Gary Drayton: Oak Island Star's Net Worth & Treasure Finds!

Eleazar Bernier 10 May 2025

Is the allure of buried treasure and historical mysteries enough to captivate an audience for over a decade? For the History Channel's "The Curse of Oak Island," the answer appears to be a resounding yes, and at the heart of this enduring fascination lies the captivating persona of Gary Drayton, a treasure hunter whose expertise and charisma have become synonymous with the show.

The series, which revolves around the Lagina brothers and their dedicated team, has spent years meticulously searching for hidden treasures believed to be secreted away on Oak Island, a small, tree-covered island off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. Gary Drayton, with his trusty "magic wand" his metal detector has been instrumental in this ongoing quest. He first appeared in the second season, subsequently solidifying his role as an integral member of the fellowship by season five. He quickly became a fan favorite, his infectious enthusiasm and uncanny ability to locate historical artifacts providing crucial breakthroughs in the search.

Full Name:	Gary Drayton
Born:	May 30, 1961 (Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England, UK)
Occupation:	Treasure Hunter, Metal Detecting Expert, Television Personality, Author
Known For:	"The Curse of Oak Island" on the History Channel
Net Worth:	Reportedly $3 million
Notable Finds:	Emerald ring (estimated value $500,000), "Drayton's Cross," numerous historical artifacts
Spouse:	Married
Children:	Anya Drayton, Katya Drayton

For those wishing to learn more, the official website of the History Channel for "The Curse of Oak Island" offers additional insights: The Curse of Oak Island - History Channel

Drayton's journey to Oak Island began long before the cameras started rolling. His early years were spent in Grimsby, England, where he honed his skills as a "bottle digger," meticulously excavating old Victorian trash pits and exploring riverbanks in search of historical relics. His youthful endeavors provided a strong foundation for the treasure hunter he would become. The bottles, clay pipes, and marbles he uncovered in his youth were tangible links to the past, igniting his passion for uncovering historical secrets.

Now, decades later, Drayton is still uncovering items of great historical significance. He has discovered an emerald ring worth a whopping $500,000. This discovery, along with numerous other finds, has cemented his status as a true expert. The precision and skill required to locate treasures are evident in his on-screen performances, captivating audiences with his passion and talent.

Florida is also a treasure hunter's paradise. With Spanish shipwrecks and tourist beaches dripping in gold, there is no limit to the treasures that could be found in the state. However, the biggest treasure is still the island in Nova Scotia, as Drayton and the rest of the team continue their search.

Recently, Drayton's family has become more involved, with his daughter, Katya, joining the team. Katya, who has been metal detecting with her father since the tender age of 7, has already made a significant impact. In her debut appearance on the show, she unearthed a find of considerable importance. This raises an interesting question: Could Katya Drayton become a central figure in the future of "The Curse of Oak Island?"

The presence of Katya also underscores the familial aspect of treasure hunting. Drayton celebrates his eldest daughter Anyas time at Ft. Myers Beach, humorously advising her to avoid "rum buckets and pirates." Similarly, he marked Katyas 16th birthday with a playful note, reminding her of the long road ahead before she could start dating. This human element is a major part of the show's appeal, revealing not just the thrill of discovery but also the personal connections that drive the team.

Draytons passion for treasure hunting is palpable, his expertise honed over years of experience. He proudly calls himself a "metal detecting ninja," a title that reflects his skill. Drayton uses his metal detecting skills to find old coins, rings, and war aircraft on the beaches. He also shares this passion and the fruits of his labor with his large social media following. His Instagram account (@gary.drayton) is filled with captivating images of his discoveries, and also offers a glimpse into his personal life, showcasing the joy he derives from his work. Some of the bottles he found dated back to the early 1600s and the clay pipes from the 1500s. His oldest bottle find was a roman. His contributions to the show extend beyond simply finding items. Ever since Gary Drayton convinced the Lagina brothers' team that his skills can help with their search, his affable presence has become a regular and important part of the show. If they can gather any significant data from the iron that pertains to their search for the treasure, this could potentially lead them closer to finding where the treasure is potentially located.

The series not only focuses on the discoveries but also explores the challenges of the search. The show's longevity is a testament to the enduring appeal of mysteries and the thrill of potentially unearthing forgotten history. "The Curse of Oak Island" has built a dedicated audience by consistently offering a combination of suspense, historical intrigue, and the relatable personalities of the team members. It is a program that relies heavily on character and historical significance for its success.

In addition to his television work, Drayton is also an author. He has written books on treasure hunting and metal detecting, further sharing his knowledge and passion with enthusiasts around the globe. Furthermore, Drayton has his own website for Gary Drayton treasure hunting merchandise, beach treasure hunting lessons, and cameo shoutouts are available now for metal detecting lessons. In this way, Drayton has transformed his passion into a flourishing career. He also provides metal detecting lessons through email: 1715hunter@bellsouth.net

Gary Drayton's impact on "The Curse of Oak Island" is undeniable. He has elevated the program with his personality. His discoveries have provided some of the most exciting moments in the show's history. As the quest for answers on Oak Island continues, one can only anticipate what new historical treasures Drayton will unearth, and what role his daughter, Katya, will play in future episodes.