The Famous Gold Coin That Sold for $9.36 Million

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A unique gold coin, considered one of the most famous among collectors, recently sold for an astounding $9.36 million at auction.

The New York-Style Brasher Doubloon

The New York-style Brasher Doubloons, minted in 1787, are among the rarest examples of pre-federal, privately minted gold coins. Designed by Ephraim Brasher, a skilled goldsmith and silversmith, these coins were originally intended for circulation.

Design and Features

The doubloon showcases intricate craftsmanship:

  • Obverse: Features an adaptation of the New York state coat of arms with the sun rising over a mountain peak. Brasher’s name is engraved in the water below the mountain.
  • Reverse: Displays an eagle with spread wings, a shield on its chest, and Brasher’s initials stamped in various places depending on the coin.
    • One example has the initials on the shield, while others place them on the eagle’s wing.
    • The eagle holds an olive branch in one claw and a bundle of arrows in the other.
  • Rim Inscription: The coin bears the phrase Unum E Pluribus, with the year engraved below, flanked by decorative rosettes.

Composition

The doubloon is composed of:

  • 89.3% gold
  • 6.4% copper
  • 3% trace elements

With only seven known examples, this coin remains a cornerstone of the colonial coinage series.

Lost Treasures Found in Florida

A treasure hunter made a spectacular discovery off the coast of Vero Beach, Florida, unearthing gold coins worth $4.5 million.

Discovery of Rare Doubloons

William Bartlett, while scuba diving, found a stash of gold coins believed to have been lost for over 300 years. The coins included nine rare artifacts known as royal eight escudos, a type of gold coin previously considered extremely rare.

Before this discovery, only 20 royal eight escudos were known to exist. These coins were part of a shipment intended for the King of Spain but were lost during a hurricane.

Ownership and Distribution

  • The treasure was recovered from a shipwreck site owned by treasure hunter Brent Brisben’s company.
  • Bartlett received a share of the value for his find, while 20% of the value went to the state of Florida as per maritime treasure laws.

Historical Significance

These discoveries highlight the enduring allure of historical gold coins, with their rich craftsmanship and historical connections. Whether auctioned for millions or recovered from the ocean floor, these coins are a reminder of the wealth and artistry of past eras.

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