Buried Treasure

Author

Max Hockley
November 17, 2023

Why are pirates called pirates?

Because they’ARRR!

In all seriousness, this week is all about buried treasure: How to make sure it stays free of damage, and the one thing you absolutely shouldn’t do. I even share what I’d put in my own treasure chest.

And, if you aren’t interested in getting your hands dirty digging up some old coins, I’ve got a new video about exactly what to do.

But first, pop quiz, hotshot (answer at the bottom of email): What’s the world’s most valuable coin?

I’ve been hearing a lot of the same question recently, and as the Silverpicker, I feel it’s my duty to come out and answer it, once and for all. So, the question:

Should you stack silver in 2024?

I’ve gone into a ton of detail on this in my latest video. As always, there’s a smart way to go about things.

This week’s question comes via Reddit

So I love this question, especially with the holidays around the corner.

That said, Otherpudding1234 is in for a rude awakening if they think that they can bury a treasure chest full of coins for 5-7 years without incurring some serious damage.

If the container isn't watertight, water damage is a real risk. And wooden chests? They won't last long underground. Also, with shifts in soil, especially if it's wet, your treasure could move or sink deeper, especially heavy gold coins.

The tip here: Bury the chest not too long before it's supposed to be found. This keeps the surprise and the treasure safe. As for filling the chest without breaking the bank, you can do it for under $100 if you know what to pick.

As for what I’d put in my treasure chest? Here’s what I’m thinking, and if you know where to look, you can get it all for under $100:

  • Morgan Silver Dollar: A classic and historically significant coin.

  • Barber Half: Known for its distinctive design.

  • Standing Liberty Quarter: A coin with a unique portrayal of Liberty.

  • Wheat Pennies: Featuring the iconic Lincoln cent design.

  • Steel Cents: Unique for their composition, but keep in mind they might rust.

  • Indian Head Cent: A coin with a storied past.

  • Buffalo Nickel: Features a classic American design.

  • Liberty V Nickel: Known for its V-design on the reverse.

  • Walking Liberty Half Dollar: Praised for its artistic design.

  • Barber Dime: Another coin from the Barber series.

  • Seated Liberty Half Dime: A piece of early American coinage.

  • Mercury Dime: Noted for its depiction of Liberty with wings, symbolizing freedom of thought.

  • Mexican 10 Pesos: These are larger, silver coins that are visually appealing and budget-friendly.

✅ Buy with confidence: Check out my deep dive review of Apmex!

Pop quiz answer: Well done, those of you who got it - you go straight to the top of the class. The answer is, of course, the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, sold for a mind-blowing $18,872,250 in 2021.

See you next week!