Brasher Doubloon Value Guide

The 1787 Brasher Doubloon is a premier American numismatic rarity minted by New York goldsmith Ephraim Brasher after his proposal to mint copper coins was rejected by the state. These gold pieces are highly coveted because they represent the first gold coins struck in the newly independent United States, with only a handful of specimens known to exist.

What Is Brasher Doubloon Worth?

The typical price range for Brasher Doubloon is $2,000,000 - $2,200,000 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The placement of the 'EB' hallmark, as coins with the stamp on the eagle's breast are considered particularly rare.
• The overall strike quality and preservation state, given the coin's age and the primitive minting conditions of 1787.
• The historical provenance and auction pedigree, which significantly influence the $2,000,000 to $2,200,000 value range.
• The extreme scarcity of the issue, as only a small number of original gold strikes have survived since the late 18th century.

How to Identify Brasher Doubloon?

• Look for the distinctive 'EB' hallmark stamped on the wing or breast of the eagle, signifying Ephraim Brasher's personal mark.
• Identify the obverse design featuring a sun rising over a mountain range above a body of water, inspired by the New York State coat of arms.
• Verify the reverse imagery which depicts an American eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, protected by a central shield.
• Confirm the material is high-purity gold, modeled after the weight and specifications of contemporary Spanish doubloons.

History of Brasher Doubloon

The Brasher Doubloon was minted by Ephraim Brasher, a prominent goldsmith and silversmith in New York City. In 1787, New York State considered allowing Brasher to mint copper coins, but the proposal was rejected. Brasher, however, went on to mint a small quantity of gold coins, which became known as the Brasher Doubloon. These coins were inspired by Spanish doubloons and feature an eagle with a shield on one side and a sunrise over mountains on the other. Only a handful of these original coins are known to exist today, making them highly sought after by collectors.