This story begins on one of British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, Savary Island, north of Powell River. During the year 1898, a man named George Green owned a trading post on the north end of Savary Island. This point is now called Green Point. On the opposite end of the Island was a very prosperous Indian Village, from which Green had a thriving business trading with the Indians.

Northbound traffic resulting from the Klondike gold rush also provided Green with a steady flow of income. One day two men arrived at Mr. Green’s trading post where they stayed for two days, bragging about how much money they had. In retaliation, Green also bragged about how prosperous he was. As soon as they heard that Green had a lot of money they killed him. In hindsight, they made one fatal mistake. They forgot to find out where Green hid his money.

The murder was discovered in short time. The culprits were apprehended shortly afterwards and hanged for their crime. Although there seems to be no real reason for believing that Green was rich it is accepted as fact by many that be had hidden a substantial sum of money on the island, probably on or near Indian Point, Savary Island. While now a popular vacation destination, perhaps one will yet stumble upon Green’s treasure.

Gold, in the form of 10 and 20 dollar gold pieces, would not only make the lucky finder rich but numismatic history as well. In 1862, 18 of the 10 dollar pieces and 10 of the 20 dollar pieces were struck in the New Westminster mint. After being displayed during the International Exhibition m London one coin of each denomination was presented to the British Museum. Despite reports that the coins had attracted considerable comment for their appearance, they never went into production.

But for the two kept by the British Museum all were melted down and sold as bullion—that is, as far as is known. If any of the coins survived they would be worth a fortune.