Mid-American Rare Coin Galleries Inc. has been in the business of buying and selling rare coins since 1984. Over the years, our owner, Jeff Garrett, has handled nearly every coin listed in the Guide Book of United States Coins (Red Book). He has also handled many important collections and estates. One of the highlights of his recent career in numismatics is the ‘Great Kentucky Hoard’ of pre-1865 US gold coinage.
A massive cache of Civil War-era gold was found in Kentucky, including a group of finest-known 1863 Double Eagles and hundreds of US Gold Dollars dated 1850 to 1862.
While Kentucky was officially a neutral state in the Civil War, it was still a time of great turmoil as friends and family found themselves on opposite sides of the conflict. This incredible hoard is a time capsule of a tumultuous time in American history.
“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,” Jeff Garrett said to NGC, who was selected to grade the hoard. “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 one Mint condition 1863 Double Eagle would be an important numismatic event. Finding nearly a roll of superb examples is hard to comprehend.”
You can learn more about this fantastic group of coins here.