Man finds unbelievable pre-war treasures in abandoned semi-trailer in Kansas junkyard
- An American YouTuber purchased an abandoned semi-trailer from auction
- Inside he found many interesting things, including some pre-war treasures
- He’s hoping to sell them to make back the money he spent on the semi-trailer
Published on Feb 12, 2025 at 10:08 AM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on May 07, 2025 at 2:51 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
This Kansas-based YouTuber unearthed some amazing pre-war treasures while searching an abandoned semi-trailer he purchased in an auction.
Three semi-trailers were purchased by the content creator at the time, but this was the most difficult one to transport and get open as it was locked, unlike the other two.
His finds ended up being worth far more than he anticipated too.
And now he’s trying to reunite some of the treasures with their former owners.
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Was it worth it to buy an abandoned semi-trailer in auction?
American YouTuber Silas, known online as Adventures Made From Scratch, went viral with a video showing him cracking open an old abandoned semi-trailer that he bought at auction.
The YouTuber bought a set of three and this one was the final (and hardest) one to open, due to it being locked so securely.
When he finally managed to get in, he carefully worked through the belongings he found inside.
He was pleased to find some carefully framed prints, a big pile of tires and even an unopened sofa bed which he could sell for a profit.
One of the particularly exciting finds for Silas were some old family photos from the previous owners.
But the most exciting discovery was yet to come.
The discovery of pre-war treasures
Silas was excited find a nondescript envelope with five clearly important collectible coins, some from world war 2, but some that dated back to a pre-war era.
His finds included a silver 1979 Liberty $1 coin and 3 wheat penny coins dating back to 1944 and even earlier.
Silas thought that he would get a few dollars online for them, but did some research and realized they were worth a lot more.
Some of his coins could sell for between $50-$500 online if they were properly cleaned and assessed.
He was stoked to learn he might even make more money than he paid for the trailers.
After he found some old family photos from the previous owner’s suitcase, he vowed to try and reunite them with the owners.
Unfortunately, their names were fairly common, so he was aware it would be a challenge.
The experience left Silas reflecting on memories and considering what he would leave behind one day.
He said it was a reminder to ‘hold onto memories’ because you never know where they might end up.
Daisy is a technology journalist, covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, digital business, and emerging technologies. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral tech hacks and the latest developments in the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex technology stories into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work focuses on the products, platforms, and innovations that are transforming the way people work, communicate, and interact with technology. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
