In a bold move that’s reigniting global interest in real-world treasure hunts, a California-based entrepreneur and former musician has launched a high-stakes scavenger hunt with a jaw-dropping $2 million prize pool. Jon Collins-Black, a self-made figure in the cryptocurrency space, has buried five hidden treasure chests across the United States—and he’s daring puzzle enthusiasts, adventurers, and digital sleuths to find them.
This isn’t just a game. It’s a meticulously crafted adventure years in the making, blending cryptography, physical exploration, and rare collectibles into one of the most ambitious treasure hunts of the 21st century.
👉 Discover how you could unlock a fortune by solving the world’s most thrilling modern treasure hunt.
The Puzzle Behind the Fortune
At the heart of this epic quest is Collins-Black’s book, There’s a Treasure Inside, which contains a series of cryptic clues designed to lead hunters to the five buried chests. Described by the creator as “the greatest treasure hunt in American history,” the challenge is engineered to test logic, perseverance, and lateral thinking.
Each clue builds upon the last, forming a layered puzzle trail that demands careful analysis. The author emphasizes that brute force or random digging won’t work—only those who fully decode the riddles will stand a chance.
“The goal was to make it extremely difficult,” Collins-Black said in an interview. “But not impossible. I want the right people—the most persistent, clever ones—to solve it.”
To prevent damage or premature tampering, each chest is engineered with a secure locking mechanism. Unlocking it requires following precise instructions provided only after correctly interpreting the final clue. He warns treasure seekers: do not attempt to break them open—doing so may destroy valuable contents or disqualify potential claims.
What’s Inside the Treasure Chests?
The five chests contain an eclectic mix of rare and historically significant items, each chosen for its unique value and story:
- A Casascius Bitcoin coin – Recognized as the first physical Bitcoin ever created, this rare artifact bridges digital currency with tangible collectibility.
- A natural Colombian emerald – A vivid green gemstone prized for its clarity and origin.
- A 2002 holographic Charizard Pokémon card – One of the most coveted trading cards in pop culture history.
- Antique artifacts from a shipwreck – Centuries-old relics recovered from a sunken vessel, rich in maritime heritage.
- A jelly glass once owned by George Washington – A piece of American history, linking the treasure to one of the nation’s founding figures.
While exact valuations vary, Collins-Black estimates the total worth of all items combined at between $2 million and $3 million, depending on auction outcomes and collector interest.
These aren’t just prizes—they’re legacy pieces meant to inspire wonder and connection across generations.
👉 Could you be the next person to uncover a legendary treasure? Start your journey today.
Will More Clues Be Released?
Understanding that even the most dedicated solvers might hit dead ends, Collins-Black has promised to release additional hints over time if progress stalls.
“I don’t want to leave behind a myth that never gets solved,” he admitted. “I don’t want this to drag on forever. My hope is that someone cracks it within a few years—not decades.”
This assurance offers hope to persistent hunters who may feel overwhelmed by the complexity. Unlike some unsolvable mysteries, this hunt is designed with an endpoint in mind: someone will win, and the story will conclude with a victor.
All chests are located on public land, ensuring equal access for everyone regardless of background or resources. However, location alone isn’t enough—only those who follow the full sequence of clues will reach the prize.
Filling the Void Left by the Golden Owl
This new treasure hunt arrives at a pivotal moment—shortly after the conclusion of The Golden Owl, a legendary French treasure chase that captivated fans for 31 years.
Launched in 1993 by French puzzle master Régis Hauser (writing as “Max Valentin”) and illustrated by artist Michel Becker, On the Trail of the Golden Owl featured 11 poetic clues leading to a bronze statue buried somewhere in France. Tens of thousands participated, with many dedicating years to solving its riddles.
In 2024, the owl was finally unearthed by an anonymous solver, ending one of history’s longest-running treasure hunts.
The Emotional Aftermath of Solving the Golden Owl
When news broke on the official Discord forum, emotions ran high among longtime participants:
“Finally, free!” one user wrote.
“I never thought I’d live to see this day. It’s like the pandemic ending—so relieving when something long and heavy is over.”
Another added: “Oddly enough, I feel relieved. Now I can’t wait to see the solution and find out if I was even close.”
For many, it wasn’t just about winning—it was about belonging to a shared pursuit, a global community united by curiosity.
Jon Collins-Black’s new hunt appears poised to fill that void, offering not only material rewards but also a sense of purpose, adventure, and intellectual fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where are the treasure chests located?
A: The exact locations are unknown—but all are situated on public land in the United States. Only those who solve the full series of clues in There’s a Treasure Inside will be able to pinpoint their positions.
Q: Do I need prior experience in cryptography or treasure hunting?
A: Not necessarily. While the puzzles are complex, they’re designed to be solvable through research, pattern recognition, and collaboration. Many successful solvers come from diverse backgrounds.
Q: Can multiple people work together to solve it?
A: Yes! Teams are allowed and often more effective than solo hunters. Just remember—only one group can claim each chest.
Q: What happens if someone finds a chest but damages it?
A: Damaging or forcing open a chest could invalidate any claim. Proper unlocking requires following specific instructions tied to solving the puzzle.
Q: Is there a time limit to find the treasures?
A: No official deadline exists, but Collins-Black plans to release additional clues periodically to keep momentum going and ensure eventual discovery.
Q: How does cryptocurrency tie into this treasure hunt?
A: As a crypto entrepreneur, Collins-Black incorporated digital currency symbolism through the inclusion of the Casascius Bitcoin—a physical representation of decentralized money.
With adventure calling and fortunes waiting beneath American soil, Jon Collins-Black’s $2 million treasure hunt stands as both a modern legend in the making and a tribute to timeless human curiosity.
Whether you're drawn by wealth, mystery, or the thrill of the chase, this is your invitation to step into history.
👉 Begin your search now—your breakthrough moment might be just one clue away.