Jamie, Fiona, and the Cast Unearth Clues to a Naval Mystery on Lot Five

As Oak Island’s Lot Five yields new discoveries, archaeologists Jamie Kouba and Fiona Steele lead the charge in uncovering rare artifacts that could rewrite the narrative of the island’s mysterious past. With scientific insights from Emma Culligan and veteran guidance from Laird Niven, this episode blends fieldwork, metallurgy, and historical theory—pointing to a potential connection with 18th-century British naval forces and the legendary treasure of the Concepción.

A Naval Echo from the Past Emerges on Lot Five

In Season 11, Episode 19 of The Curse of Oak Island, titled “Hi Ho Silver”, the archaeological focus shifts dramatically to Lot Five, where a team led by Jamie Kouba and Fiona Steele makes one of the most intriguing finds of the season—a possible gold-plated officer’s button and an ornately crafted silver artifact, both buried within the foundation of a mysterious stone structure.

Jamie and Fiona begin the dig near the shoreline, revisiting a site previously known for revealing a 14th-century barter token. Their early excitement is sparked when Jamie uncovers a sizable button with a distinctive loop. Fiona quickly observes its unusual sheen—suggestive of gold-plating. As Jamie speculates, a button of this kind could signify naval or military status, perhaps even that of an officer.

Jamie Kouba (on site): “If this was military, it would be an officer’s button if it was gold-plated.”

A Silver Clue and a Cement Mystery

Just moments later, Jamie stumbles upon another astonishing object—what appears to be a decorative silver handle, potentially from a piece of cutlery or a ceremonial item. The ornate design and craftsmanship surprise the team, especially considering its preservation and metallic purity.

This discovery reignites interest in a strange cement-like substance that Jamie had encountered on Lot Five nearly a month earlier—similar to materials previously found near the Garden Shaft tunnel. Could this feature indicate a deliberate attempt to conceal valuable items beneath Oak Island?

Metallurgical Revelations with Emma Culligan

At the Oak Island lab, Rick Lagina, Craig Tester, and Jack Begley consult with archaeologist Laird Niven and archaeometallurgist Emma Culligan. Her scientific analysis confirms that the button is a copper alloy gilded with approximately 3% gold, further supported by a phosphorus content indicative of 18th-century English naval or military buttons.

Emma Culligan: “I can say that it’s most likely English 18th century naval military.”

She also identifies the second object as 90% silver, qualifying it under the definition of “treasure” according to Canadian regulations. Though its exact function remains unclear, the piece’s design—possibly a knife hilt or tassel cap—suggests a high-status origin.

Laird Niven: “In 40 years, I can’t remember a piece of silver I found.”

A Connection to Sir William Phips and the Concepción

The implications of these artifacts extend beyond the island. Metallurgical findings point toward a possible link to Sir William Phips, a 17th-century English privateer who famously salvaged over 30 tons of silver and gold from the Spanish treasure ship Nuestra Señora de la Concepción in 1687.

In 2021, Freemasonry researcher Scott Clarke proposed that Phips—possibly aided by Nova Scotia Freemason Captain Andrew Belcher—could have hidden part of this treasure on Oak Island. This theory gains weight as more elements from Lot Five—including the man-made cement-like material—appear in both the foundation and Garden Shaft tunnel areas.

Rick Lagina: “It only reinforces that we might be on to something.”