... some speculate the S. Ball found it...
It has been written that he used gold coins to shop with in town...
When and where was it written that he used "gold coins to shop with in town"?
How many times did he shop in town with gold coins"
What was the origin country of these coins that were written about?
Most likely the coins were British Gold Sovereigns, and not "exotic" gold treasure coins
If they were an unusual coinage for early 19th century Nova Scotia, it would have been noted in these "written" articles.
This gold coin tale has the earmarks of LORE and not fact.
*NOTE* In addition to the oft mentioned cabbage, Samuel Ball raised other crops, had several head of cattle, and cut and sold firewood.
Ball plough his fields with OXEN.
In 1804, he most likely watched the workings of the ONSLOW COMPANY at the "alleged" money pit, and the executor of his Will was Anthony Vaughn, one of the three who found a depression in the ground beginning the treasure story.
Information from:
oakislandsociety.ca/samuel-ball-man-substance-oak-island-1765-1846/
*NOTE* The United States first gold coins($2.50 and $5.00) were issued in 1794 but were kept out of circulation.
Great Britain issued the Gold Sovereign in 1817, with the value of one pound sterling, which was in use in Canada during Samuel Ball's life on Oak Island.
Canada issued their first gold coins in 1912, a $5.00 and $10.00.