The Ephraim Brasher Gold Doubloon was the first gold coin ever minted in America and is extremely rare. To this day, only one Brasher Doubloon has been found and saved by the U.S. Mint. Read on to learn more about this coin.
DESIGN
The front side of the Brasher Gold Doubloon shows the sun rising over mountains with a river in the foreground and Brasher’s name appears below. This scene is surrounded by a ring of dots and the legend in Latin reading NOVA EBORACA COLUMBIA EXCELSIOR on the obverse, meaning “New York and America: Ever upward.”
Designer: Ephraim Brasher
On the backside of the Brasher Gold Doubloon is an eagle holding an olive branch in his right talons and bundle of arrows in its left. Thirteen stars are arranged around its head and the entire figure is enclosed by a wreath. The outer border reads: *E PLURIBUS* UNUM.
Designer: Ephraim Brasher
HISTORY
The Ephraim Brasher Gold Doubloon was privately minted in 1787, about a decade after the birth of the United States. It is believed to be the first gold coin minted in America. This coin is one of the most famous of all American coins and is worth anywhere from 2.2 million to 5 million dollars today.
FACTS
Country
USA
Mint
Private
Metal
.917 gold
Weight
26.6 grams
Diameter
29.8 mm
Thickness
Unrecorded
Date Issued
1787
Face Value
$15