Tuesday, 14th March 2006 (3662 views)

America's first gold coin is to go on display at this week's Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, News Antique reports.

Insured for $6 million, the legendary Brasher Doubloon was made over 200 years ago and will provide the centrepiece of the three-day event.

Although seven Brasher Doubloon coins survive today, this one is unique as it's the only version with the initials of silversmith Ephraim Brasher punched across the eagle's breast.

Brasher struck the coin for George Washington in 1787 and the fabled item has since changed hands several times.

The Doubloon spent much of last century locked away in a vault in Baltimore, after which it was bequeathed to Johns Hopkins University – which sold it for $625,000 in 1981.

A couple of owners later and the coin is now in the possession of coin collector Steven L. Contursi, who has since exhibited his prize in several US cities.

Contursi said of the coin: "Being the first gold coin struck for the United States makes it a national treasure with tremendous significance for American history. It underscores the beginnings of our economic system."

The exhibition is free to the public.

 

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