Rare Spanish Coin Unearthed on Nantucket Beach After Years of Searching
A metal detectorist's years-long quest to find historical treasures has finally paid off, with the recent discovery of an 18th-century Spanish silver coin on a beach in Nantucket. Travis Nichols, a well-known local detectorist, made the incredible find, which he estimated was worth $25,000.
Nichols' passion for metal detecting isn't new to the community, but his dedication to helping others has earned him a reputation as a reliable source of lost treasures. Despite this, his heart is set on finding historic coins, and he boasts an impressive collection of over 300 coins in his private hoard.
Nichols believes that the coin he recently discovered was minted in Mexico City, based on its marks. This theory suggests that the Spanish Empire played a significant role in Nantucket's history as a major hub for international trade during the 1700s. The coin itself is considered relatively young, with some of his previous finds dating back to the 1650s.
When asked about finding this particular coin, Nichols expressed his excitement and sense of satisfaction, stating that it was "an amazing feeling." When pressed on how much this discovery means to him compared to other finds, he candidly admitted that while helping others is vital, finding a rare coin like this one brings him immense joy and fulfillment.
This latest find has brought attention to Nichols' remarkable skills as a metal detectorist. While the coin itself may seem small in value, it represents an incredible piece of history that sheds light on Nantucket's role in international trade during its heyday. With his extensive collection already at 300 coins, it is clear that Nichols will continue to scour the beaches and surrounding areas for any new finds.
In a year where several metal detectorists around the world have found unusual coins, including ancient Roman coins in Romania and pots filled with hundreds of grams of gold in Poland, Nantucket's own metal detectorist has proven himself among the best.
A metal detectorist's years-long quest to find historical treasures has finally paid off, with the recent discovery of an 18th-century Spanish silver coin on a beach in Nantucket. Travis Nichols, a well-known local detectorist, made the incredible find, which he estimated was worth $25,000.
Nichols' passion for metal detecting isn't new to the community, but his dedication to helping others has earned him a reputation as a reliable source of lost treasures. Despite this, his heart is set on finding historic coins, and he boasts an impressive collection of over 300 coins in his private hoard.
Nichols believes that the coin he recently discovered was minted in Mexico City, based on its marks. This theory suggests that the Spanish Empire played a significant role in Nantucket's history as a major hub for international trade during the 1700s. The coin itself is considered relatively young, with some of his previous finds dating back to the 1650s.
When asked about finding this particular coin, Nichols expressed his excitement and sense of satisfaction, stating that it was "an amazing feeling." When pressed on how much this discovery means to him compared to other finds, he candidly admitted that while helping others is vital, finding a rare coin like this one brings him immense joy and fulfillment.
This latest find has brought attention to Nichols' remarkable skills as a metal detectorist. While the coin itself may seem small in value, it represents an incredible piece of history that sheds light on Nantucket's role in international trade during its heyday. With his extensive collection already at 300 coins, it is clear that Nichols will continue to scour the beaches and surrounding areas for any new finds.
In a year where several metal detectorists around the world have found unusual coins, including ancient Roman coins in Romania and pots filled with hundreds of grams of gold in Poland, Nantucket's own metal detectorist has proven himself among the best.
. You gotta think about all the implications - was this coin part of a bigger trade agreement between Spain and Nantucket? Did it help shape the island's economy in any way? It's fascinating stuff, really.
. I mean, what if he was doing it just to line his pockets with cash? It raises questions about the motivations of treasure hunters and whether their actions are driven by a desire to preserve history or profit from it 
. And another thing, has the town of Nantucket done enough to protect its historical sites and treasures from being lost forever due to erosion or human error? 
he's like a real life treasure hunter & i love how passionate he is about finding these historical coins! $25k is just the icing on the cake tho, can u imagine if it was worth more?? 
300 coins is already insane & now this new find takes it to a whole new level! 
Nichols' dedication 2 finding these coins is truly inspiring, and its not just about the money either, its about preserving history & giving people a glimpse into the past.
i was looking at some vids of nantuckets past and now i want to visit so bad!! i love that travis nichols has such a passion for his hobby its clear he loves sharing these finds with others too 
300 coins is insane! idk how much more treasure hes gonna find but ill be keeping an eye out 
Travis Nichols is a total legend! 300 coins is INSANE 
it just goes to show that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. And the history behind this coin being from Mexico City? Mind blown 
I'm definitely keeping an eye on Travis Nichols' future finds 
. It's awesome that he's not just about personal gain but also uses his skills to help others. I'd love to see more finds from him. The significance of the coin too is huge, showing how Nantucket played a major role in international trade back then. 
. But what really gets me is how proud he is of his finds and wants to share them with others. It's all about the history and the story behind those coins, right? Like, imagine being able to hold a piece of Nantucket's past in your hands – it's like having a little piece of history that you can keep forever 
. And $25,000? That's just icing on the cake 
! I'm definitely inspired by this guy to get out there and start searching for my own treasures 
.
. and what's up with all these metal detectorists just finding coins on beaches? didn't they know that was like, treasure hunting 101? 
he got a coll w/ over 300 coins already 
ther's nothin like findin history on earth 
The fact that this new find brings him "immense joy and fulfillment" just shows you the power of passion and perseverance. And can we talk about the significance of this coin? 
Just when you think metal detecting is all about finding cash, it's about preserving history too! Travis Nichols is more than just a treasure hunter, he's an unsung hero 
300 coins and counting, this guy is on a mission to uncover Nantucket's past 
! I was browsing through some forums and saw Travis Nichols' story - dude's been searching for years and finally found a Spanish silver coin on Nantucket beach 
. I also can't help but wonder what other treasures might be hiding in plain sight along those beaches