In a stunning discovery on a rural farm in Kentucky, a man has hit the jackpot by unearthing over 700 coins from the Civil War era.
Dubbed the “Great Kentucky Hoard,” this collection includes a variety of U.S. Gold Dollars, $10 Liberty coins, and $20 Liberty coins, with some particularly rare finds.
The highlight of the hoard is the discovery of eighteen 1863-P $20 Gold Liberty coins, one of the most sought-after dates in the $20 Liberty series.
These coins are known to fetch six-figure prices in the market and the location of the find has not been disclosed, adding to the allure of this extraordinary discovery.
A video posted on YouTube by GovMint, a leading coin marketer, shows the unidentified man excavating this treasure from the ground, potentially worth millions of dollars.
The 1863-P $20 Gold Liberty coins stand out due to their absence of the phrase “In God We Trust,” making them historically significant.
It was not until after the Civil War, in 1866, that this motto was added to all gold and silver currency.
The significance of the Great Kentucky Hoard cannot be overstated. With over 700 gold coins dating back to the Civil War era, including coins from the elusive Dahlonega Mint, it offers a rare glimpse into history.
The discovery has captivated the rare coin community, with Jeff Garrett, a renowned rare coin dealer, describing it as one of the pinnacles of his career.
Kentucky man finds over 800 Civil War-era coins buried in his cornfield. The "Great Kentucky Hoard" includes hundreds of U.S. gold pieces dating to between 1840 and 1863, in addition to a handful of silver coins. Eighteen of the individual coins found can sell for six figure… pic.twitter.com/PaSt3w9xsc
— Historyland (@HistoryLandHQ) July 12, 2023
“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,” he remarked.
The circumstances surrounding the collection of these coins remain a mystery due to the state’s tumultuous history,
Kentucky, located on the border of Union and Confederate states during the Civil War, experienced conflict and upheaval.
It is possible that these coins were lost during this turbulent time, with families being pitted against each other.
The infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud could have possibly spurred the coins’ owner to bury their fortune, as the nearly 30 year rivalry sparked between the warring Kentucky-West Virginia families in 1863.
Though some experts speculate that the coins may have been buried in anticipation of Confederate raids prior to the kickoff of the Civil War in 1861.
With their remarkable preservation, stunning luster, and exceptional freshness, these coins have garnered high praise from industry experts.
The find is truly a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence and offers a remarkable opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The coins from the Great Kentucky Hoard are now available for purchase through GovMint.
