The 1787 Brasher Doubloon, also known as the Brasher Doubloon, is one of the most celebrated and valuable coins in American numismatics. It holds a special place in history as one of the earliest gold coins struck in the United States.
Designed and minted by Ephraim Brasher, a talented goldsmith and silversmith from New York City, the Brasher Doubloon was a private-issue coin intended for use in commerce.
The coin bears a distinctive "EB" hallmark punched directly into the breast of an eagle on the coin's reverse, signifying Brasher's maker's mark and adding to its uniqueness and appeal.
The obverse of the coin features an intricate design with the legend "NOVA EBORACA COLUMBIA EXCELSIOR," which translates to "New York and Columbia, Ever Upward," encircling a radiant sun rising over mountains.
The reverse depicts an eagle with wings spread, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, surrounded by the inscription "NOVA EBORACA COLUMBIA EXCELSIOR" and the denomination "15 DOLLARS."
The Brasher Doubloon is highly prized by collectors for its historical significance, exquisite craftsmanship, and rarity. Only a small number of these coins are known to exist, with most examples held in private collections and museums.
The Brasher Doubloon gained further fame and recognition through its appearance in literature and popular culture, most notably as the subject of Raymond Chandler's detective novel "The High Window" and the subsequent film adaptation.
Today, the 1787 Brasher Doubloon stands as a symbol of early American ingenuity and entrepreneurship, representing a bygone era of private coinage and individual craftsmanship.
The story of the 1787 Brasher Doubloon intertwines with the rich tapestry of American history, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit and economic aspirations of the young nation.