An astonishing discovery of a rare American coin, minted in 1776 during the year of the Declaration of Independence, has made headlines after it sold for a whopping £25,000. The coin, known as a Continental Dollar, measures 38mm across and is made of pewter. With a limited production run, it is believed that only around 6,000 of these coins were ever made, with as few as 100 of them thought to still exist today.
The valuable coin was found in a large toffee tin brought to Wotton Auction Rooms in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire by a private vendor. Auctioneer Joseph Trinder described the find as one of the top five discoveries of his career. He expressed that coming across such a rare coin is a dream for auctioneers everywhere.
The toffee tin contained various items such as old coins, jewellery pieces, carved stones, and fossils. While there were other valuable items in the tin, including gold coins, the true gem was the hidden Continental Dollar coin. Only 100 of these coins are believed to be in existence, adding to its exceptional rarity.
Due to the potential value of the coin, it was sent to the United States to be authenticated by the Numismatic Guaranty Company, a team of coin grading experts. After verifying its authenticity, the coin was put up for auction and fetched an impressive sum of £25,000.
The discovery of this rare coin serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that can be found in unexpected places, capturing the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike. The auction of the Continental Dollar coin has not only added to its historical significance but has also highlighted the thrill of uncovering rare artefacts that hold immense value and historical importance.