The Delaware coast has always been a busy spot for ship traffic, thanks to the Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay, and all of the other waterways in the area. In the years before lighthouses and even complicated radar systems worked to keep ships safe, storms and poor navigational choices led to dozens of shipwrecks along the coast. One particular spot claimed a whole lot of ships, and you can still find evidence of the wrecks today at Coin Beach in Delaware.
The Indian River Inlet is one of the most storied stretches of the East Coast.
Google Local / Andrew Kucienski
The currents and rocky shores led to many shipwrecks and stranded sailors off the coast.
Google Local / Steve Morey
Some of the most famous shipwrecks that were lost near the Inlet include the Faithful Steward in September 1785, the DeBraak in 1789, and the Count Durant in 1783.
Facebook / Delaware Seashore State Park
Nowadays, any time there’s a big storm off the inlet coast, Delaware’s treasure hunters gather at the beach. After the seas get angry, they tend to wash up some remnants from the wrecks onto the shore.
Flickr / Nathan Rupert
All sorts of old coins have been found by those who search the sands at Coin Beach! These old trinkets and tokens each have a story to tell.
Facebook / Delaware Seashore State Park
If you don’t have any luck finding treasure yourself, head to the Indian River Lifesaving Station Museum to see a display of coins that have washed up near the Inlet.
Facebook / Indian River Lifesaving Station Museum
Even if you don’t come home with a piece of history in your pocket, visiting Coin Beach and the Indian River Inlet is sure to be a treasured memory.
Google Local / Keith Brodeur
Google Local / Andrew Kucienski
Google Local / Steve Morey
Facebook / Delaware Seashore State Park
Flickr / Nathan Rupert
Facebook / Indian River Lifesaving Station Museum
Google Local / Keith Brodeur
The best time to go coin hunting is after a big storm has churned up the seabed. Keep an eye on the forecasts!
For another fascinating story about the Indian River Inlet, read The Deadly History Of This Delaware Bridge Is Terrifying But True.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Coin Beach, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Coin Beach In Delaware June 15, 2022 Meghan Byers What sorts of coins have been found at Coin Beach? Most of the coins that wash up at Coin Beach are thought to be from the wreck of the Faithful Steward, a merchant ship that was carrying 249 immigrants from Londonberry, Ireland en route to Philadelphia in 1785. The ship became lodged on a shoal close to Delaware’s coast in September of 1785. Only 68 people survived the wreck, and the ship eventually broke apart. On board the Faithful Steward were 400 barrels of half pennies and gold-rose guineas, and in the last two centuries thousands of British and Irish half pennies have been found by beachgoers at Coin Beach – along with the occasional gold guinea. But other rare coins have been found at Coin Beach as well. In 2016, one metal-detecting enthusiast claimed to have found a Spanish piece of eight while searching for treasure nearby. It’s possible that similarly rare coins are yet to be found at this shipwreck treasure beach. What are the best beaches with boardwalks in Delaware? The Rehoboth Beach boardwalk is, of course, Delaware’s top summer attraction, with all kinds of food, shopping, and carnival games to enjoy. Bethany Beach’s boardwalk is a little quieter, but still a great destination especially for families who are looking for a slightly more laidback boardwalk experience. Visit our guide to more of the best boardwalks in Delaware. Where can I find some secluded beaches in Delaware? Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach are well-known for good reason, but if you’re looking for some summer solitude away from the crowds, there are quite a few little-known Delaware beaches worth visiting. Bowers Beach in Frederica is usually on the quieter side, with a quaint shoretown atmosphere. Fowler Beach, located within the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, is a pristine beach that’s also a sanctuary for horseshoe crabs. Woodland Beach in Smyrna is known for its sea glass, and a popular spot for crabbing and fishing.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Coin Beach In Delaware
June 15, 2022
Meghan Byers
What sorts of coins have been found at Coin Beach? Most of the coins that wash up at Coin Beach are thought to be from the wreck of the Faithful Steward, a merchant ship that was carrying 249 immigrants from Londonberry, Ireland en route to Philadelphia in 1785. The ship became lodged on a shoal close to Delaware’s coast in September of 1785. Only 68 people survived the wreck, and the ship eventually broke apart. On board the Faithful Steward were 400 barrels of half pennies and gold-rose guineas, and in the last two centuries thousands of British and Irish half pennies have been found by beachgoers at Coin Beach – along with the occasional gold guinea. But other rare coins have been found at Coin Beach as well. In 2016, one metal-detecting enthusiast claimed to have found a Spanish piece of eight while searching for treasure nearby. It’s possible that similarly rare coins are yet to be found at this shipwreck treasure beach. What are the best beaches with boardwalks in Delaware? The Rehoboth Beach boardwalk is, of course, Delaware’s top summer attraction, with all kinds of food, shopping, and carnival games to enjoy. Bethany Beach’s boardwalk is a little quieter, but still a great destination especially for families who are looking for a slightly more laidback boardwalk experience. Visit our guide to more of the best boardwalks in Delaware. Where can I find some secluded beaches in Delaware? Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach are well-known for good reason, but if you’re looking for some summer solitude away from the crowds, there are quite a few little-known Delaware beaches worth visiting. Bowers Beach in Frederica is usually on the quieter side, with a quaint shoretown atmosphere. Fowler Beach, located within the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, is a pristine beach that’s also a sanctuary for horseshoe crabs. Woodland Beach in Smyrna is known for its sea glass, and a popular spot for crabbing and fishing.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most of the coins that wash up at Coin Beach are thought to be from the wreck of the Faithful Steward, a merchant ship that was carrying 249 immigrants from Londonberry, Ireland en route to Philadelphia in 1785. The ship became lodged on a shoal close to Delaware’s coast in September of 1785. Only 68 people survived the wreck, and the ship eventually broke apart. On board the Faithful Steward were 400 barrels of half pennies and gold-rose guineas, and in the last two centuries thousands of British and Irish half pennies have been found by beachgoers at Coin Beach – along with the occasional gold guinea. But other rare coins have been found at Coin Beach as well. In 2016, one metal-detecting enthusiast claimed to have found a Spanish piece of eight while searching for treasure nearby. It’s possible that similarly rare coins are yet to be found at this shipwreck treasure beach.
What are the best beaches with boardwalks in Delaware?
The Rehoboth Beach boardwalk is, of course, Delaware’s top summer attraction, with all kinds of food, shopping, and carnival games to enjoy. Bethany Beach’s boardwalk is a little quieter, but still a great destination especially for families who are looking for a slightly more laidback boardwalk experience. Visit our guide to more of the best boardwalks in Delaware.
Where can I find some secluded beaches in Delaware?
Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach are well-known for good reason, but if you’re looking for some summer solitude away from the crowds, there are quite a few little-known Delaware beaches worth visiting. Bowers Beach in Frederica is usually on the quieter side, with a quaint shoretown atmosphere. Fowler Beach, located within the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, is a pristine beach that’s also a sanctuary for horseshoe crabs. Woodland Beach in Smyrna is known for its sea glass, and a popular spot for crabbing and fishing.
