Scavenger Hunt for Rare Coin: As couples posed for pictures in front of the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, a unique scavenger hunt was underway, drawing treasure hunters in search of rare and valuable coins. This exciting event not only offered a chance to win valuable prizes but also aimed to educate participants about San Francisco’s significant history in coin production.
An Unexpected Adventure
Amidst the backdrop of photographers capturing memories, a dozen eager participants scoured the area, looking under every possible hiding spot for the hidden treasures. Brii Duke, a participant from Chico, shared her amusing experience during the hunt. While searching around the grand pillars of the Palace, she jokingly exclaimed, “Found a pill!” showcasing the light-hearted atmosphere of the event.
Scavenger Hunt for Rare Coin: The hunt was organized by Seth Chandler of Witter Coin, who had recently posted clues on the company’s Instagram page. The first clue featured a photo of the iconic dome, and it sparked curiosity among attendees. Brii and her boyfriend, Indy Marklund, were unaware of the scavenger hunt until they noticed a father-son duo searching diligently for something special.
“He was looking for something. We’re like, ‘What are you looking for?’ Because we thought he’d lost something. He was like, ‘We’re looking for a gold coin.’ And we just started looking,” Brii recalled, highlighting the community spirit that the scavenger hunt fostered.
A Celebration of National Coin Week
Scavenger Hunt for Rare Coin: Seth Chandler created this scavenger hunt to celebrate National Coin Week. He explained that participants had the chance to win valuable coins, with prizes including five gold coins, five silver coins, and one copper coin. Each of the prizes has a significant monetary value, with the copper penny and a gold coin each estimated at around $2,500.
“I’ve got together 11 coins. The total value is $10,000. They range from $250 to $2,500. And we’ve hidden them in 11 different neighborhoods all throughout San Francisco,” Chandler revealed, emphasizing the excitement of the treasure hunt. The event provided not just fun but also a lesson about San Francisco’s crucial role in coin production.
San Francisco: The King of Mints
Chandler shared fascinating historical facts about the city’s minting history. “All the coins are made right here in San Francisco. People don’t realize that San Francisco — we’re the king of mints. We had three different mints. The first one was from 1854, the second one was in 1870, and the current one in the Castro district has been making coins since 1938,” he explained. This rich history added depth to the treasure hunt, making it a learning experience for everyone involved.
At noon, Chandler and his team posted 11 pictures as clues for the hidden coins on their Instagram page. The game was open to the public and free to participate, making it an inclusive event for all treasure seekers.
The Thrill of Discovery
Scavenger Hunt for Rare Coin: At 12:21 PM, a loud scream of excitement echoed from beneath the dome at the Palace of Fine Arts. Brii Duke had found one of the hidden coins! Originally in San Francisco for a Thursday night concert, Brii and Indy had planned to return home after the event. However, their discovery led them to extend their stay and celebrate their unexpected adventure.
“I was convinced it was behind one of these pillars. I looked at all of the pillars, and I came over here, and I climbed over here, and (it) was right there (behind the pillar). I almost thought it was trash. I thought it was trash for a second. And it wasn’t trash,” Brii exclaimed, her voice filled with joy and disbelief.
Following her discovery, Brii and Indy visited Witter Coin to express their gratitude. Joe Pielago, the vice president of Witter Coin, explained that the coin was a gold piece minted in San Francisco in 1910, weighing close to half an ounce of gold. The coin’s estimated value was around $1,100.
Brii shared her excitement about the unexpected find. “I’m honestly at a loss for words. I’ve been speechless since I found it. This is $1,000 that I wasn’t expecting to get today,” she admitted. The thrill of discovery and the prospect of keeping such a valuable item made their adventure truly unforgettable.
The Offer to Buy Back
Scavenger Hunt for Rare Coin: Witter Coin representatives offered Brii $1,100 on the spot to buy back the gold coin, but she declined, stating that she would keep it for a while at least. This decision highlighted the emotional connection that can develop between treasure hunters and their finds.
As of Friday evening, one coin remained undiscovered. Witter Coin planned to release more clues on their Instagram page the following Saturday, ensuring that the excitement continued for participants eager to join the hunt.
Conclusion
Scavenger Hunt for Rare Coin: The scavenger hunt at the Palace of Fine Arts not only provided participants with the thrill of searching for hidden treasures but also served as a celebration of San Francisco’s rich history in coin production. The event brought together people of all ages, showcasing a sense of community and excitement. As treasure hunters searched high and low for valuable coins, they also learned about the historical significance of the city’s minting legacy. With more clues to come, the hunt promised ongoing excitement and discovery, reminding everyone of the joy of treasure hunting.
Table
Here’s a table summarizing the details of the coins involved in the scavenger hunt organized by Witter Coin in San Francisco:
| Coin Type | Year Minted | Estimated Value | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coin | 1910 | $1,100 | A gold coin made in San Francisco weighing close to half an ounce of gold. | Hidden at the Palace of Fine Arts |
| Gold Coin | N/A | $2,500 | One of five gold coins hidden throughout the city. | Various locations |
| Silver Coin | N/A | $250 | One of five silver coins available in the hunt. | Various locations |
| Copper Coin | N/A | $2,500 | The only copper coin in the hunt, hidden in San Francisco. | Various locations |
Notes:
- The total value of all the coins hidden in the scavenger hunt is estimated at $10,000.
- There are 11 coins in total hidden across 11 different neighborhoods throughout San Francisco.
- The event was organized to celebrate National Coin Week and educate participants about the city’s minting history.
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FAQs
What is the Scavenger Hunt for Rare Coin about?
The scavenger hunt is organized to celebrate National Coin Week and teach participants about San Francisco’s history in coin production while offering valuable prizes.
How many coins are hidden in the scavenger hunt?
There are 11 coins hidden throughout various neighborhoods in San Francisco, including gold, silver, and copper coins.
How do I participate in the scavenger hunt?
The scavenger hunt is open to the public and free to participate. Clues are posted on the Witter Coin Instagram page.
What are the prizes for the scavenger hunt?
Participants have the chance to win five gold coins, five silver coins, and one copper coin, with a total value of $10,000.
Can I keep the coins I find?
Yes, participants can keep the coins they discover during the scavenger hunt. Witter Coin also offers to buy back the coins at their estimated value.