The Great Kentucky Hoard: In an extraordinary find, more than 700 gold coins from the Civil War era, dubbed the “Great Kentucky Hoard,” were unearthed in a Kentucky cornfield. This remarkable discovery offers a tangible glimpse into one of the most turbulent periods in American history.
The Discovery
The hoard was uncovered by an anonymous individual on private property in Kentucky. To safeguard the site and maintain privacy, the precise location has not been disclosed. The coins, some of which were still wrapped in fragments of a cloth bag, were found buried underground. One coin bore damage likely caused by farm equipment.
What the Hoard Contains
The Great Kentucky Hoard consists of over 800 coins, including more than 700 gold pieces. Among the treasures are:
- Gold Dollars: Primarily Type I, II, and III coins minted between 1854 and 1862.
- Liberty Head Eagles ($10 coins): Dating back to 1840–1862.
- Liberty Head Double Eagles ($20 coins): Minted from 1857 to 1862.
- 1863 Double Eagles: Eighteen coins from the Philadelphia Mint, the most recent coins in the collection.
Historical Background
The coins’ latest minting year, 1863, situates the hoard during the height of the American Civil War. Kentucky, a strategically important border state, declared neutrality in 1861. However, this neutrality was often disrupted by Union and Confederate forces.
Wealthy individuals frequently buried valuables to protect them from theft or confiscation. The hoard’s burial may have coincided with Confederate General John Hunt Morgan’s raid through Kentucky in 1863, which reached into the Midwest.
Authentication and Rare Features
The coins were authenticated and graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), revealing several rare varieties:
- 1862 Doubled Die Gold Dollars (FS-101): Three examples.
- 1861 Gold Dollars with Medallic Alignment Errors.
- 1862 Re-punched Date Gold Dollars (VP-002): Two specimens.
NGC encapsulated the coins with labels marking their connection to the Great Kentucky Hoard. The collection has since been made available for purchase through GovMint.
Breakdown of the Hoard’s Composition
| Coin Type | Date Range | Quantity | Rare Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Dollars | 1854–1862 | Majority | 1862 Doubled Die (FS-101), Re-punched Dates (VP-002) |
| Liberty Head Eagles ($10) | 1840–1862 | 20 | None |
| Liberty Head Double Eagles ($20) | 1857–1862 | 8 | None |
| 1863 Double Eagles | 1863 | 18 | None |
Why the Find is Significant
This discovery offers invaluable insights into the Civil War era, shedding light on the economic challenges and protective measures individuals took to secure their wealth. The collection’s exceptional preservation and diversity make it an invaluable resource for historians and coin enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Great Kentucky Hoard is a testament to the extraordinary lengths people went to during the Civil War to safeguard their assets. Its unearthing not only enriches our understanding of history but also sparks fascination about the hidden treasures that may still lie beneath the surface.
FAQs
Q: What is the Great Kentucky Hoard?
A: It’s a collection of over 700 Civil War-era gold coins discovered in a Kentucky cornfield.
Q: Who found the hoard?
A: The hoard was discovered by an anonymous property owner in Kentucky.
Q: Why were the coins buried?
A: Valuables were often hidden during the Civil War to protect them from theft or confiscation.
Q: What types of coins are included?
A: The hoard features Gold Dollars, Liberty Head Eagles ($10), Liberty Head Double Eagles ($20), and 1863 Double Eagles.
Q: Why is this find significant?
A: The hoard offers a rare glimpse into the financial and social challenges of the Civil War era while showcasing exceptional numismatic treasures.