About This Coin
A metallic object identified as a possible coin was discovered by diver Tony Sampson while exploring the waters just north of Oak Island during Season 11. Sampson, joined by Alex Lagina, Jack Begley, and underwater imaging expert Ken Deboer with an ROV, was searching for evidence of the artificial wall Fred Nolan believed existed near the swamp. During the dive, Tony metal detected the seabed and discovered pieces of worked timber, pottery with blue markings, and a clay pipe stem near a large boulder.
His metal detector then picked up what he believed could be a coin near the same boulder, but provincial government regulations prevented its extraction at the time. Nova Scotia heritage law requires permits for the removal of potential archaeological artefacts from underwater sites, and the team was unable to recover the object during the initial dive. The find was noted for future investigation pending the necessary government authorisation.
The initial description suggested the object might be of Chinese origin, though this identification is speculative without physical examination. A separate Chinese cash coin was previously found on Lot 15 by Gary Drayton and identified by numismatist Sandy Campbell as potentially dating from 400 BC to 900 AD. If the submerged object is confirmed as a coin and recovered under permit, its location in the waters north of the island could provide evidence of maritime activity or a vessel that either visited or was deliberately scuttled near the shore.
Historical Context
Tony Sampson
Where It Was Found
Found Off northern coast (underwater) — the shoreline areas of Oak Island.
