Berrien Springs Boy Unearths 200-Year-Old Austrian Coin: A Glimpse into the Past

An 11-year-old's discovery of a Maria Theresa Thaler in Berrien Springs offers a fascinating peek into the region's early settler history and international trade.

Imagine stumbling upon a piece of history while clearing branches. That's exactly what happened in Berrien Springs, where an 11-year-old boy unearthed a 200-year-old Austrian coin! This isn't just any coin; it's a Maria Theresa Thaler, a relic with a story to tell.

A 'Thaler' Tale: From Austria to Berrien Springs

Leif Sigvartsen's discovery at the Tarragindi Archeological Dig is more than just finding an old coin. This Thaler, dating back to 1780, was a major international currency used by Holy Roman Empire countries. Think of it as the PayPal of the 1800s, a way for European settlers to bring their money across the ocean. Its presence in Berrien Springs suggests early settlers in Michigan used this coin.

The Coin's Journey Through Time

Made of silver and copper, this particular Thaler is dated 1780, a date that remained constant even after Archduchess Maria Theresa's death. The coin's corroded state tells a story of its own. Likely dropped by a settler, trapper, or even a Native American, it spent nearly two centuries buried near Long Lake, enduring the elements.

More Than Just a Coin

Dr. Jan Sigvartsen, Director of the Tarragindi Archaeological Dig, notes the corrosion makes pinpointing the exact minting date tricky. The Tarragindi Archaeological Dig is excavating an old farm first purchased in 1836 by a member of one of Berrien Springs’ earliest settler families. The site contains a “farmers dump,” offering archaeologists a treasure trove of insight into Berrien Springs life from that early period up until 1970.

Get Involved!

Want to be part of the next big discovery? The Tarragindi Archaeological Dig offers opportunities for kids and adults to participate. Check out tarragindi.org for details, or visit the Berrien County History Center during Pickle Fest. Who knows what treasures you might unearth!

So, next time you're out for a walk, keep your eyes peeled. You never know when you might stumble upon a piece of history, just like Leif did. Maybe you will find the next Austrian coin!