Ask HN: What would appreciate in value...

#1

Post by hella » Thu, Mar 03, 2011, 1:16 AM UTC

most of 300 years? For instance, if I could leave something buried beneath my home today for my great-great-great-great grandson to find, what would make him wealthiest?

My current best answer: a portfolio of government bonds from all the major countries. (Or perhaps as many of the current sports cards that I can find.)

Re: Ask HN: What would appreciate in value...

#2

Post by keiferski » Thu, Mar 03, 2011, 2:48 AM UTC

Water. Alternatively, stocks in desalination companies.

Re: Ask HN: What would appreciate in value...

#3

Post by kristianp » Thu, Mar 03, 2011, 3:49 AM UTC

How about something that would become valuable, but is currently considered junk, eg an original IMac.

Re: Ask HN: What would appreciate in value...

#4

Post by SkyMarshal » Thu, Mar 03, 2011, 4:39 AM UTC

Are there any government bonds with greater than 30yr maturities? I'm not aware of any such US bonds. They'd mature, you or someone would get the principal in currency, and the actual bond buried in the yard would only have value as a museum piece 270yrs later.

Re: Ask HN: What would appreciate in value...

#5

Post by kingofspain » Thu, Mar 03, 2011, 9:14 AM UTC

Harvest as many signed first editions of every first-time author you can find. Write them letters and hopefully get some insightful or enlightening replies. Maybe even tell them what you're planning as they may respond more favourably with an eye on posterity.

To be in with a fair shot, you'll need quite a big hole though!

You might want to seal them so that poor quality paper doesn't degrade too much though.

Re: Ask HN: What would appreciate in value...

#6

Post by petervandijck » Thu, Mar 03, 2011, 11:52 AM UTC

Gold?