18 Unbelievable Things Found in People’s Backyards

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Backyards can hold more than just grass, trees, and garden gnomes. Sometimes, people stumble upon incredible finds right in their own yards. From buried treasures to ancient artifacts, the discoveries can be astonishing.

Let’s dive into 18 unbelievable things that people have found in their backyards. Each story reveals the unexpected wonders that can lie just beneath the surface.

Buried Treasure

In 2013, a California couple discovered a stash of gold coins while walking their dog. The coins, dating from 1847 to 1894, were worth over $10 million. The couple found the coins buried in rusty cans under a tree. This treasure is now known as the Saddle Ridge Hoard.

Dinosaur Bones

In 1997, a family in South Dakota discovered dinosaur bones in their backyard. The bones belonged to a triceratops, a dinosaur that lived millions of years ago. Paleontologists confirmed the find, and it turned into an exciting local excavation. The family donated the bones to a nearby museum.

Meteorite

In 2012, a family in France found a meteorite in their backyard. The rock was identified as a piece of a meteor that had fallen to Earth. Scientists were thrilled to study the meteorite, which provided valuable information about space. The family decided to keep the meteorite as a unique memento.

Hidden Bunker

A man in California discovered a hidden bunker while gardening. The bunker, built during the Cold War, was stocked with supplies like food, water, and medicine. It appeared to have been untouched for decades. The man turned the bunker into a personal project, restoring it to its original condition.

Fossils

In 2006, a family in Michigan found a set of mastodon bones in their backyard. The mastodon, an ancient relative of the elephant, lived during the Ice Age. The discovery attracted attention from scientists and historians. The family allowed researchers to excavate the site and study the fossils.

Old Coins

A couple in England discovered a stash of old coins while digging in their garden. The coins dated back to the Roman Empire and were considered rare. The find was declared a treasure by the British authorities. The couple received a reward for their significant discovery.

Ancient Artifacts

In 2014, a man in Norway unearthed a Viking sword while doing yard work. The sword, over 1,000 years old, was in remarkable condition. Archaeologists were excited to study the artifact and learn more about the Viking era. The man donated the sword to a local museum.

World War II Bomb

A family in Germany found an unexploded World War II bomb in their backyard. They immediately called the authorities, who safely removed and defused the bomb. Such discoveries are not uncommon in Europe, where remnants of the war still surface. The incident served as a reminder of the region’s turbulent history.

Ancient Burial Ground

In 2018, a homeowner in England discovered an ancient burial ground while planting a tree. The site contained several skeletons believed to be from the Iron Age. Archaeologists were called in to investigate and preserve the site.

Rare Gemstones

A man in Australia found a large opal while digging in his backyard. The opal, a rare and valuable gemstone, was worth thousands of dollars. The man sold the opal to a jeweler and used the money to renovate his home. His lucky find turned into a profitable venture.

Underground Tunnel

In 2019, a family in Florida discovered an underground tunnel leading from their backyard to a nearby lake. The tunnel was likely used during the Prohibition era to transport illegal alcohol. The family explored the tunnel and documented their findings. The discovery added a mysterious and historical element to their property.

Ancient Pottery

A couple in Greece unearthed ancient pottery while planting a garden. The pottery pieces were from the Hellenistic period, over 2,000 years old. Archaeologists were thrilled with the discovery and studied the pottery to learn more about ancient Greek culture. The couple donated the pieces to a local museum.

Medieval Sword

In 2015, a family in Poland found a medieval sword buried in their backyard. The sword was from the 14th century and in excellent condition. Historians were eager to study the sword and its origins. The family proudly displayed the sword as a piece of history.

Woolly Mammoth Tusk

In 2010, a man in Alaska discovered a woolly mammoth tusk while digging a hole. The tusk was well-preserved and provided valuable insights into these ancient creatures. Paleontologists were excited to study the tusk and its significance. The man decided to keep the tusk as a unique natural artifact.

Time Capsule

A family in Texas found a time capsule buried in their backyard. The capsule, buried in the 1950s, contained letters, photos, and memorabilia from that era. The family enjoyed reading the letters and learning about the past. They added new items to the capsule and reburied it for future generations.

WWII Memorabilia

A man in France discovered a hidden stash of World War II memorabilia in his backyard. The items included uniforms, medals, and personal letters from soldiers. The find provided a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who served during the war. The man donated the memorabilia to a local war museum.

Rare Plant Species

In 2017, a botanist in Brazil found a rare plant species growing in his backyard. The plant, previously thought to be extinct, was thriving in the wild. The discovery was a significant breakthrough in botanical research. The botanist worked to protect and study the rare plant to ensure its survival.

Civil War Cannonball

In 2013, a family in Virginia discovered a Civil War-era cannonball while planting a tree in their backyard. The cannonball was rusted but intact, and it provided a tangible connection to the historical battles that took place in the area. Experts were called in to safely remove and preserve the cannonball. This find sparked a renewed interest in the local history for the family and their community.