1787 $15 Brasher - Breast Punch

Coin Details

Auction Record

$9,360,000 • MS65 • 01-2021 • Heritage Auctions

Description

Among the most celebrated coins in American numismatics, the 1787 Brasher Doubloon with the "EB" hallmark on the eagle's breast stands as the premier privately issued American gold coin. Ephraim Brasher, a New York City goldsmith and neighbor of George Washington on Cherry Street, petitioned the New York legislature in 1787 for permission to mint copper coins but was denied — yet he proceeded to strike these gold pieces at approximately the weight of a Spanish doubloon. The Breast Punch variety, with Brasher's EB counterstamp on the eagle's breast, is rarer than the Wing Punch variety. Only seven Breast Punch specimens are confirmed; a single example sold for $9.36 million in 2021. Cataloged as W-5700 and Breen 979, the obverse features the sun rising over mountains with NOVA EBORACA COLUMBIA EXCELSIOR ("New York and America Ever Higher"), while the reverse depicts a heraldic eagle with the United States shield. Struck in approximately 26.6 grams of gold at the 22-karat standard, Brasher's hallmark served as his personal assayer's guarantee of purity and weight.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Only 7 known specimens. One of the most valuable coins in the world.

Cross References

W-5700; Breen 979