The team behind The Curse of Oak Island has made yet another jaw-dropping discovery in their ongoing quest to unlock the island’s 228-year-old mystery. While probing the infamous Lot 5—known for earlier discoveries of ancient coins—Rick Lagina and Gary Drayton have unearthed what could be the most compelling evidence yet of early European and possibly military presence on the island.
Ancient Roman Coins Spark Renewed Interest
The latest excavation in Lot 5 began with renewed energy after previous digs yielded five coins—three of which were carbon-dated to the Roman Empire, over 2,000 years old. Believing this “Treasure Zone” to be a former secret trade or hiding route, the team returned, flags marking high metal activity spots.
Within hours, Rick and Gary found another small coin-like object. Lab tests later confirmed it was a lead bag seal, a European packing fastener widely used between the 13th and 18th centuries, particularly by military supply chains.
“It’s not just a seal—it’s a link to something much bigger,” said archaeologist Laird Niven. A scan using the X-ray fluorescent spectrometer revealed engravings with the letters “C, K, E, R,” which tied back to “Illo Packers London,” a known British Army supplier in the 1700s.
A Connection to the British or French Military?
Further analysis by metal specialist Emma Culligan revealed the lead seal shared chemical properties with another artifact found in Lot 32—suggesting a long-standing supply chain or operation spanning multiple locations on the island.
The intrigue deepened when the team discovered a small lead musket ball, potentially dating back to the 1700s and possibly linked to the 1746 French naval mission detailed in the mysterious Duke d’Anville ship log—a mission rumored to have involved hidden treasure.
In a nearby flagged area, another object—initially thought to be a shell casing—was identified by experts as a ramrod guide for a musket, dating back to early 16th-century Europe. A CT scan exposed something chilling: Roman numerals etched into the metal. This is the first such find since the late Dan Blankenship discovered a Roman numeral-marked U-shaped structure in Smith’s Cove in the 1970s.
Are the Finds Connected?
The presence of Roman numerals on both the musket guide and the 65-foot-long wooden structure discovered decades ago suggests the same group—or purpose—behind both. The team now believes there could be a military or organized expedition that buried or protected the treasure.
“This isn’t random. This is systematic. Someone went to great lengths to hide something here,” said Rick Lagina.
What’s Next for the Treasure Hunters?
The team plans to focus future efforts using sonar equipment and HD cameras in the “Money Pit” zone and “Aladdin’s Cave” location, which may yield more artifacts or even lead to the elusive treasure.
With estimates valuing the rumored treasure at over $3 billion, the stakes have never been higher. Every lead, every artifact, and every flag placed brings the Oak Island mystery closer to being solved.
And with the discovery of objects tied to ancient Europe and 18th-century militaries, speculation is growing: Was Oak Island a hidden military vault, a pirate’s hoard, or something even more secretive?
Stay tuned as The Curse of Oak Island continues to unravel the secrets buried beneath the soil.
