Yard Work Turns to Fortune: A Vermont Woman’s Unexpected Treasure

 Report on May 27, 2025 

Gold Beneath the Grass: A Mysterious Chest Found in Vermont

This New England town is not short of talk these days. Buried treasure including old coins and antiques have been found in St.Albans, Vermont. Taking care of vegetation in Taylor Park seemed so every day for Kelly Wakefield. That she was startled by her find would be an understatement.

Kelly had been reading the book "Lady Liberty's Treasure Hunt." The book gives clues to the reader about hidden treasure in the Northeast. In spring, as she worked in the park, she dug up a skull that displayed a skull and crossbones. On a stone was a code that was just like one seen in her book. This accounted for her continued digging for treasure.

Wakefield found herself near a shrub.  Low and behold, she found silver and gold coins. In addition, there were antiques and collectables. The number of coins could have filled a small chest. I recall the time, as a boy, that I found two military buttons near a park in the Arizona desert. One was bronze with 4 holes - a coat button with U.S. embossed. The other was a bronze general service button with eagle. I was so excited; so, imagine Wakefield's excitement. The treasure included a Civil War-era bullet, referencing the infamous 1864 raid of St. Albans by Confederate soldiers who snuck in through Canada.

Other treasure chests are suggested to be in New England. Although waiting to be dug, searching for treasure is a family activity that rewards by doing road trips. Our country is a treasure, but seeing the outdoors and imbibing the history goes a long way to a satisfying treasure adventure. And beyond that, think of all the places you have visited prior to having an interest in treasure. Are some of those places candidates for exploration?

As far as St. Albans is concerned; there is a museum and a Wednesday evening summer concert series in Taylor Park starting in June. Wakefield has placed her treasure in a safety-deposit box. She is contemplating an appraisal, especially if it can supplement a retirement fund. She went on to say the treasure discovery was a "fun thing," and it inspired her to keep exploring the Northeast and its history.

Courtesy of Pixabay

Casual Walk, Historic Find: Woman Discovers Priceless Medieval Coins in Countryside

 During a leisurely walk through the scenic Kutnohorsk Region in the Czech Republic, an unsuspecting woman stumbled upon a remarkable treasure—a hidden stash of over 2,150 medieval silver coins dating back nearly 900 years. Once carefully stored in a ceramic pot, the coins had remained untouched since the turbulent early 12th century, safeguarding a piece of history from a time of political upheaval. Although the pot itself had deteriorated, the coins were a preserved relic, offering a glimpse into the lives and events of a bygone era. Experts from the Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and the Czech Silver Museum in Kutná Hora are now working to analyze and restore this astonishing find. Their goal is to uncover the secrets of the coins' origins, composition, and historical significance.

Archaeologist Filip Velímský hailed the discovery as one of the most exciting finds in recent years, likening it to striking a jackpot—but with a poignant twist. “Placed during the first quarter of the 12th century, at a time of internal political instability, these coins tell a story of power struggles and survival,” Velímský explained. Disputes among members of the Přemysl dynasty over the princely throne of Prague had made the region a volatile battleground, where treasures were hidden and lost amidst chaos. The wealth represented by the coin collection was extraordinary for its time, unimaginable for an ordinary person to possess. Velímský speculated that the coins could have served as soldiers' wages or "war booty" during the dynastic conflicts that defined the area. Preliminary studies reveal that the coins were minted under the reigns of King Vratislav II and princes Břetislav II and Bořivoj II, spanning several decades of Přemysl rule. Crafted primarily from silver alloyed with copper, lead, and traces of other metals, the coins are believed to have originated from the Prague mint. Researchers hope to trace the source of the silver to better understand the trade networks and economic practices of medieval Bohemia.

The museum staff now faces the meticulous task of cleaning, restoring, and cataloging each coin, employing advanced techniques like X-ray imaging and spectral analysis. The final goal is to display the collection publicly in 2025, sharing this captivating piece of Czech history with the world. While the original owner of this treasure remains a mystery, the discovery continues to illuminate the complex and storied past of the Czech Republic, inviting us to imagine the lives of those who once held these coins in their hands.

An Ancient Treasure Discovered off of Egypt's Coast Dazzles Archaeologists

 

A sunken temple, a sanctuary in Egypt, was found in 2023 revealing one huge treasure. Artifacts discovered in the temple include gold objects and jewelry. A spectacular pillar made of lapis lazuli was found in a canal off the coast. Overflowing with treasure, this underwater discovery is astonishing.

Collapsing halfway through the second century B.C., the temple was dedicated to Amun, an Egyptian god. Pharaohs traveled to this place of distinction to be given the title of "universal king."

Once a port city of Thonis-Heraclaion, this abandoned collapsed building (underwater) 4.3 miles from the current coast of Egypt, was destroyed by the combination of an earthquake and resulting tidal wave. 

Turning into a cauldron of liquified mud, this ancient city sank into the Nile Delta. Archaeologists unearthed silver ritual instruments, and alabaster containers that held perfumes and unguents.

In addition to the above-mentioned treasures, divers discovered preserved wooden structures dating to the fifth century B.C. It was amazing that the wood beams and posts survived this kind of cataclysm. 

Archaeologists found a Greek sanctuary dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The sanctuary also contained precious artifacts of bronze and ceramics. Greeks were allowed to trade and settle in the city while the pharaohs ruled, and these very same Greeks were allowed to have their own gods at the temple. The sanctuary also held a cache of Greek weapons

Perhaps Greek mercenaries were there defending this access to Egypt. The access was at the mouth of the Nile's westernmost branch.

The Legendary Whydah Gally: Unveiling the Secrets of History’s Most Famous Pirate Shipwreck

By jjsala - Flickr: DSC_0342, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22023395

The Whydah Gally was a British ship originally built in 1715 as a slave ship. It was captured by the infamous pirate Captain Samuel "Black Sam" Bellamy in 1717, during the Golden Age of Piracy. Bellamy transformed the Whydah into his flagship, using it to plunder other vessels along the American coast.

Tragically, the Whydah Gally met its end on April 26, 1717, when it was caught in a violent storm off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The ship sank, taking with it Bellamy, most of his crew, and a vast treasure of gold, silver, and other valuables. Only two crew members survived the wreck.

The shipwreck was discovered in 1984 by underwater explorer Barry Clifford. It remains the only fully authenticated pirate shipwreck ever found. Among the artifacts recovered are cannons, coins, and the ship's bell, which bears the inscription "The Whydah Gally 1716." Excavations are ongoing, and the site continues to yield fascinating historical treasures.

1. The Ship's Origins: The Whydah was named after the West African port of Ouidah (modern-day Benin), where it was originally used for the transatlantic slave trade. It was a state-of-the-art ship for its time, boasting speed and firepower.

2. Captain Bellamy's Leadership: Samuel "Black Sam" Bellamy was a charismatic and democratic pirate captain. He was known for treating his crew well, and his ship operated on pirate codes, where decisions and the distribution of loot were often made collectively. Bellamy earned the nickname "Prince of Pirates" for his charm and fairness.

3. The Treasure: The Whydah Gally was laden with loot from over 50 plundered ships when it sank. The treasure included gold, silver, jewelry, and other valuables, much of which remains buried beneath the sands off Cape Cod.

4. The Discovery: When Barry Clifford discovered the wreck in 1984, it marked a significant moment in maritime archaeology. The site was identified by the ship's bell, inscribed with "The Whydah Gally 1716," which authenticated the find.

5. Ongoing Excavations: The wreck site continues to be explored, with new artifacts regularly unearthed. These include personal items from the crew, navigational tools, and weaponry, providing a glimpse into pirate life in the 18th century.

6. Educational Impact: Many of the recovered artifacts are displayed in museums and traveling exhibitions, such as the Whydah Pirate Museum in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts. These displays allow people to connect with the history of piracy and the transatlantic world.

The Whydah Gally is a treasure trove not just of gold and silver but of history and storytelling.

If you want the whole skinny, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whydah_Gally

"The Legacy of Legendary Treasure Hunts: From Kit Williams' Masquerade to Forrest Fenn's Epic Chase"

 Crypto millionaire John Collins-Black, a California man, hid more than $2,000,000 in 5 boxes across the United States.

It wasn't the first treasure hunt of its kind. Back in 1979, British author Kit Williams published "Masquerade," a children's book filled with riddles that led readers to a hidden golden rabbit. This prized treasure was found three years later, though reportedly with the aid of insider information.

Fast forward to 1982, and Byron Preiss introduced "The Secret," a quest to discover 12 treasure boxes. Clues were embedded in cryptic verses with lines like, "Thucydides is/North of Xenophon/Take five steps/In the area of his direction." Despite Preiss' passing in 2005, only three of these treasure boxes have been found to date, as reported by the Boston Globe. Several other treasure hunts followed, including one for a golden owl.

Forrest Fenn’s treasure hunt, however, stood out due to its widespread appeal. The hunt offered an estimated prize of $1 million to $2 million, making it an enticing pursuit. Moreover, the accompanying poem made the challenge seem accessible and solvable for everyday individuals, according to Jenny Kile, who runs a website dedicated to tracking such treasure hunts.

Over time, the hunt attracted thousands of hopefuls seeking life-changing fortunes, scouring locations in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. For many, it offered a sense of community and a purpose-driven adventure, especially in places like Yellowstone. Yet for some, it became an obsession.

In a 2021 study, psychology professor Alan King wrote, "Amateur treasure hunting has evolved into a distinctive American subculture, typified by the Fenn chase community." He discovered that most participants found the intellectual or emotional rewards of the chase to be more valuable than the “likely unattainable goal, with its associated risks."

For more on the story, see Crypto millionaire's $2M fortune sparks hunt for hidden treasure

       John Collins-Black - the man who has created a treasure hunt around the United States.

Underwater Archaeologists Uncover Gold and Silver Ritual Treasures in Sunken Egyptian Temple

Tools of the Temple

Underwater archaeologists have made an incredible discovery off the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, where they unearthed a sunken temple, and a sanctuary filled with ancient treasures. The temple, dedicated to the god Amun, partially collapsed during a cataclysmic event in the mid-second century B.C. This temple was of great importance, as pharaohs visited it to receive their titles of power from Amun, the supreme god of the ancient Egyptian pantheon, according to the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM).

Located in the ancient port city of Thonis-Heracleion, now submerged and about 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) from Egypt's modern-day coast, the temple was destroyed when a major earthquake and tidal waves caused the land to liquefy and sink into the Nile delta.

During their exploration, archaeologists uncovered a wealth of treasures, including silver ritual instruments, gold jewelry, and alabaster containers once used for perfumes and unguents. Additionally, divers found well-preserved wooden posts and beams dating back to the fifth century B.C.

Franck Goddio, president of IEASM and the French underwater archaeologist leading the excavations, expressed his amazement at the discovery, saying, "It is extremely moving to discover such delicate objects, which survived intact despite the violence and magnitude of the cataclysm."

East of the temple, archaeologists discovered a Greek sanctuary dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. This sanctuary contained numerous artifacts, including imported bronze and ceramic objects, illustrating that Greeks who traded and settled in the city during the time of the Pharaohs had their own sanctuaries.

The sanctuary also housed a cache of Greek weapons, suggesting that Greek mercenaries were present in the region to defend the access to the Kingdom at the mouth of the Nile's Canopic branch.

Unveiling Ancient Wealth: Japanese Coins Discovered in Rare Hoard

Japanese and Chinese coins can have square holes in the center.

Stacks of Japanese coin bundles were recently found in Japan. Lying on straw woven mats, these coins have square holes in the middle indicating where a string bound them together.

Archaeologists in Maebashi, a city approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Tokyo, have discovered an enormous cache of about 100,000 coins. This significant find occurred during excavations ahead of the construction of a factory, as reported by The Asahi Shimbun.

So far, only 334 coins have been examined. The oldest among them originates from China, dating back to 175 B.C., while the most recent is from A.D. 1265. The hoard comprises 1,060 bundles, each containing roughly 100 coins. The oldest coin bears the Chinese inscription "Banliang," which translates to "half ounce" and was commonly used in China about 2,200 years ago, according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Ethan Segal, an associate professor of history at Michigan State University who was not involved with the discovery, states that numerous coin hoards have been found throughout Japan. These hoards, mainly from Japan's medieval period (13th to 16th centuries), have been unearthed in various locations across the archipelago. Of note, this period (13th to 16 centuries) is a time when many hoards of coins, particularly in Great Britain, have been found all over the world.

Japan began producing its own metal currency in the late seventh century, inspired by Chinese coins with square holes. This design allowed people to string together large amounts of coins, typically 100 per string. Online images of the hoard reveal many coins featuring these square holes.

Segal noted that Japan ceased minting its coins in the mid-10th century due to economic changes and a scarcity of copper ore. Consequently, Chinese coins were sometimes used instead. Segal speculates that many of the uncovered coins may belong to the Northern Song dynasty (960 to 1127). After the Northern Song was overrun by the Jurchen in the early 12th century, their coins lost value, making them more likely to be used for purchasing goods abroad.

Unlocking the Secrets of the Gold Dry Washer: A Comprehensive Guide for Prospectors

A modern dry washer much easier to use than mine.

This article unveils the workings of a dry washer, an invention so simple yet brilliant that even the average reader can appreciate its ingenuity. The dry washer, reminiscent of a medieval or renaissance machine, could even be mistaken for a device of torture!

The Hopper Box

At the top of the machine is a hopper box, covered with a 1/4-inch screen through which dirt is thrown. Each shovelful is "classified" into material free of rocks or pebbles larger than a quarter inch. Weeds and organic matter are also filtered out. I always examine the rocks that fall off after each shovel full to ensure I haven't missed a colossal gold nugget.

Despite classifying tons of material over the years, I've yet to find such a nugget, though I still dream about it! Many people use metal detectors to scan the rocks that pile up in front of the machine, adding real meaning to the phrase "gold is precious." There is a sheet metal chute at the top that guides the rocks away from the machine to prevent them from piling up at the legs. At the back of the hopper is a rod that, when pulled, opens a trap door to allow material to fall onto a riffle box.

The Riffle Box

A riffle box is essentially a rectangular tray with small rails periodically placed across it to slow down the material being jostled through. A bellows below drives up and down, tapping the box and blowing air against and through the cloth that forms the riffle box bottom. This process helps separate gold from other materials because gold is 19 times heavier than water. When gold hits a riffle, it sinks and stops. By the time the material reaches the bottom riffle, 98% of the gold flakes are trapped behind the riffles, or so claim most commercial dry washer manufacturers.

Once only the material behind the riffles is left, it's time to empty the riffle box, as this dirt contains the gold. A bar that straddles the riffle box, holding it in place when down then allows it to be removed when up.

Automatic vs. Manual Dry Washers

Most modern dry washers are equipped with electric motors to drive the bellows. They are often made of lightweight aviation aluminum with folding legs, hoppers, and riffle boxes for portability. My dry washer, however, is manually cranked. While this means I don't need a battery and motor, the downside is that it's heavier and doesn't fold up, making it cumbersome in rough terrain.

Despite these challenges, I find my dry washer useful. It cost around $200 compared to the $500-$600 price tag of motorized versions. There are pros and cons to everything. Sometimes, I carry buckets of dirt from the dig site to my parked truck to process the material. This method has saved my wife's roses from the massive dirt piles I used to create in the backyard when panning at home.

The V-Shape Design

The V-shape design of the machine enhances the flow of dirt. Some people find it odd, but I initially thought the noise and bellows motion made it look like it was about to take off! The pulley and belt drive connects to a crank lever under the bellows, pushing it up and down. Adjusting the shaft at the hopper controls the dirt feed onto the riffle box.

Gold Blasts Off

With gold selling at around $2700 an ounce (Jan 2024), more people are interested in collecting gold placer flakes. These enthusiasts prefer digging riverbeds, streams, dry washes, ancient waterways, and arroyos where gold flakes have been deposited. 

For those who enjoy outdoor exercise, camaraderie in a club, and a bit of gold fever, I recommend finding a local treasure hunting club. Google GPAA to find clubs in every U.S. state. While GPAA has the most clubs, there are unaffiliated clubs, too. As for curing gold fever—I haven't found a remedy yet!

The Keene 160 Mini Dry Washer

One intriguing rather new dry washer is the Keene 160 Mini, combining a dry washer and high banker into one compact unit weighing 29 pounds. This is a game-changer for those with respiratory issues, as it offers a dustless operation, making it ideal for prospectors with asthma. Although I can't afford it, I was impressed when I saw it in action at gold mining shows.

Coloma CA Gold Panning Adventure: Discovering the Rich History and Hidden Treasures

 

Coloma Gold Panning Adventure

In August 2011, I embarked on a three-day trip outside of Arizona to celebrate my father-in-law's 90th birthday in California's Central Valley. But I wondered, what else could I do with my time there?

The answer was obvious — exploring the very place where the 1848 gold rush began. James W. Marshall's discovery of gold in the Coloma-Lotus Valley while building a sawmill set off a historic event. His partner, John Sutter, also established Sutter's Fort, which later became the site of Sacramento, California's state capital.

Journey Through Gold Rush Towns

Traveling north, we passed through the scenic Sierra Foothills, adorned with rolling, oak-dotted hills. This picturesque region attracts history buffs and camping enthusiasts. The charming towns of Mariposa, Coulterville, Sonora, Columbia, Angels Camp, Sutter Creek, Placerville, and Coloma were once bustling hubs for 19th-century gold prospectors.

A Free Spot to Pan for Gold

As a gold prospector in Arizona for two years, my curiosity about finding gold on vacation was piqued. The Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park in Coloma, CA, offers a fantastic, free location for gold panning. We drove north from Southern California, following Interstate 5, U.S. 50, and CA-193 to CA-49.

Exploring Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park

Approaching the park, Cold Springs Road intersects with CA-49, forming an L-shaped route. The park boasts numerous attractions, including the gold discovery museum, the mill site, and Marshall's cabin.

Fourth graders frequently visit this park to learn about California and U.S. history. They can explore Beakeart's Gun Shop, rent trough mining equipment and gold pans, and see Sutter's sawmill replica.

Important Visitor Information

The visitor center, located next to the gun shop, has ample parking. A helpful ranger directed us to the Mt. Murphy Road bridge, where gold panning is permitted on the northeast shore of the American River. Only hands and pans are allowed for digging, no other tools. We parked near the bridge for convenience.

A marked trail leads from the roadside to the shore, where you can find a suitable panning spot. We chose an area with tall grass and large rocks, opting to pan material from the bank rather than underwater. After about 45-minute intervals of panning, my wife and I took breaks, enjoying visits from friendly ducks.

My Gold Panning Experience

After two hours, I struck gold—literally! On the downstream side of a big rock, I found a tiny flake and a piece of quartz with a small flake attached. The thrill of discovery and the beauty of the outdoors made it worthwhile, even if the find was small. We spent nearly five hours panning and encountered only one other family group.

Marshall Monument, on the park's southwest side, offers clear views and the soothing sound of the river. Nearby attractions include Marshall Cabin and the Jail Ruins, all accessible with a detailed map.

Relaxing and Reasonable

This two-day trip was a budget-friendly getaway. Despite gasoline prices, we found a hotel room for $59. The park's attractions stretch over a mile along the road. If you're seeking a relaxing vacation spot with a chance to pan for gold, the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park is perfect. And who knows, you might just find a big nugget!

For more park information, see Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

How Much Is a Gold Bar Worth in 2024? Key Factors and Market Insights

 

The value of a gold bar fluctuates based on its size and the spot price of gold, which was $2,397.50 per troy ounce as of July 24. 

The price of a gold bar on December 21, 2023, was $2720.16. The lowest gold price in the U.S. in December 2024 was $2590.67 per ounce, and the highest gold price was $2718.13.per ounce. 

Here are some typical values for gold bars:

• 400-troy ounce bar: Weighs 27.4 pounds and is worth approximately $959,000.

• Kilobar: Weighs 32.15 troy ounces and is worth about $77,080.

• 100-troy ounce bar: Worth about $239,750.

Physical gold can be costly to trade due to significant spreads, making it less ideal for investment. Instead, gold ETFs or investing in gold mining stocks are recommended for minimizing costs and gaining fair market value. These methods avoid the high transaction costs and security issues associated with owning physical gold bars.

Key Points:

• Gold's Value: Depends on size and the dynamic spot price.

• Investment Costs: High spreads and security costs for physical gold.

• Preferred Investment Methods: Gold ETFs and mining stocks offer better value.

For a lot more information, see https://www.usgoldbureau.com/content/gold-bar-sizes