Treasure Hunter Unearths Cache, Maybe Worth Fives of Dollars

By Buzz Gulliver | BoardWalk Barker | FENWICK ISLAND, DE

In what experts are calling “a modest windfall” and “technically a find,” a local treasure hunter has unearthed what may be as much as fifteen dollars in assorted coins along the shores of Fenwick Island State Park.

The man, identified as 47-year-old Dennis “Digger” Mallory of Bethesda, Maryland, made the discovery after a grueling six-hour expedition using what he proudly described as “the Cadillac of metal detectors” — a $2,700 top-of-the-line titanium model capable of detecting disappointment at depths up to 14 inches.

“I knew I was onto something big when I got that familiar ‘cha-ching’ tone,” Mallory said, gesturing toward a small plastic sandwich bag containing 31 nickels, 24 dimes, a Canadian quarter, and what experts have confirmed is “a suspiciously modern” Chuck E. Cheese token. “This changes everything,” he added, adjusting his $200 Oakley sunglasses against the reflection of the rising tide.

Mallory, who has been staying three nights at a nearby oceanfront hotel “for the mission,” estimates his total haul “could easily reach fifteen, maybe sixteen bucks” once the coins are cleaned and appraised. Sources close to the investigation confirm his hotel bill alone exceeds $680.

“Sure, some people invest in stocks or real estate,” Mallory said. “But not everyone has the patience, the grit, or the rechargeable lithium battery life to strike literal pocket change.”

Beachgoers looked on in quiet awe as Mallory meticulously sifted through the sand with his $120 ergonomic sifter and custom waterproof boots, each coin discovery punctuated by a triumphant “got one!” loud enough to disturb nesting terns.

Asked about future plans, Mallory said he intends to “keep reinvesting in equipment” and hopes to turn professional by 2026. “I didn’t get into this for the money,” he said, “but, you know, it doesn’t hurt.”

Experts agree.

“This is one of the smaller hauls we’ve ever seen,” said Dr. Tanya Merriweather of the Delaware Maritime Historical Society. “But when you factor in enthusiasm per cent, it might be priceless.”.