HOUSTON — How would you like to own a big chunk of gold from a shipwreck, a stunning diamond and sapphire brooch that belonged to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis or Michael Jordan's rookie card? These are just a few of the items worth at least $2 million that Jon Collins-Black said he placed in five treasure chests hidden all over the United States.
The entrepreneur and author said his new book, “There’s Treasure Inside,” holds all of the keys to finding the hidden treasures.
“My goal is to create a truly national treasure hunt. Something that would capture the imagination," the multi-millionaire explained.
The unique items, which vary in each chest, also include ancient artifacts, rare collectibles and historic items linked to icons, including Picasso, George Washington and Amelia Earhart, Collins-Black says.
"The stories and histories surrounding the pieces in this treasure are captivating, inspirational, and full of drama. They make a thought-provoking and compelling read," the website says.
It took Collins-Black five years to amass the collection, hide the five chests and write the book. He says the book contains all of the clues, maps and puzzles needed to find the treasure.
“You don’t have to be a genius to solve the clues," Collins-Black says. “If you have curiosity, imagination and a willingness to try something new, you can find the treasure that I’ve hidden.”
He's not saying which states he chose to hide the goods but said he spread them out to give as many people as possible an opportunity to join the treasure hunt.
Collins-Black said he's hunted for treasures himself over the years and was also inspired by his love of puzzles and mythical adventures.
He used money from his Bitcoin fortune to pay for the items. Since many are priceless, he says the true value is beyond $2 million.
At nearly $50 a pop for the book, Collins-Black may recover his costs as word spreads and people join the hunt.