During the California gold rush of the 1800's, what did people do with their treasure when banks were rare, and sometimes untrustworthy? They buried it.

Now a middle-aged couple has staked a claim to part of the state's legendary gold treasure after walking the dog on their rural property in Northern California and noticing a buried can jutting out of the ground near a tree.

Using a stick, they were able to dislodge the can and decided to carry it back to their house.  The can was unusually heavy, but nothing could have prepared them for what they would find when they pried the lid open: mixed in with dirt and stones, they found a stash of $20 gold pieces—a literal pot of gold.

Despite being buried for over a hundred years, many of the coins were preserved in pristine condition; some being finer than anything seen to date.

Kagin's, Inc. has expertly cleaned, filed, and numbered the coins, calling the collection the "Saddle Ridge Hoard". Highlights of the cache include at least fourteen of the finest known specimens, including an 1866-S No Motto Double Eagle valued at close to $1 million.

The Saddle Ridge Treasure of U.S. gold coins will soon be available for sale at Kaginsinc.com and on Amazon.