I really do love to treasure hunt.  I haven’t figured out how to make a living at it yet, but there are people out there that do.  And while there is probably a lot of money being made from things found in a quasi-legal setting, what could be worse than having to give back what you’ve found?  It’s not that hard to hunt legally and through trustworthy guides:

1. Dive for Spanish treasure (not quite pirate treasure but the stuff looks the same)  If you invest with Mel Fisher’s Treasures (finder of part of the Atocha) you can dive with and get a portion of the year’s loot.  The minimum investment isn’t loose change but less than the price of most cars. Or just do what I’m planning on and take a metal detector to the Florida beaches; no entry fee and the stuff does still wash up.
2. Hit the antique malls – it’s just as much fun to find a plate made around 1740 and valued at around $1000 for only $40!  The secret is to the enjoy the hunt more than day dreams  of a full bank account…
3. Hunt for gemstones – check out any of the Cash & Treasure / Treasure Hunter sites from the Travel Channel. Just be sure to double-check the information with the mine owner’s website. I’ve tried several of them and found most to be as advertised but a few took advantage of the sudden fame to well… take advantage.