West Point time capsule that appeared to contain nothing more than silt yields centuries-old coins

By CAROLYN THOMPSON
Associated Press

A nearly 200-year-old time capsule that appeared to yield little more than dust when it was opened at West Point actually contained centuries-old coins potentially worth thousands of dollars. The U.S. Military Academy says the lead box contained six silver American coins dating from 1795 to 1828 and a commemorative medal. All were discovered in sediment that appeared to be the box’s only contents at Monday’s ceremonial opening. The finds seem to confirm academy officials’ theory that the time capsule was placed in a monument by cadets in 1828 or 1829, when the monument honoring a Revolutionary War hero was completed. Experts say some of the coins are worth well over $1,000.