israel found a small, gold coin. At first, they thought it was a child’s toy until they noticed even more hidden in the seabed. They contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority who later unearthed nearly 2,000 coins in total dating between the tenth and twelfth centuries. There were several denominations present, but coin appraisal experts agree the collection is essentially priceless.

Whether you’ve happened upon an extraordinary treasure like these or just want to know the value of a family heirloom, you can trust our coin appraisal specialists to give an honest evaluation of your piece. Call Coins Plus at (513) 621-1996 to make an appointment. For more on our staff’s coin trading expertise or our coin buying process, visit us online.