At first glance, the video showcases an ordinary heap of dirt. However, the excitement builds as a man eagerly reveals what lies beneath the layers of dirt and dust in his cornfield in Kentucky. To everyone’s astonishment, he uncovers dozens upon dozens of gold coins that have been hidden for over 150 years. This incredible discovery, now known as the Great Kentucky Hoard, consists of more than 800 coins from the Civil War era, as reported by USA Today.
Jeff Garrett from the Numismatic Guaranty Company, which authenticated the coins, emphasizes the significance of this find. He states that the collection of over 700 gold dollars is a virtual time capsule of the Civil War-era coinage. The cache includes not only gold dollars but also $10 and $20 gold coins, all dating between 1840 and 1863. The rarest among them is the 1863-P $20 1-ounce gold Liberty coin, also known as a Double Eagle. Live Science reports that this coin can fetch six figures at auctions, and the Great Kentucky Hoard boasts 18 of them. Garrett describes finding even one Mint condition 1863 Double Eagle as an important numismatic event and finds it hard to comprehend the discovery of nearly a roll of superb examples.
The coins in the hoard are remarkably well preserved, displaying an astonishing luster and a newfound freshness rarely observed in coins of this kind, as confirmed by Andy Salzberg of the Certified Collectibles Group, encompassing NGC.
During times of war, many people buried their money for safekeeping. This was particularly true in Kentucky, which bordered Union and Confederate states and initially declared neutrality at the beginning of the Civil War. Ryan McNutt, a conflict archaeologist from Georgia Southern University, suggests that this cache could have been buried in advance of Confederate John Hunt Morgan’s raid from June to July 1863. As federal currency, these coins likely represented transactions that were wise to conceal from Confederate raiding parties. Unfortunately, both the finder and the location remain unidentified. Some of the coins from the hoard are now up for sale, with more expected to be released in the following months.
In conclusion, this remarkable discovery of the Great Kentucky Hoard has unearthed a valuable trove of Civil War-era coins that provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. The pristine condition of the coins and their historical significance make it a compelling find that captivates both numismatic enthusiasts and those interested in America’s history.
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