The Victorio Peak Treasure - The Final Analysis

 

There is no good historical evidence to suggest that any gold was ever hidden in Victorio Peak by anyone other than Doc Noss. He did, at times, attempt to sell gold to various people, but those attempts always ended with Noss trying to peddle gold-plated bricks. No sizable treasure has ever been brought out, and no one has been able to verify its existence, other than with affidavits from many who seem to be less than credible and have their own reasons for claiming to have seen the treasure.

Victorio Peak. Photo copyright by Kevin Randle

There is one point that must be made. In the 1930s, a law was passed making it illegal for private citizens to own gold bullion. There were exceptions made for jewelry and coins. Noss, however, claimed he saw precious stones and gems, not to mention silver coins, in the cave as well as all that gold. Many of these items could have been exchanged for cash that would have been sufficient to finance any of the alleged recovery operations. He could have retained the services of any attorney he wanted to protect his claim paying for it with the silver. Noss had no need for any outside investors, who would have diluted the treasure and could have tried to steal it all from him. Not to say that all the investors were of poor character.

The single piece of alleged documentation – the receipt from the Denver Mint – vanished. Noss allegedly had it in his possession, but it disappeared after he died. The Mint, as noted, denied they had any record that Doc Noss had ever visited them. There would be no motivation for the officials at the mint to lie about it, especially if there had been some sort of receipt provided to Noss.

Those supporting the idea of the treasure say that the assault on Noss’ character is a diversion and irrelevant. However, the character of the man, as seen in various records, police files and other activities is important. It suggests a man who, at times, engaged in activities that do call his character into question. Without some sort of physical evidence, without some additional proof of treasure, why should we accept the claims of that man.

Think about the situation and how you would react in a similar circumstance. Noss’ actions are more aligned with “movie thinking” than they are those in real life. Nearly every move he made is contrary to common sense, if there was the treasure he claimed to have found hidden in the mountain. Rather than seeking out legal help, with much of the treasure available to him, he could afford, instead he engaged in activities that are reminiscent of a con game. Those who saw gold in his possession recounted that it was in small amounts.

Remember, the testimony of those who had dealings with him and the suggestion that he would buy copper bricks, have them gold plated and then display them. Why bother with that duplicity. Why not display the real thing… yes, it was illegal to own gold bullion at the time, but carrying around a gold plated brick that he said was solid gold would have had the same consequences. True, he could avoid trouble by showing it to be a gold-plated copper bar, but then the specter fraudulent representation rears its ugly head. Either way, Noss would find himself in some trouble.

Given the actions of Noss, given all the changes and variations in the tale, it seems unlikely that he ever found anything. The evidence, studied under the harsh, cold light of objectivity, suggests there never was any treasure hidden in Victorio Peak.

There is one final point to be made. It is clear from the record that the Army and the officials at White Sands Missile Range have treated everyone involved in the affair with honor and respect. When Victorio Peak is finally ripped open and the caves exposed, there will be no treasure and no signs of a treasure having been hidden there because there never was one.

Coming soon, an examination of the Ogam symbols and those who have interpreted it.