Home U.S. Coin Forum

Look at what this guy found in his ceiling/attic

Link to the pictures

http://imgur.com/a/1ZtLN#0

Link to the story and comments on reddit

http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/1qehth/look_what_i_found_in_my_ceiling/


I don't get jealous too much, but wow. This is unreal!
image
«1

Comments

  • His brief story:

    "Wife and I bought our first house in August and I was looking for the water shut off last night before going to dinner. We found something that I never expected, and the water valve too..."
    image
  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,521 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Cool
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • He should keep his mouth shout if he doesn't want a host of legal challenges but what ever. Looks like aroud 100k and very cool.

  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,850 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If (and it's a BIG if), they're able to keep this, it will most likely require legal expenses that will consume a huge part of their find.

    What part of human nature is it that makes blabber-mouths out of everyone coming into a similar windfall?
  • derrybderryb Posts: 37,560 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>He should keep his mouth shout if he doesn't want a host of legal challenges but what ever. Looks like aroud 100k and very cool. >>


    that's the problem with social media, people don't know when to keep quiet.
  • felinfoelfelinfoel Posts: 412 ✭✭✭✭✭
  • ShamikaShamika Posts: 18,785 ✭✭✭✭
    So what is the law in cases like this? Clearly this is a recent collection.


    Buyer and seller of vintage coin boards!
  • LanceNewmanOCCLanceNewmanOCC Posts: 19,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
    .
    the real story.

    the husband wouldn't fix the leak and after several years the wife finally decided to do it after accepting that he never would and he hid his coins near the leak never believing the wife would go to fix it either! now she will "encourage" him to sell his collection when all he needed to do was spend $40 on some pipe, fittings and some misc supplies. ><
    .

    <--- look what's behind the mask! - cool link 1/NO ~ 2/NNP ~ 3/NNC ~ 4/CF ~ 5/PG ~ 6/Cert ~ 7/NGC 7a/NGC pop~ 8/NGCF ~ 9/HA archives ~ 10/PM ~ 11/NM ~ 12/ANACS cert ~ 13/ANACS pop - report fakes 1/ACEF ~ report fakes/thefts 1/NCIS - Numi-Classes SS ~ Bass ~ Transcribed Docs NNP - clashed coins - error training - V V mm styles -

  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hopefully they do the right thing and contact the previous owners of this discovery image

    As the collector might have passed away and the family just couldn't find the collection.
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • Crazy4CoinsCrazy4Coins Posts: 1,922 ✭✭✭
    Has anyone saved the images so they can be cross referenced against list of stolen coins? Could be legit and previous owner left for whatever reason.

    It also seems like someone could contact NGC and pull up the cert numbers and see who submitted the coins for grading. The NGC shipping box has a 2004 date on it. Wasn't that long ago.

    If it were me, I'd be trying to find the rightful owners.


  • << <i>Has anyone saved the images so they can be cross referenced against list of stolen coins? Could be legit and previous owner left for whatever reason.

    It also seems like someone could contact NGC and pull up the cert numbers and see who submitted the coins for grading. The NGC shipping box has a 2004 date on it. Wasn't that long ago.

    If it were me, I'd be trying to find the rightful owners. >>



    Great idea! I have been thinking of what in the world I would do in this situation. I would hope I'd contact the previous owners family and offer to split it with them. I think that would be fair to both sides.
    image
  • hchcoinhchcoin Posts: 4,836 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Reddit link >>



    I would think if you buy a house and they leave personal property it would belong to the new owners after the closing but I don't know????????????
  • I just saved the images on my computer. He's deleting the thread and pics on reddit. "Everyone, I am deleting this post. I am sorry but I am still not sure that we are even able to keep these. I will re-post them when I know we can keep them without any legal issues"
    image
  • SaorAlbaSaorAlba Posts: 7,593 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Reddit link >>



    I would think if you buy a house and they leave personal property it would belong to the new owners after the closing but I don't know???????????? >>



    There have been instances in the last decade of people finding money in their homes that was stashed during the 1920s and 30s and the heirs of the original owners coming forward and successfully suing the finders for at least a significant portion of the find.
    Tir nam beann, nan gleann, s'nan gaisgeach ~ Saorstat Albanaich a nis!
  • And he just deleted his reddit account.
    image
  • Alltheabove76Alltheabove76 Posts: 1,520 ✭✭✭✭
    All the previous owners of my house left me were used Q-tips and dog poo...
  • BochimanBochiman Posts: 25,556 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sounds like a few posters would just want to keep quiet and keep them..... without even trying to find right owner...

    I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment

  • derrybderryb Posts: 37,560 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Has anyone saved the images so they can be cross referenced against list of stolen coins? Could be legit and previous owner left for whatever reason.

    It also seems like someone could contact NGC and pull up the cert numbers and see who submitted the coins for grading. The NGC shipping box has a 2004 date on it. Wasn't that long ago.

    If it were me, I'd be trying to find the rightful owners. >>


    cert numbers are not legible in the pics
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I found silver coins, gold jewelery, and about 25 rifles and shotguns in my attic under the fiberglass insulation 4 months after I bought my house. The previous owner had Alzheimer's and passed away and I contacted the family. I was allowed to go through the silver and it was all just common bullion. Some of the rifles were flintlock from the 18th century and a ton of 19th century double barrel shotguns. I was given a 1894 Stevens Schutzen .22 Target Rifle and last minute they decided they also didn't want a Winchester 97 shotgun as it needed a new stock and forearm. I hung the Steven's over the fireplace until my son was born.
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • This content has been removed.


  • << <i>

    << <i>Has anyone saved the images so they can be cross referenced against list of stolen coins? Could be legit and previous owner left for whatever reason.

    It also seems like someone could contact NGC and pull up the cert numbers and see who submitted the coins for grading. The NGC shipping box has a 2004 date on it. Wasn't that long ago.

    If it were me, I'd be trying to find the rightful owners. >>


    cert numbers are not legible in the pics >>




    Yes they are. Here are some, all NGC:

    1928 20$ MS65
    1705970-006

    1879S MS67
    116385-006

    1904 20$ MS63
    129449-018
    image


  • << <i>Sounds like a few posters would just want to keep quiet and keep them..... without even trying to find right owner... >>



    Without even a 2nd thought, might donate 5k of the monies to NPR to placate my troubled soul. If that doesn't work ill buy a jet ski with the money.... That would pull me out of the dole drums for sure.
  • CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 32,632 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I found silver coins, gold jewelery, and about 25 rifles and shotguns in my attic under the fiberglass insulation 4 months after I bought my house. The previous owner had Alzheimer's and passed away and I contacted the family. I was allowed to go through the silver and it was all just common bullion. Some of the rifles were flintlock from the 18th century and a ton of 19th century double barrel shotguns. I was given a 1894 Stevens Schutzen .22 Target Rifle and last minute they decided they also didn't want a Winchester 97 shotgun as it needed a new stock and forearm. I hung the Steven's over the fireplace until my son was born. >>



    You did the right thing. Thank you.
    Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Sounds like a few posters would just want to keep quiet and keep them..... without even trying to find right owner... >>



    Without even a 2nd thought, might donate 5k of the monies to NPR to placate my troubled soul. If that doesn't work ill buy a jet ski with the money.... That would pull me out of the dole drums for sure. >>



    So I guess if you found a wallet you'd just strip it of the cash and not try to find the rightful owner that lost it image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • hchcoinhchcoin Posts: 4,836 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Sounds like a few posters would just want to keep quiet and keep them..... without even trying to find right owner... >>



    Not sure if you were referring to my comment. I was questioning who the legal owners are in this case. I would be interested to hear about this from some actual court cases. When you buy a house and personal property is left (which happens all the time) who is the legal owner???????? Not saying it is ethical or moral but just questioning the legality.
  • Crazy4CoinsCrazy4Coins Posts: 1,922 ✭✭✭
    Hmann, glad to hear you saved the images.


    Cert#'s for the (4) 1904 $20 Gold Double Eagles

    PCGS
    60105069
    60112304
    60123319
    60123321

    Seems like our host here could look up and see if the same person submitted all four of these coins. Two were obviously submitted on the same submission form.

    The $1904 Gold $20 in the NGC MS63 holder has a sticker on the back. Isn't this a Teletrade sticker? Anyone know? Looks like lot# 24635
  • CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 32,632 ✭✭✭✭✭
    There is an unrelated story on Huffington Post about a rabbi that bought an old piece of furniture from a little old lady. He had to take it apart to get it into his apartment, and found a bag with $98,000 in it. He contacted the lady and gave it back to her. She had forgotten where she put it. He's a good man.
    Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
  • felinfoelfelinfoel Posts: 412 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Most were NGC, but here are the PCGS coins:

    image

    Link
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,236 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>So what is the law in cases like this? Clearly this is a recent collection. >>



    At least one opinion from Wikipedia

    "Treasure trove is property that consists of coins or currency hidden by the owner. To be considered treasure trove and not mislaid property, the property must have been deliberately hidden or concealed, and sufficiently long ago that the original owner can be considered dead or not discoverable. For example, under English law, one hundred Roman coins found buried in a chest would be treasure trove; however, one hundred Roman coins which were lost over time in a marketplace would not be treasure trove, as they were not deliberately hidden as a single hoard.

    Under American common law, treasure trove belongs to the finder unless the original owner reclaims. Some states have rejected the American common law and hold that treasure trove belongs to the owner of the property in which the treasure trove was found. These courts reason that the American common law rule encourages trespass."

    theknowitalltroll;
  • hchcoinhchcoin Posts: 4,836 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>So what is the law in cases like this? Clearly this is a recent collection. >>



    At least one opinion from Wikipedia

    "Treasure trove is property that consists of coins or currency hidden by the owner. To be considered treasure trove and not mislaid property, the property must have been deliberately hidden or concealed, and sufficiently long ago that the original owner can be considered dead or not discoverable. For example, under English law, one hundred Roman coins found buried in a chest would be treasure trove; however, one hundred Roman coins which were lost over time in a marketplace would not be treasure trove, as they were not deliberately hidden as a single hoard.

    Under American common law, treasure trove belongs to the finder unless the original owner reclaims. Some states have rejected the American common law and hold that treasure trove belongs to the owner of the property in which the treasure trove was found. These courts reason that the American common law rule encourages trespass." >>



    Clear as mud image
  • AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 24,892 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'm going to look in my attic tomorrow. Never been up there since bought the home in 2011. Previous
    owners are dead and gone and bought from the kids. They came back when Mom died and got what
    they wanted and left me the crap to clean out. Sorry arse kids.
    Mom did not even have a furnace that worked and the garage door was stuck shut due to a broken
    spring and the neighbor said she had to keep the car outside and used the front door all the time.
    I felt sorry for the lady.
    I will let you know if nothing is up there.

    bobimage
    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,236 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>So what is the law in cases like this? Clearly this is a recent collection. >>



    At least one opinion from Wikipedia

    "Treasure trove is property that consists of coins or currency hidden by the owner. To be considered treasure trove and not mislaid property, the property must have been deliberately hidden or concealed, and sufficiently long ago that the original owner can be considered dead or not discoverable. For example, under English law, one hundred Roman coins found buried in a chest would be treasure trove; however, one hundred Roman coins which were lost over time in a marketplace would not be treasure trove, as they were not deliberately hidden as a single hoard.

    Under American common law, treasure trove belongs to the finder unless the original owner reclaims. Some states have rejected the American common law and hold that treasure trove belongs to the owner of the property in which the treasure trove was found. These courts reason that the American common law rule encourages trespass." >>



    Clear as mud image >>



    It would seem in this case that the duration is too short to be considered treasure trove. If one chose to keep it and the owner got wind of it, he'd likely have claim to it. Also, the finder may be in trouble for not reporting it. If the owner remembered it would/could he seek a search warrant to recover it?
    theknowitalltroll;
  • ebaybuyerebaybuyer Posts: 2,984 ✭✭✭
    the rightful owner is whomever bought the house, as I understand it, when you buy a house, you buy the entire house, forgotten loot and all
    regardless of how many posts I have, I don't consider myself an "expert" at anything
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,514 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>There is an unrelated story on Huffington Post about a rabbi that bought an old piece of furniture from a little old lady. He had to take it apart to get it into his apartment, and found a bag with $98,000 in it. He contacted the lady and gave it back to her. She had forgotten where she put it. He's a good man. >>



    Yes … there is hope. Some will find the nutrition they need, in your words.
  • SaorAlbaSaorAlba Posts: 7,593 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>There is an unrelated story on Huffington Post about a rabbi that bought an old piece of furniture from a little old lady. He had to take it apart to get it into his apartment, and found a bag with $98,000 in it. He contacted the lady and gave it back to her. She had forgotten where she put it. He's a good man. >>



    He has to answer to a Higher Authority - I would expect him to be on the up and up.image
    Tir nam beann, nan gleann, s'nan gaisgeach ~ Saorstat Albanaich a nis!
  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,850 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Lest I bring upon myself the judgement of the self-appointed chatroom morality police, let me be clear. I would first of all NOT disclose the fact that my home contained dozens of ounces of previously hidden gold. Can you imagine a better way to invite all sorts of unsavory people over to start looking for more while you're away at work?

    Second, I would initiate a series of discrete conversations with my legal counsel, accountant, realtor, and representatives of the former owners to determine my options. I would then determine the best option based on the law, the specifics of the situation, tax implications, ability to find a "rightful owner", etc.

    I know what I would do (and have always done) with lost property, but circumstances in this case could be straightforward or murky. You severely limit your options (even to do the right thing) by publicizing this at the first opportunity though.
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,236 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Makes you wonder if they weren't stolen or the previous occupant owner hid them for someone else.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • ajaanajaan Posts: 17,565 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>the rightful owner is whomever bought the house, as I understand it, when you buy a house, you buy the entire house, forgotten loot and all >>


    That's my understanding also. I'll ask a lawyer buddy of mine what the law is in NY.

    Just heard from my friend who does a lot of real estate business in his law firm. This is what he told me:



    << <i>The people who sold the house can get the money back. It was not included in the sale. If you find the gold keep your mouth shut and spend it slowly and no one will know you have it. image The odds are the old owner didn't know about it either. >>


    DPOTD-3
    'Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery'

    CU #3245 B.N.A. #428


    Don
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,236 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Just curious if anyone here took it upon themselves to report the cert numbers to the Numismatic Crimes site. IMO, it's none of my concern and I'd just keep my nose out of it.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • crispycrispy Posts: 792 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Makes you wonder if they weren't stolen or the previous occupant owner hid them for someone else. >>



    Or possibly purchased with unreported income and stashed for gradual liquidation later.
    "to you, a hero is some kind of weird sandwich..."
  • nagsnags Posts: 820 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>the rightful owner is whomever bought the house, as I understand it, when you buy a house, you buy the entire house, forgotten loot and all >>


    That's my understanding also. I'll ask a lawyer buddy of mine what the law is in NY.

    Just heard from my friend who does a lot of real estate business in his law firm. This is what he told me:



    << <i>The people who sold the house can get the money back. It was not included in the sale. If you find the gold keep your mouth shut and spend it slowly and no one will know you have it. The odds are the old owner didn't know about it either. >>

    >>



    From a legal perspective - The finder of the money (new owner) has title to the found property superior to the interest of all individuals except the true owner of the mislaid/treasure trove property. If the true owner of the mislaid property is not found the value of the property is treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The finder must take reasonable steps to locate the true owner. Failure to do so can and has resulted in criminal charges for larceny.



  • << <i>He should keep his mouth shout if he doesn't want a host of legal challenges but what ever. Looks like aroud 100k and very cool. >>



    I agree, why is it that everyone needs to communicate everything in their personal lives to other people???image
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,236 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Assuming the coins went undiscovered and whoever hid them remembered and wanted them back, would they need a warrant to enter your home to recover them?
    theknowitalltroll;
  • 3keepSECRETif2rDEAD3keepSECRETif2rDEAD Posts: 4,285 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Sounds like a few posters would just want to keep quiet and keep them..... without even trying to find right owner... >>



    Without even a 2nd thought, might donate 5k of the monies to NPR to placate my troubled soul. If that doesn't work ill buy a jet ski with the money.... That would pull me out of the dole drums for sure. >>



    image

    Erik
  • renomedphysrenomedphys Posts: 3,780 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ever notice how found money leads the finder down a path of misery?
  • nagsnags Posts: 820 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Assuming the coins went undiscovered and whoever hid them remembered and wanted them back, would they need a warrant to enter your home to recover them? >>



    If the homeowner refused access the true owner would need to get a court order/writ of execution.
  • originalisbestoriginalisbest Posts: 5,971 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Lest I bring upon myself the judgement of the self-appointed chatroom morality police, let me be clear. I would first of all NOT disclose the fact that my home contained dozens of ounces of previously hidden gold. Can you imagine a better way to invite all sorts of unsavory people over to start looking for more while you're away at work?

    Second, I would initiate a series of discrete conversations with my legal counsel, accountant, realtor, and representatives of the former owners to determine my options. I would then determine the best option based on the law, the specifics of the situation, tax implications, ability to find a "rightful owner", etc.

    I know what I would do (and have always done) with lost property, but circumstances in this case could be straightforward or murky. You severely limit your options (even to do the right thing) by publicizing this at the first opportunity though. >>



    I agree with this most sensible post, in all aspects. image Geez, some (not all) people really don't have two brain cells to rub together when it comes to social media and "oversharing."
  • AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 24,892 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Just got down from my attic and as you can see, I'm posting that I was up there searching!

    bobimage

    Dang, that insulation sure is itchy!

    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • 3stars3stars Posts: 2,294 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here's my question:

    Supose you buy a house built in the 19th century and find a trove of money, valuables, etc. How do you know which of the previous owners are the rightful owners (assuming the house had been bought and sold several times and other owners may not have even known about it)
    Previous transactions: Wondercoin, goldman86, dmarks, Type2

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file