Major Discoveries in Oak Island Season 12: Ancient Coins, Mysterious Tunnels, and the Templar Connection

Excavation Begins on Lot 5

Season 12 of The Curse of Oak Island begins with the long-awaited exploration of Lot 5, located on the western side of the island. Often dismissed due to its lack of infrastructure, the lot has now yielded some of the most promising discoveries in recent years. Within the first episode titled On the Money, the team uncovers five coins, instantly sparking speculation about their origin and purpose.

Knight Templar Coins and Historical Artifacts

Among the five coins found, four are believed to have ties to the Knights Templar, a medieval military order often linked to Oak Island legends. The close proximity of the coins within such a small area raised questions about a possible larger hoard or intentional placement.

Shortly afterward, metal detection revealed a lead barter token with scalloped edges, resembling the Smith’s Cove lead cross discovered in 2017. This token is believed to date as far back as the 14th century, adding weight to theories of pre-Columbian European presence on the island.

Numismatic Analysis Reveals Global Origins

To better understand the coins, the team consulted expert numismatist Sandy Campbell and her team, who specialize in rare coin analysis using advanced techniques such as metallurgy, iconography, and paleography.

One of the coins was identified as an Indian coin from the 6th to 8th century AD, while another turned out to be a Roman coin, authenticated by the discovery of a small gold piece hidden within. This Roman artifact, showing two figures in an embrace, may predate the Common Era.

The presence of such diverse coins—Indian, Roman, English, Spanish, and Chinese—on one small lot intensifies speculation of global contact or treasure deposition on Oak Island.

Discovery of a Mysterious Metallic Object

Excavation continued to yield surprises when the team uncovered a large metallic object buried deep within Lot 5. Initially thought to be a potential hatch or door to a chamber, analysis by archaeometallurgist Emma Culligan revealed it to be a river spike, likely pre-1840s in origin.

Though its exact purpose remains uncertain, the artifact’s composition closely matches findings near the birthplace of Sir William Phips, a historical figure often linked to Oak Island treasure theories.

Tunnels and Subterranean Structures

Sonic drilling in a region referred to as the “Garden Shaft” revealed a soft zone at 109 feet, suggesting a collapsed chamber or man-made tunnel. This finding coincided with previous sonar readings and reignited speculation that the original Money Pit may be nearby.

A borehole labeled B5N13 suggested soft fill material, while further digging at DN12 indicated the possible collapse of a chamber roof. These results point toward subsurface structures created with engineering skill, implying that an intelligent force once operated beneath the island.

Submerged Debris and Possible Shipwreck Evidence

Diver Tony Sampson, joined by Jack Begley and Alex Lagina, investigated submerged areas north of Oak Island. They recovered several objects including:

• A hand-carved wooden plank
• Blue-decorated pottery shards
• A clay sailor’s pipe
• A possible coin-like object

These findings suggest a shipwreck or early settlement presence in the area, although no firm conclusions can be drawn until official excavation permits are granted.

Archaeological Redware and Historic Foundations

Archaeologists Jaime Kuba and Fiona Steel discovered fragments of red earthenware pottery while investigating circular depressions on Lot 5. The strange purple-black glaze and coarse texture point to manufacturing techniques from the 17th or 18th centuries, though some characteristics suggest even older origins.

The team also uncovered foundation walls, possibly from early man-made structures predating the current lot divisions. These features hint at long-term habitation or activity on the land well before modern times.

Reinforcing the Knights Templar Theory

Researcher Halpern has continued to explore connections between Oak Island and the Knights Templar, citing these artifacts as potential evidence of a covert medieval expedition. In parallel, researcher Marty Lagina has observed similarities between Oak Island’s evidence and certain Templar-linked sites in Portugal, supporting theories of transatlantic voyages prior to Columbus.

The Road Ahead

The discoveries made in Season 12 —spanning from Roman coins and Indian tokens to subterranean chambers and shipwreck debris—have elevated Oak Island’s status from a site of legend to one of serious archaeological interest. While questions remain, the Lagina brothers and their team are closer than ever to unraveling the island’s centuries-old mystery.