If you’ve been thinking about getting into collecting as a hobby but can’t decide what exactly you want to collect, there’s a recent story in the news that might serve as a point in the right direction. If you’re a collector of old tanks, as in army tanks, not the tanks you hold large amounts of liquid, there’s a chance you might find gold bars worth millions stashed inside of one! This is not just a hypothetical scenario; it's a real-life story that unfolded when Nick Mead, a professional tank collector, stumbled upon something incredible.
Mead operates a UK company called Tanks-A-Lot, where he offers tanks and armored vehicles for rent. His services cater to various needs, including driving lessons, film productions, and events requiring the use of a tank. While browsing old tanks for sale on eBay, he purchased an ex-Iraqi Army Type 69 tank. Little did he know that this routine transaction would lead to an unexpected treasure discovery.
To his astonishment, inside one of the tank's fuel compartments, he found five gold bars estimated to be worth around $2.5 million! This treasure is thought to have been hidden during the 1990 Kuwaiti invasion, a time known for rampant looting by Iraqi soldiers. Faced with a moral and legal dilemma, Mead decided to contact the police, leading to a fascinating turn of events.
What You Will Learn
- The unexpected treasures that can be found in unusual places.
- The importance of ethical considerations when discovering valuable items.
- The fascinating world of tank collecting and its unique challenges.
- How historical events can lead to hidden treasures.