The Beale Ciphers

Overview

Set of three ciphertexts that allegedly reveal the location of a buried treasure of gold, silver, and jewels in Bedford County, Virginia.

Investigation

Only the second ciphertext has been decoded, revealing details about the treasure's contents but not its location. The other two remain unsolved.

Why it matters

A famous American cryptogram mystery, inspiring treasure hunters and codebreakers for over a century, and embodying the romantic ideal of hidden fortunes.