12 July 2023
A Kentucky man made a stunning discovery earlier this year while working in his field—a collection of over 700 coins dating back to the American Civil War.
Dubbed the “Great Kentucky Hoard,” the trove includes numerous U.S. gold pieces minted between 1840 and 1863, alongside a handful of silver coins. The man, whose identity and exact location remain undisclosed, exclaims, “This is the most insane thing ever: Those are all $1 gold coins, $20 gold coins, $10 gold coins.”
Certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Co. (NGC) and sold through GovMint, the hoard is primarily composed of gold dollars, accounting for 95% of the collection. Additionally, there are 20 $10 Liberty coins and eight $20 Liberty coins. Notably, the collection boasts 18 of the rarest coin, the 1863-P $20 1-ounce gold Liberty coin, which can fetch six figures at auction. The $20 Liberty coins in the hoard are even more exceptional as they lack the inscription “In God We Trust,” added after the Civil War’s conclusion in 1866.
Beyond their monetary value, these coins hold significant historical importance, shedding light on a tumultuous era in America’s past.
Conflict archaeologist Ryan McNutt from Georgia Southern University suggests that given the time period and Kentucky’s neutral status, the hoard may have been buried in anticipation of Confederate John Hunt Morgan’s raid between June and July 1863. Rumors abound that many wealthy Kentuckians hid large sums of money to safeguard them from Confederate theft. Examples include James Langstaff, who left a letter detailing $20,000 buried in Paducah, and William Pettit, who reportedly buried $80,000 worth of gold coins near Lexington. Another tale tells of Confederate soldiers hiding stolen payroll in a cave in Cumberland Gap. To date, none of these caches have been recovered.
McNutt suggests that the federal currency within the hoard may be the result of a Kentuckian’s dealings with the federal government, hidden to prevent Confederate raiders from confiscating it. The Civil War forced many Americans to become adept at concealing valuables and goods.