About This Coin
A copper halfpenny bearing a young Queen Victoria, recovered by metal detection expert Gary Drayton on Lot 21 near the foundation of Daniel McGinnis's former home during Season 7. Charles Barkhouse was also present during the search. Gary dated the coin to approximately the 1840s based on the portrait style, which depicts Victoria early in her reign.
Lot 21 has been one of the more productive lots on the island for artifact recovery. The same lot had previously yielded a gold-plated brooch estimated at 700 years old and two iron swages dated to roughly 600 years ago. During the same search, Gary also recovered an unusual decorative brooch featuring twin coils of rope surmounted by a leaf with 13 branches. The Victoria halfpenny is consistent with activity on the island during the early to mid-19th century, when multiple treasure hunting companies and individual searchers were operating in the area.
Historical Context
Gary Drayton, Charles Barkhouse; The Curse of Oak Island Season 7 Episode 4
Where It Was Found
Found at Lot 21, near Daniel McGinnis foundation — Oak Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.
