In the event you’ve been round coin accumulating for some time, you could have heard of the legendary “EB” counter stamp that Ephraim Brasher marked on cash that he issued again within the late 1780’s. For many who aren’t aware of Brasher, he was virtually a celeb in colonial America.
Brasher was a patriot of the American Revolution, a profitable businessman and neighbor of George Washington. A well-respected jeweler and coiner, Brasher was identified for his integrity and wonderful workmanship, and his “EB” counter stamp was broadly accepted as a assure of high quality and worth.
At this time, numismatics can solely dream about proudly owning certainly one of his most well-known and rarest creations of all—the 1787 New York type Brasher doubloon.
Some personal gold coin specialists consider that the gold doubloons minted by Brasher in 1787 have been our nation’s first personal gold cash, but there is no such thing as a detailed proof to show that. Nonetheless, these cash have earned an vital standing in American numismatic historical past.
After the Revolutionary Conflict ended, the colonies have been in want of coinage. In 1787, Brasher utilized to the New York Meeting for a contract to provide coppers for the state. Whereas ready for a solution, Brasher took the initiative to subject his now legendary gold doubloons.
Doubloon is Spanish for “double” and is the title of the Two Escudo gold coin that was minted in Spain and the Americas with gold discovered within the New World.
Brasher’s gold doubloon featured the Nice Seal of the USA, an eagle clutching an olive department and arrows. Encircling the eagle is the nationwide motto: ‘UNUM E PLURIBUS’ (One from many). The date 1787 is on the backside. Brasher counter stamped “EB” on the reverse as his private assure of high quality.
On the coin’s reverse, Brasher displayed the New York coat of arms: a solar spreading rays of sunshine over a mountain with the ocean at entrance. Surrounding the picture is the inscription, ‘NOVA EBORACA COLUMBIA EXCELSIOR’ (New York, America, Ever Increased). Brasher included his final title beneath the picture.
Whereas Brasher sometimes stamped his initials on the reverse, there was one notable exception. He created one coin together with his initials stamped on the chest of the eagle, presumably the final coin made. In 2011, Blanchard bought this iconic “chest punch” Brasher Doubloon for nearly $7.4 million.
Ephraim Brasher’s contributions to American numismatics lengthen past the creation of the Brasher Doubloon. His work set a precedent for the standard and integrity of American coinage, influencing subsequent generations of coin makers. Brasher’s emphasis on precision, artistry, and trustworthiness turned the usual for U.S. forex.
The Brasher Doubloon additionally symbolizes the modern spirit of early American entrepreneurs. In a time of financial uncertainty, Brasher’s initiative to create a gold coin exemplified the entrepreneurial drive and resourcefulness that will come to outline the American ethos.
They’re ultra-rare and wildly costly. Solely seven survivors of this astounding coin are identified in the present day. In 2021, a Brasher gold doubloon bought for $9.36 million.
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