A farmer in Kentucky, whose identity remains undisclosed, recently made an astonishing discovery that has the potential to make him a multi-millionaire.
In a short video posted on YouTube last month, the farmer can be seen breathlessly surveying the find, exclaiming, "Unf***ing real." The camera pans quickly across the muddy ground, revealing a trove of gold coins.
The farmer excitedly points out, "Those are all $1 gold coins. $20 gold coins. $10 gold coins. And look: I'm still digging them out." Over 600 gold dollar coins dating from 1850 to 1862 were found, along with several silver coins.
The treasure, now known as "the Great Kentucky Hoard," includes 18 $20 Gold Liberty coins minted in 1863. One of these coins previously fetched nearly $100,000 at auction. The 1863 $20 Gold Liberty coin weighs 33.4 grams, was designed by James Barton Longacre, and is made up of 90% gold and 10% copper, according to Professional Coin Grading Services.
It is believed that the hoard, consisting of Union currency, may have been hidden by its former owners in Kentucky, a state that initially remained neutral during the Civil War. The suspicion is that these individuals had dealings with the North or wanted to protect their bullion from Confederate raiders.
The significance of this discovery has not gone unnoticed by experts in the field. The Numismatic Guaranty Company, the world's largest third-party coin grading service, stated that the hoard includes the finest-known 1863 Double Eagles, as well as several interesting varieties and errors from the Civil War era.
Jeff Garrett, a rare coin dealer and leading expert in American coinage, expressed his excitement, saying, "The opportunity to handle the Great Kentucky Hoard is one of the highlights of my career." He added, "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. Finding nearly a roll of superb examples is hard to comprehend."
The hoard will be auctioned to collectors by GovMint, a rare coin retailer. Bill Gale, the President of GovMint, emphasized the significance of this opportunity, stating, "This extraordinary opportunity allows us to share these historic coins with collectors and enthusiasts, ensuring their preservation and appreciation for generations to come."
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