James Kane and Barbi Agostini, magnet fishing enthusiasts from Queens, New York, reeled in an unexpected windfall when they discovered a safe filled with an estimated $80,000 while fishing in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Kane, 40, and Agostini, 39, had taken up the hobby during the pandemic and were stunned by the stacks of hundred-dollar bills inside the muddy lockbox. Kane immediately sensed their lives were about to change dramatically. The couple, who share their magnet fishing adventures on social media, initially couldn’t believe their luck, especially Agostini, who rarely considered herself fortunate in games of chance.
After the discovery, Kane and Agostini promptly informed the New York City police, who evaluated the situation and determined that the disintegrated condition of the currency made it difficult to ascertain its value and authenticity. Despite this, the couple was allowed to keep the money, and they plan to take the bills to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C., for restoration, a process that could take years. They estimate the haul to be between $40,000 and $80,000, with hopes of salvaging around $60,000. Beyond their significant find, the couple’s magnet fishing ventures across New York’s boroughs have yielded a range of items, from firearms to a racing motorcycle, which they have responsibly turned over to the authorities. Their incredible find has them dreaming of a future property filled with animals and open space, a far cry from their city-based adventures.
