Their findings make you close your eyes
Historical tracks – but no clear answers
The latest coin in the collection is from 1921, which means that the tax can be at most about 100 years old. One theory is that the gold was hidden in time leading up to World War II, with many Czechs and Jews flinging from the border areas. Another theory points to 1945, when German families left the area in haste and perhaps hidden values in panic.
But there is one mysterious twist: None of the coins originate from the local area. Half are from the Balkans and the other half from France – and no one is German or Czechoslovak.
Collection, theft or war swap?
Experts are considering whether the gold could belong to a local aristocratic family, such as Swéertsšpork, or perhaps stem from a stolen collection. Another theory mentions Czechoslovak Legionnaires who fought during World War I and may have had values home.
So far, the tax is stored in the museum and according to Czech law belongs to findings such as this region’s authorities. However, the lucky hikers get a financial finish, based on the value and historical significance of gold.
An exhibition is planned for the fall – but the question is still open: Who saved four million dollars in gold in the middle of the forest’s silence?
