Those explanations all stem from a gift or purchase. This doesn't fit those categories. It also doesn't fit a raw materials mined category either as these are coins.
My guess is that the various governmental revenue agencies will be looking for some way to get their "cut" regardless of whether these are sold or not. Kind of like when you win the lottery or a raffle. Still got to pay the taxes on the value of what was received.
Anyone know what the tax implications would be on such a thing? If it is found on your property, is it part of the property? It's not salvage, and it's not earned income nor typical definition of unearned income (not interest or capital gains). If I had found this, I don't think that I'd have made it publicly known.
About the best scenario I can think of is long-term capital gains. What's their cost basis...zero? I don't see how one could apportion these coins to the purchase of the property.
The taxing authorities will get their cut, but not until the coins are sold.
I hope for their sake you're right. I'm guessing that the various taxing authorities are going to demand their cut as soon as possible, and regardless of whether they are sold or not.
I think I would have kept my pie-hole shut that I dug them up. 1. Possible tax reasons, 2. some loon trying to sue claiming it was his lost stash 3. Prevent another load of loons with metal detectors hoping to find more on your property.
I feel like digging up my yard right now. It's a shame they are in California. Combination of state and federal tax will most likely take at least half.
http://bullion.nwtmint.com/blog/precious...
That said, is the coins are not cashed in/sold they will not be taxed. So, I would move to a lower tax state and then start cashing them in.
If I had found this, I don't think that I'd have made it publicly known.
The taxing authorities will get their cut, but not until the coins are sold.
1. Possible tax reasons,
2. some loon trying to sue claiming it was his lost stash
3. Prevent another load of loons with metal detectors hoping to find more on your property.