I found a real treasure (of sorts). I've never been one to shop, "Estate Sales". Three years ago I went to one that appeared in our local newspaper. Once there they had a few prewar trains that were not mentioned in the paper. I was shocked to find two Lionel electric profile engines in their original boxes, one #8 and #10. Both were in unbelievably condition, both C-7+. Plus there was seven 500 series freight cars in their original boxes. Each of the cars were in the same condition as the engines. I was so excited that I could hardly contain myself. I was almost afraid to ask how much. I asked one of the attendants, which sparked a five-way conversation between what I learned to be the children of the deceased. After a few minutes they agreed saying, "Make us an offer". I already had a figure of, $250.00 in mind, I offered and they accepted. As I loaded the boxes in my car I noticed an odd sounding rattle coming from two of the boxes.
When I arrived home I immediately checked each item carefully. All the time I wondered about the former owner. How and why did he keep the cars so perfectly preserved. When I opened the two boxes that had the odd sounding rattle, I carefully opened each. In each of the box cars was a coin in a plastic dealer holder wrapped in tissue. Upon examination I was shocked. I had two 1862 ten dollar gold coins in outstanding condition. Needless to say I could hardly breathe as I read the flyer given to me as I paid for my items. The flyer read, "All Sales Are Final"
