A Kentucky farmer digging in his corn field struck gold earlier this year.
Had he found a solitary mid-19th century coin, he might be looking at a discovery worth $100,000 at auction. Instead, he found over 700 gold coins from the Civil War era.
The farmer, whose name and location have not yet been disclosed, can be seen in a short video posted to YouTube last month breathlessly surveying the find, saying, “This is the most insane thing ever.”
Panning his camera quickly across the muddy discovery, he notes, “Those are all $1 gold coins. $20 gold coins. $10 gold coins. And look: I’m still digging them out.”
The prospective multi-millionaire adds, “This is unf***ing real.”
The National Post reported that the treasure, which has been dubbed “the Great Kentucky Hoard,” contains 18 $20 Gold Liberty coins minted in 1863, one of which previously fetched nearly $100,000 at auction.
According to Professional Coin Grading Services, the 1863 $20 Gold Liberty coin weighs 33.4 grams, was designed by James Barton Longacre, and comprises 90% gold and 10% copper.
The Kentucky treasure also included over 600 gold dollar coins dating from 1850 to 1862, along with several silver coins.
Since the horde consists of Union currency, it is suspected that the former owners in the originally neutral state may have had dealings with the North or, at the very least, cause to hide their bullion from Confederate raiders.
The Numismatic Guaranty Company, the world’s largest third-party coin grading service, indicated that this “cache of rare Civil War-era coins unearthed in the Bluegrass State includes finest-known 1863 Double Eagles as well as several interesting varieties and errors.”
Jeff Garrett, a rare coin dealer and lead expert in American coinage, told the NGC, “While I’m always excited when someone calls asking for advice about a rare coin discovery, the opportunity to handle the Great Kentucky Hoard is one of the highlights of my career.”
“The importance of this discovery cannot be overstated, as the stunning number of over 700 gold dollars represents a virtual time capsule of Civil War-era coinage, including coins from the elusive Dahlonega Mint,” added Garrett. “Finding one Mint condition 1863 Double Eagle would be an important numismatic event. Finding nearly a roll of superb examples is hard to comprehend.”
GovMint, a rare coin retailer, has been selected to auction the hoard to collectors.
Bill Gale, the president of GovMint, said, “This extraordinary opportunity allows us to share these historic coins with collectors and enthusiasts, ensuring their preservation and appreciation for generations to come.”
Did the former land owner have any slaves that could now claim a reparation?
The ONLY ‘reparations’ earned by those who want them is a bullet in the head – DONE!
I think my Grandfather was correct when he once told me, “You know, if before 1860 we would have decided to pick our own cotton – NONE of this would be happening”. Think about it…
surprised the government didn’t snatch it
People just don’t think past their nose(s) before they blurt something out. This guy will not only have the IRS on his ass, but also others, claiming the land (at that time) was their ancestors. He used to be a JACKASS. Hopefully, he can now say he’s a RICH JACKASS. Hopefully, he gets to keep what’s rightfully his…
The IRS will rise again.