The pewter coin, known as the Continental Dollar, was minted in 1776. Just 6,000 were made and fewer than 100 are still in existence – and one was recently found in a toffee tin
A rare American coin from the year of the Declaration of Independence has sold for £25,000 – after being found in a toffee tin.
The pewter coin, known as the Continental Dollar, was minted in 1776. Just 6,000 were made and fewer than 100 are still in existence. Auctioneers discovered the coin in a toffee tin containing knick-knacks that a customer wanted valued.
Joseph Trinder, of Wotton Auction Rooms in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucs, said it was one of the best finds of his life. He recalled: “We discovered it in a large toffee tin a private vendor brought to us. It full of all manner of interesting sorts of knick-knacks – other coins, little bits of jewellery, carved stone and fossils.
“We had a jolly good look through and made sure we got to the bottom of everything inside. There were some really interesting pieces, like gold coins and some other valuable items.
“But, languishing at the bottom of this tin of treasures, we found this amazing Continental Dollar coin. It represents a discovery that is in the top five of my career to date.
“It is the sort of thing every auctioneer up and down the country hopes they’ll find.” Due to its value, the coin was transported back to America for its authenticity to be verified by coin grading experts. It sold at auction for £25,000.
