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TREASURE

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Farmer in field discovering coin, bulldog stands behind with chicken on head.✩ Bulldog Bulletins ✩

 

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WhatSellsBest


Treasure Tale Archive

WhatSellsBest is an independent research archive documenting global treasure finds as they enter public record since 2008.

We collect, curate, and catalog documented accounts of high-value discoveries — from attic paintings and estate-sale surprises to shipwreck recoveries and forgotten artifacts — organizing them into a structured, searchable Map across 40 discovery categories.

The goal is simple:

To create a navigable public index of how fortunes have been found — and where.

The Archive at a Glance

  • 140 documented media-reported discoveries valued at over $1 million to date
  • 49 discoveries exceeding $10 million
  • 16 discoveries surpassing $100 million
  • 3 discoveries reported between $1 billion and $20 billion
  • Alongside a steady stream of five- and six-figure finds
  • Organized across 40 categorized discovery pathways

Each entry links to original reporting and integrates research pathways that help readers trace:

  • The item
  • The venue
  • The specialists involved
  • Comparable high-value examples

The Map is designed as a research utility — not merely a collection of stories.

Our Approach: “Mostly True”

We document treasure discoveries as they are reported, preserving how high-value finds enter public record and move through authentication, appraisal, and public awareness.

The archive emphasizes documented discovery pathways — tracing the item, the venue, the specialists involved, and the research tools cited in coverage. Over time, recurring themes emerge, illustrating how extraordinary value is often uncovered through ordinary pathways.

As with any historical reporting, some accounts evolve. A small portion of stories reflect emerging or unresolved reports, recorded intentionally as part of documenting how discoveries unfold. Values may change. Context may deepen. Authentication may refine outcomes.

We encourage readers to consult original sources and reputable specialists before making significant decisions. We do not appraise, broker, authenticate, or provide investment advice.

This archive exists to preserve record, illuminate patterns, and support research — for education, curiosity, and the enduring storytelling tradition surrounding treasure finds.

Bulldog Bulletins

Many discoveries are previewed through Bulldog Bulletins — whimsical illustrated snapshots created to highlight notable reports from around the world.

Bulldogs and fictional characters occasionally reenact discoveries for comedic or dramatic effect, supported by AI. These illustrations are for entertainment and educational purposes only.

The archive is real. The bulldogs just help tell the tale.

The Structure

  • MAP — A-Z discovery categories indexing global treasure reports and resources

  • NEWS — Daily discoveries and legendary fortunes found throughout history

  • TOOLS — Publicly available research tools often referenced in discovery stories

  • LISTS — Examples of high-value items for comparative research

Together, these components form a makeshift mobile research tool — designed for journalists, educators, collectors, and curious explorers alike.

Independent Archivist

WhatSellsBest was founded by James Massey, a collector and archivist of treasure tale history.

What began as a personal catalog of treasure discoveries and the research tools behind them evolved into a structured directory documenting global finds since 2008.

The archive continues to expand organically as new stories and resources are cataloged and organized into the Map.

A Note to Visitors

We track treasure tales — not reputations.

Links are not endorsements. They were resources helpful at the time of publication.

Always conduct your own research and consult reputable specialists before making buying, selling, or authentication decisions.

This archive exists to inform, educate, and inspire curiosity — not to provide financial advice.

Recognition

Over the years, the archive has been referenced by media outlets including CBS News, The Guardian, Huffington Post, Fox Business News, and others.