What sorts of things would a common person want to buy with new found wealth? What was the British 1700 equivalent of large televisions, expensive children's toys and yachts?
I would like to add a follow up. Suppose a common man did find them self with a fortune in gold and silver, could they spend it? Would banks be willing to deal in large amounts of cash for an unknown customer? Could gold coin be spent by a commoner, or would our criminal be busted?