Hoard of 700 Civil War-era gold coins unearthed in Kentucky cornfield, collectors say

Coin collectors rejoiced after gold was struck in a Kentucky cornfield last month, literally. 

More than 800 gold Civil War era coins were discovered after being buried more than 150 years ago. 

Part of what makes this collection such a rare find is that there weren’t too many gold coins manufactured during the Civil War, Louisville Numismatic Exchange President Byrd Saylor told USA Today. 

It wasn’t unusual for people to bury their money during times of war to keep it safe but what might make these coins sell for a premium is all the mystery surrounding their discovery, Saylor said.

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What’s Kentucky got to do with this?

Kentucky declared its neutrality at the beginning of the Civil War as tensions ran high between northern and southern states. 

Despite the declaration of neutrality, many families in the state were pitted against one another.

A rare coin dealer was called into inspect the coins upon discovery. 

“The importance of this discovery cannot be overstated, as the stunning number of over 700 gold dollars represents a virtual time capsule of Civil War-era coinage, including coins from the elusive Dahlonega Mint. Finding one Mint condition 1863 Double Eagle would be an important numismatic event. Finding nearly a roll of superb examples is hard to comprehend,” Jeff Garrett wrote in Numismatic Guaranty Company’s press announcement.