sunken treasure no more

Remember where I was going the day the shifter cable collapsed?

 

"Um, what? Wasn't that the start of October?"

 

That's right.

 

"Well, let me think. You were going to Pooler for a movie?"

 

No, I was going there to Miller's Coins, as they are listed at the Better Business Bureau site as a reputable place to exchange and sell coins and foreign currency. I had all that money from Panama, Okinawa, and Europe that I wanted converted into US dollars.

 

"That's hardly worth the trip, is it? Wasn't it like 20 Euros and about 2000 Yen and not even 1 Balboa? What would that be, maybe 30 bucks?"

 

Honestly, I was hoping the age of the coins might make them more valuable. After all, the ones from Panama and Okinawa and Hong Kong are more than 40 years old. I realize the Euros aren't that old, nor are the Loonies of Canada. I just wanted to get them exchanged for money I could spend here. I need to buy some clothes, in particular long pants, and I'd like to do that without using my credit card.

 

"Gotcha."

 

I'd even emailed Joey, the man in charge, before the trip then, to make sure he'd take the foreign coins. I also wanted to see if he'd buy the Atocha coin. I figured I might need an appointment to sell that one. However, he'd replied the next day, with it okay for me to come any time. So, that's what I'd set out to accomplish that day.

"Good deal! Wait... did you say that piece of silver jewelry you'd bought at Reeds Jewelers so many years ago?? You wanted to sell that piece of world history from that Spanish galleon?! Why not hang on to it and see if someone in the family wanted it?"

 

Ever since I closed the safe deposit box out, I've wanted to get rid of its contents. That's why I gave Mama's pearls to Christina. Most of the stuff had been papers, like insurance policies and that sort of thing. The box at the bank had just been a "safe place" for me to keep them and not lose them. That pendant was made in the 1990's by Mel Fisher's group from the silver real minted at the Potosi mine of Bolivia in the late 1590's to early 1600's during the reign of Phillip III. I had really wanted it when I saw it, but I have to admit: I mostly liked the emeralds. However, due to its worth, it spent most of the time at the bank. In the thirty years I've owned it, I bet I only wore it five or six times. I even made a point of wearing it one time for my passport photo! That way, I'd be able to flash it every time I traveled.

 

"And now, you no longer own it."

 

That's correct. It's to be in the case with other Atocha coins and jewelry, items bought by others during that show in the mid 1990's here in Savannah. Actually, Miller's Coins has three display cases with that stuff.

 

"Was it worth the trip out there?"

 

It was, not just financially, but also for peace of mind. I had to force myself to go there today and I finally realized the reason for my delay. It all hearkened back to that ripoff by the fake DEA agent several years ago. I found myself mentally paralyzed this morning by the dread of getting ripped off by this coin dealer. It was after 1 PM before I finally left home. But the trip went well and no one tried to pressure me into anything. The place had a steady stream of folks selling to Joey, a lot of them repeat customers. I took that as a good sign. And now I have money to buy a few things I need, like another GPS. I've felt a bit stranded ever since my Garmin Nuvi died back in April.

 

"Yes, you really need a new GPS. 'Stranded' is not your style at all."

 

Agreed. Maybe I'll find a new one for Black Friday or Cyber Monday. I want to make sure I stretch that windfall! I'm earmarking some of it for travel next spring, too. I plan to be there with cousin Penny and cuzn Jeff the next time they're at St. George. (smile!)