Before the U.S. government made its own coins, a New York goldsmith named Ephraim Brasher created what many call the first American gold coin—the 1787 Brasher Doubloon. This rare and beautiful coin is one of the most valuable coins in the world today. Only seven are known to exist, and one recently sold for over $5 million!
Who Was Ephraim Brasher?
Ephraim Brasher was a skilled silversmith and goldsmith living in New York. He was also George Washington’s neighbor. At a time when U.S. money was not yet official or standardized, Brasher decided to create a coin that could be used in trade. His gold coin, the Brasher Doubloon, was based on Spanish coin standards and had a value of $15 back then.
The Unique Design of the 1787 Brasher Doubloon
The front (obverse) of the coin shows the arms of New York State. There’s a sun rising over mountains and the sea, with the word “Brasher” under the waves. Around the edge are Latin words that mean “New York, America, Ever Higher,” showing hope for the new nation.
The back (reverse) has the Great Seal of the United States, including a bald eagle holding arrows and an olive branch. This side also includes the words “UNUM E PLURIBUS,” which means “One out of many.”
One of the special things about this coin is Brasher’s initials “EB.” On some coins, the EB mark is on the eagle’s wing; on one unique coin, it’s on the eagle’s chest. These tiny marks help experts tell the coins apart.
Quick Facts about 1787 Brasher Doubloon
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1787 |
| Creator | Ephraim Brasher |
| Metal Composition | 89% Gold, 6% Silver, 3% Copper |
| Weight | 26.40 grams |
| Known Examples | 7 total |
| Highest Sale Price | Over $5 million |
Physical Details
- Weight: 26.40 grams
- Diameter: 28.6 mm
- Composition: 89% gold, 6% silver, 3% copper, trace elements
- Edge: Plain
- Die Alignment: 180 degrees
These coins were handmade, so some parts look uneven or slightly off. That’s part of their charm and shows how early they were made in U.S. coin history.
A Star-Studded Pedigree
The Brasher Doubloon has been owned by some of the biggest names in coin collecting. The most famous example, called the Perschke Specimen, was graded MS63 by NGC. It was once owned by collectors like Robert Gilmor Jr., Virgil Brand, and Walter Perschke. In 2014, it sold at auction for $4.58 million, and later in a private sale for over $5 million!
Why It’s So Valuable
This isn’t just a rare coin—it’s a piece of American history. It’s the first gold coin made for circulation in the U.S. and shows the country’s early struggles to create its own currency. Plus, with only seven known examples, collectors are willing to pay millions to own one.
Conclusion
The 1787 Brasher Doubloon is more than a coin—it’s a national treasure. Made by a private citizen before the U.S. Mint even existed, it symbolizes the birth of American money. With its deep history, rare design, and famous owners, it’s no wonder that this coin is now worth over $5 million and remains one of the most desired coins in the world.
FAQ’s
Who made the Brasher Doubloon?
Ephraim Brasher, a New York silversmith and neighbor of George Washington.
How many Brasher Doubloons exist?
Only seven are known to exist today.
Why is it worth so much?
It’s the first American gold coin, extremely rare, and has great historical value.
