An incredibly rare American coin from the year of the Declaration of Independence, found in a toffee tin, has fetched a whopping £25,000 in a recent auction. The coin, known as a Continental Dollar, was minted in 1776, measuring 38mm across and made of pewter. With only a limited production run of around 6,000 believed to have been made, and as few as 100 thought to remain, its rarity contributed to its high selling price.
The valuable coin was discovered by auctioneer Joseph Trinder in a large toffee tin brought by a private vendor. Trinder expressed his excitement about the find, stating that it ranks in the top five of his career discoveries. The tin, filled with various old coins, jewellery pieces, carved stones, and fossils, also housed the exceptional Continental Dollar coin at the bottom, hidden among the treasures.
Due to the coin’s potential value, it had to be sent back to the United States for authentication by coin grading experts at the Numismatic Guaranty Company. Trinder remarked that finding such a unique coin was a rarity that many auctioneers hope for in their careers. He highlighted the thrill of uncovering the coin among the assortment of items in the toffee tin, which included other valuable pieces like gold coins.
The successful sale of the Continental Dollar for £25,000 at the Wotton Auction Rooms in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, marks a significant moment in the numismatic world. With its historical significance and limited availability, the coin has captured the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike. The discovery of such a rare and valuable coin serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that can be found in unexpected places.