Treasure chests might be a thing of pirate lore, but this October, a brand new treasure hunt could have you pocketing up to $3,500—no eye patch required! If you’ve ever dreamed about stumbling upon rare riches, keepsakes of history, or just want to flex those brain muscles, Stack’s Bowers Galleries is rolling out the red carpet (and rare coins) in celebration of their 90th anniversary.
A Treasure Hunt with Real Rewards—And No Parrot Needed
For Americans left green-eyed by The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt, there’s now a chance to get in on the adventure statesside. Stack’s Bowers Galleries—no stranger to a little sparkle themselves—has decided to celebrate the historic landmark of the firm’s very first auction with a public treasure hunt that’s guaranteed to put a shine in your eye.
This isn’t a backyard egg hunt, either. Certificates for rare coins and banknotes, with a collective value close to $10,000, are being carefully tucked away in some of America’s most vibrant cities: New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Miami. There’s no need for a passport this time, just a keen sense of adventure and maybe a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
How Does It Work? Here’s the Map (Sort Of)
Each city on the map—where Stack’s Bowers Galleries keeps its retail store fronts—will play host. In these metropolises, certificates will be hidden in five iconic locations unique to each city. Talk about a whirlwind tour! Every day of the five-day hunt, one location is revealed, so you’ll want to keep your detective hat on and be ready for daily surprises.
But how to find these secret stashes? The clues will be your compass. They’ll be shared via:
- The Stack’s Bowers Galleries Retail Store Page
Each clue guides hopefuls to a different location daily. Find the certificate, and you can march it over to that city’s Stack’s Bowers gallery to claim your prize. Take note: there’s a fresh spot to scout out each day for the duration of the event, making every day a new adventure.
What’s at Stake? Prizes that Shine
Forget plastic trinkets—these hunt prizes mean business. Each city is offering up a tempting spread of winnings. Prizes range from $300 and, for one lucky winner, a grand prize valued at about $3,500. In total, the event is doling out roughly $10,000 in treasure.
But that’s not all. Every successful sleuth takes home a copy of the 2026 Guide Book of United States Coins, the perfect companion if you suddenly feel the urge to become a coin collector overnight.
Winners have options too: keep your coin as a tangible piece of history, or, if you feel like making an even trade, you can sell it back to Stack’s Bowers themselves. The auction house hopes that this kind of hands-on activity brings a spark to the world of collecting, introducing even more people to the allure of numismatics. Think colonial silver coins tucked away in cabinets, dollars that have seen the stars (literally—flown in space!), or stunning pieces minted by the United States itself. The possibilities are enough to make a history buff swoon.
Why Now? A Legacy Worth the Hunt
Stack’s Bowers Galleries has come a long way since opening shop during the Great Depression. In the words of their president, Brian Kendrella, “What began as a coin store in mid-town Manhattan in the depths of the Great Depression has grown into an international numismatic powerhouse, with offices throughout the United States and in Europe (Paris and Denmark), Hong Kong, and Canada.” As the company looks toward a major milestone—their centennial—they’re doubling down on the mission to spread a love of numismatics to the general public.
Aligning this nationwide treasure hunt with the 90th anniversary of their first ever auction in October 1935 is more than just a nod to history. It’s a vibrant way to pass on the excitement of collecting, and maybe start a few lifelong hobbies.
So, will you unearth the next great find? The only thing you need is curiosity, a little determination, and maybe, just maybe, the luck of the hunt. Your $3,500 smile could be just around the corner.
Based in New York, Josh is the creative mind behind Lanco Handmade Furniture.
Passionate about timeless design and fine craftsmanship, he transforms high-quality materials into pieces that are both functional and artful.
With a keen eye for detail and a love for natural textures, Josh creates furniture meant to bring warmth, character, and lasting beauty to any space.
