An incredibly rare American coin from the year of the Declaration of Independence found in a toffee tin has sold for £25,000. The coin, known as a Continental Dollar, measures 38mm across, is made of pewter, and was minted in 1776. With a limited production run of only around 6,000 believed to have been made and as few as 100 thought to remain, this coin is particularly rare.
The valuable coin was discovered in a large toffee tin brought by a private vendor to Wotton Auction Rooms in Wotton-under-Edge, Glos. Auctioneer Joseph Trinder expressed his excitement about the find, stating that it was among the top discoveries in his career. He described the toffee tin as containing various interesting items such as other coins, jewellery pieces, carved stones, and fossils. Among these treasures, they found the amazing Continental Dollar coin.
Due to the coin’s potential high value, it was sent to the United States to be authenticated by coin grading experts from the Numismatic Guaranty Company. The coin’s rarity and authenticity contributed to its selling price of £25,000 at the auction. Trinder mentioned that such discoveries are what many auctioneers hope to come across in their career.
The Continental Dollar coin, representing a significant piece of American history, has now found a new owner after being hidden in a toffee tin among various knick-knacks. Its sale highlights the excitement and value that rare coins can bring to collectors and enthusiasts alike.