6/5/23 Report - Amazing Big Sky Hoard. Nazi Counterfeiting Operations. Nez Pince Eyeglass Find.

 

Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.

Here are some amazing facts about the Big Sky Hoard.

Hoard weighs in at 5.6 tons

Contains 223,000 Eisenhower dollars

Valued at over $1 million

Discovered in a basement vault of a Montana BankTucked away by a sole collector

Hidden for over 30 years

Most still in pristine Uncirculated condition

Stacked one on top of another, the coins in the hoard would measure 2,090 feet high. This is...Almost twice the height of the Eiffel Tower

Taller than the Empire State Building

Stacked next to each other, the coins would stretch over 5 miles. This is the same length as 77 football fields!...

Here is the link for more about the Big Sky hoard.

The Big Sky Hoard | Littleton Coin Company

Of course you can pick up some Eisenhower dollars of your own.  It is possible, but nothing like the uncirculated coins from the story above.

Here is an old post showing that.

The Treasure Beaches Report Direct From Florida's Treasure Coast.: 2/25/11 Report - Eisenhower Dollars Found and Heart & Royal Cobs To Be Auctioned

---

First it was operation Andreas.  Later it became operation Bernhard.

An SS man who recruited a multidisciplinary team of scientists and counterfeiters to reproduce British banknotes as perfectly as possible. The British banknotes were intensively analyzed for a few months. 

"Some elements in particular were particularly challenging: deciphering the algorithm of the numbering system, the complexity of the visuals and the security features. The paper, too, had to be perfectly identical to that supplied by the Bank of England’s Portals paper mill. Eventually, the Germans realized that it was actually made from used and cleaned pure linen rags.

After seven months of research and attempts to copy the pounds sterling, the results were astounding. Banknotes were examined in a Swiss bank, then by the Bank of England itself: 90% were considered authentic..."

Project leadership was changed and the workers were replaced by concentration camp recruits.  "More than a hundred inmates work around the clock to produce the forgeries. One group is dedicated to aging the paper currency: they crumple it up and scribble on it. Once printed, the bills are sent to Tyrol for laundering to finance the war effort and buy intelligence information."...

Here is that link.

Operation Bernhard: when history and numismatics intertwine (thomasnumismatics.com)

---

If you have done much metal detecting you've found a some lost eyeglasses.  Probably a good share of sunglasses too   I've found bags of them and donated most of the eyeglasses.  You'll see boxes in hospitals or eye doctor offices where you can leave eyeglasses to be recycled for those in need

Don't forget to check for gold frames or expensive sunglasses.

But here are is an example I found.

Old Squashed Eyeglass Case.

Above is an old worn and squashed case found while picking through a junky area.  But the surprise was inside.

Old Eyeglasses Found in Case.

After a little research I found a similar pair offered on Etsy described as "Old Pince Nez eyeglasses" of the late 1800s.

I didn't know that they'd have any value but found them selling online for just less than $200.  That surprised me.

See Pince Nez Glasses - EyeglassesWarehouse.com

As worn by Morpheus in The Matrix as well as Belgian sleuth, Hercule Poirot, pince-nez glasses are iconic eyewear. However, after falling out of fashion like the monocle, they can be very hard to buy.

Today, pince-nez glasses have evolved to become predominantly reading aids. Their appearance has also changed to embrace modern designs rather than retain their vintage roots.  (Source: Best Pincez-Nez Reading Glasses: Buying Online & Face Shape Guide (bespokeunit.com))

I doubt you'll be running out to buy a pair, but they seem popular with some small set of population.

---

The Treasure Coast surf will remain smooth for the next few days.  Wednesday there will be a nice afternoon low tide and a late evening high tide.

Good hunting,

Treasureguide@comcast.net