Hello, John. My goodness, what an industrious and thorough researcher you are! Congratulations. May I share a few thoughts that raced through my mind as I read your post as well as ask for one area of clarification?

What is NARA to which you referred? What were the occasions, time frame and type for the "two lost coin shipments?" Why did you conclude "neither worked out for recovery?"

Secondly, the ANA organization might be a good place to continue your pursuit of this type info. I know rather well their former "librarian" and this type of research is right up Don's alley as a researcher. To the best of my knowledge, he has no interest in treasure hunting nor metal detecting. He's a numismatist's numismatist. However, he is currently retired from Boeing and he and his wife, Bernice, are deeply involved in "first response level" as directed by the American Red Cross, so catching up with him for a phone call contact would be next to impossible. I know, because I've tried. But, the ANA has an interest in all things coin related.

Thirdly, when I read of your curiousity re: caches discovered, I had to smile, as I recall one very well known (now) cache that was discovered in the "basement" of one of the US Mints themselves. I am referring to the well-known and publically distributed hoard of Carson City Silver Dollars.

Fourthly, I would like to be on your "short list" of examiners for potential purchase of any private US mintage issues you may turn up in your treasure hunting, especially if they are either early coppers or early private mint gold. My permanent private email is shown by clicking upon my name in this reply. I would enjoy hearing from you at any time. There are special problems that need solving if and when one comes across a small or large cache of these valuable coins, Not only would I like to benefit in some small way, in securing a few pieces for my personal collection of coins, but I'd like to help you maximze your opportunity, as discovery of such a hoard could upset the collector applecart and ruin the price appreciation to which you would be rightfully due as the result of your diligence and research.

I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience. Again, congratulations upon such an excellent pursuit!

Sincerely,

Megan Rose, Author