🖊️ 7—Online Legends

TREASURES

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Online — 7 Finds, $460 Million+

Hidden Treasures in Everyday Places

This list serves as a compact archive of modern online treasure history — a quick reference for journalists, researchers, and enthusiasts tracking how high-value items surface in ordinary places.

A few legendary examples from the list below include:

$1 Million for a moon bag
$2 Million for a historic photograph
$7 Million for a rare antique map

Overlooked for years, these surprising discoveries reveal how valuable treasures can be — even when hiding in plain sight.

Explore the full list below the ad ☟
Related: Treasure Lists across all categories 🔗

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7—Legendary Finds:

1. Internet Find—$450 Million da Vinci Seen in Real Estate Photo, Bought for $10K

📰 📽️ 📅 2018 Report: A lost Leonardo da Vinci painting, Salvator Mundi, sold for $450.3 million after being spotted online in a real estate photo and later bought for under $10,000 at a 2005 estate sale in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Originally purchased for £45 ($120) in 1958 and inherited unknowingly, the rare artwork hung in a Baton Rouge home for decades. Fewer than 20 da Vincis exist.

█ Story, video, and images: 🔗 Wall Street Journal

▌Related: Tools • Lists • Camera & Photo

2. Portolan Prize—$7.5 Million for Rare 14th-Century Map Found at Estate Auction

📰 📅 2023 Report: In the U.S., a rare 14th-century portolan chart was discovered through an online estate sale auction. Purchased for $239,000, it was later estimated to be worth $7.5 million—making it one of the most valuable maritime artifacts known.

█ Story and images: 🔗 Smithsonian Magazine

▌Related: Tools • Lists • Book & Script

3. Email Discovery—$2.8 Million for Lorenzetti’s 14th-Century Paintings

📰 📅 2023 Report: In France, rare paintings worth up to $2.8 million were discovered after a photo was emailed to a prominent art detective. The 14th-century works by Lorenzetti marked a significant find in art history.

█ Story and images: 🔗 artnet

▌Related: Tools • Lists • Art

4. Golden Fortune—£2 Million ($2.5 Million) for Treasure Found in Military Tank Bought on eBay

📽️ 📅 2017 Report: In Northamptonshire, UK, a British military enthusiast discovered gold bars valued at £2 million (approximately $2.5 million) hidden inside a Russian T54/69 tank purchased on eBay. The gold, found in the tank's diesel tank during renovations for his tank-driving business, was believed to be remnants from the Iraqi army's Gulf War activities. The bars were handed over to local police for investigation. Full story in a three-minute video.

█ Video: 🔗 BFBS Forces News / YouTube

▌Related: Tools • Lists • Coin & Banknote

5. Tintype Treasure—Millions for £7 ($10) Jesse James Photo Bought Online

📰 📅 2018 Report: In the UK, a man purchased a £7 (approximately $10 USD) antique tintype photo on eBay from a US seller. The photograph, believed to depict Jesse James, could be worth millions if authenticated. This discovery underscores the global potential of online treasure hunting.

█ Story and images: 🔗 BBC

▌Related: Tools • Lists • Camera & Photo

6. Masterpiece Mystery—Millions Possible for Art Treasure Found in $5,000 Estate Sale Buy

📰 📅 2023 Report: USA, Scarsdale—In 2017, a painting purchased online for $5,000 from an estate sale may be an original or early study by 17th-century master Claude Lorrain. Discovered among hoarded artworks in a storage-filled home, its authenticity remains unverified, but experts suggest it could be worth millions. The painting now rests in storage, its mystery intact.

█ Story and images: 🔗 Vanity Fair

▌Related: Tools • Lists • Art

7. Moon Memorabilia—$1.8 Million for $1,000 Online Auction Purchase

📽️ 📅 2017 Report: In the US, a moon bag containing traces of lunar dust collected by Neil Armstrong was discovered and later confirmed to be genuine—highlighting its rarity and historical importance. Originally purchased for under $1,000 in an online government auction, it eventually sold for $1.8 million at auction. Full story in a short video clip.

█ Video: 🔗 CBS Evening News / YouTube

▌Related: Tools • Lists • Collectible

These inspiring discoveries reveal the untapped potential of everyday spaces as hidden treasure troves. Explore the top 40 finds below the ad ☟

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