Recently, a group of over 800 gold coins from the Civil War era was discovered in a cornfield in Kentucky. This treasure is worth millions and is considered one of the greatest coin finds of the 21st century.
What Makes This Find Special?
According to Andrew Salzberg from the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), finding coins like these is extremely rare in the United States. The collection, called the “Great Kentucky Hoard,” has been valued at over $2 million. Most of the coins are gold dollars, but there are also several $20 gold pieces, with some dated 1863.
The Mystery of the Discovery
The identity of the person who found the coins and the exact location of the discovery are still unknown. Those who know are keeping the information private to protect the finder’s security and prevent others from searching for treasure.
The Treasure Unearthed
A brief video on YouTube shows the finder excitedly pulling coins from the ground. In the video, he mentions finding various types of gold coins, including $1, $10, and $20 coins.
Expert Opinions
Jeff Garrett, a coin expert, received an email from the anonymous finder asking about an 1863 Double Eagle coin. He was amazed to see that there were 18 Double Eagles in the collection, which is very rare. According to him, these coins are worth much more than the other 800 gold dollars.
Table of Key Coins Found in the Great Kentucky Hoard
| Type of Coin | Quantity | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Dollars | 800+ | Common gold coins |
| $20 Double Eagles | 18 | Dated 1863, highest graded coins |
| Other Gold Coins | Unknown | Includes $10 and $1 coins |
The Story Behind the Coins
The NGC certified the coins and gave them a special label. They were then sold online and quickly purchased. Garrett explained that finding buried U.S. coins is uncommon because the U.S. is a younger country compared to other places with a longer history of trade and commerce.
Why Were the Coins Buried?
During the Civil War, many people hid their money to protect it from being taken. Ryan McNutt, a conflict archaeologist, explained that economic issues during the war led people to hoard coins, as it was not safe to leave money in banks. The coins may have been buried due to fear of raids or civil unrest.
What Happens Now?
The coins were cleaned carefully to keep their value intact. They are now part of history and remind us of the past.
The Future of Treasure Hunting
For those inspired to search for their own buried treasure, Salzberg compares the chance of finding something as valuable as the Kentucky Hoard to winning the lottery. This discovery is indeed one of the most important finds in recent history.
Conclusion
The discovery of the Great Kentucky Hoard is not just a treasure hunt success; it’s a remarkable piece of history that highlights the challenges people faced during the Civil War. It also sparks interest in numismatics, the study of coins, and reminds us of the importance of preserving our past. With the value and rarity of these coins, they serve as a powerful reminder of the rich history hidden beneath our feet.
FAQ’s
What are the “Great Kentucky Hoard” coins?
The “Great Kentucky Hoard” refers to over 800 Civil War-era gold coins found buried in a cornfield in Kentucky. They are worth millions and include rare coins from 1863.
Why were the coins buried?
During the Civil War, many people buried their coins to protect them from being taken due to raids or economic uncertainty.
How much are the coins worth?
Experts have valued the coins at over $2 million, making it one of the most significant coin finds in the 21st century.