In 2013, over 1,000 gold coins were found by a couple walking their dog on their property in Sierra Nevada, California. A rainstorm exposed the rusted can holding the gold coins. They soon found additional rusted cans, all holding gold coins dating from 1847 to 1894. The face value of the coins was just under $28,000. Today's market value is about $10 million.
Like most coins, the Saddle Ridge Hoard offers more than financial reward. They offer important clues to that period in history, when miners looking for wealth during the Gold Rush of 1849 flooded the California landscape.
Theories on the origins of the hoard have included wild stories of bank heists, Jesse James, and as the loot stashed by a well-known stagecoach robber. Who would have guessed such adventure concealed in one small coin?
What's the story behind those coins in your pocket? For that matter, what's the story behind that stamp on your junk mail? Yep, we talk about stamp collecting, too!
GUESTS:
- Ute Wartenberg Kagan - Executive Director of the American Numismatic Society
- Harold Kritzman - Professional numismatist, president, Olde Towne Coin Company Inc., and life member of the American Numismatic Association
- Cindy Lovell - Executive Director, Mark Twain House & Museum
- Mike Frechette - President, New Haven Philatelic Society
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Colin McEnroe, Chion Wolf, and Greg Hill contributed to this show.
