In the sun‑baked sands of Agadir’s Corniche, 33‑year‑old content creator Mustapha Harmouch spends his weekends with a metal detector, turning the beach into a living museum of the past. The device, a Tianxun TX 850 he purchased online four years ago, emits a steady beep whenever it passes over metal, whether it be a discarded bottle cap or a centuries‑old coin.
Harmouch’s hobby has evolved into a recurring segment on his YouTube channel, Stofishing, which boasts over 123,000 subscribers. He explains that the thrill lies in the unknown: “The excitement comes partly from not knowing what lies beneath the sand.” Each outing offers a chance to discover artifacts that would otherwise remain buried.
During a recent dig in Sidi Ouassay, about 65 kilometres south of Agadir, Harmouch uncovered a remarkable cache of 14 Moroccan falus—bronze or copper coins dating back to the year 1289 on the Hijri calendar. While some coins were too corroded to read, the find provides a tangible link to Morocco’s medieval history. “I just collect them as a memory,” he says, reflecting on the historical significance rather than monetary value.
Not all discoveries are of antiquarian interest. Harmouch once mistook a common mineral for a meteorite, only to realize it was a cheap, everyday rock. He laughs about the misidentification, noting that the sense of possibility keeps him returning to the coast.
Beyond coins, the beaches have yielded jewellery, foreign currency—including a French 20‑franc silver coin—and a small gold ring that Harmouch found in Taghazout. He is committed to returning valuable items to their rightful owners, underscoring a respect for cultural heritage.
The Moroccan government protects such finds under Law 22‑80, which governs archaeological prospecting and the handling of historical discoveries. Harmouch often works with the Moroccan Association for Research and Exploration Enthusiasts, ensuring that any significant artifacts are reported and preserved according to national regulations.
Source: Al Jazeera
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Editorial note: This is an original news report prepared from the attributed source material with AI assistance. It is not a reproduction or translation of the original article.
