The main problem is, Atlas was punished by Zeus (for siding with the Titans against the Olympians) with holding up the Sky/Heavens (Uranus) to prevent him from embracing Earth (Gaia/Gaea). But artist/sculptors portray him holding Earth on his shoulders.
Pot of gold, or potty of gold, it still gold. just have to clean it and melt it down and make discs, small ingots, etc.