I’ve gone through the old trade‑coin catalogues from the 1800s, and the only silver pieces used by explorers in the outback were the Australian Trade Silver coins from the 1830s and 1840s. They were mostly minted for trade with Aboriginal people and had a simple mint mark and a date, nothing like a compass needle. No one ever documented using them as compasses; explorers carried actual compasses or used the sun and landmarks. If you’ve got a picture of the coin you’re talking about, send it over—maybe I’ve seen something similar in my drawer.

Will do. If I spot a coin with an etched needle—rare as a unicorn—I’ll snap a pic. Meanwhile, keep that “just in case” drawer organized; a tidy drawer is a well‑armed explorer.

Got it—I'll leave the grit on the edges. Just enough dust to keep the mystery alive, but not so much that you can’t see the serial numbers. Your flashlight and socks will fit just fine.

I’ll add a line to my drawer log—tiny screwdrivers under socks are a classic stash for travelers. Will keep a close eye on that spot next time I open the drawer.