2016-06-09 Thu

The 1787 Brasher doubloon created by Ephraim Brasher is the first gold coin struck in the United States and one of the rarest in the world. Out of the seven known examples, Chicago coin dealer Walter Perschke’s was considered to be the best. The U.S. Mint became functional only in 1792 which clearly suggests that the coin was minted even before that.

The dazzling coin features an eagle with its talons bearing an olive branch and arrows. The reverse depicts a scene of a sunrise over mountains and the sea. The coin was purchased in 1979 by Walter Perschke for a whopping $430,000.

Mr. Perschke was 77 when he passed away on 20th May after suffering from bladder cancer. In an interview in a 1987 Chicago Sun-Times interview, he spoke about the mystery hidden behind these lovely coins. Before the 1979 auction, the coin was sold for another record price of $3,000 in 1922. After holding onto the coin for 35 long years, Mr. Perschke sold it in a 2014 auction for $4.59 million.

After studying the historical price appreciation for the past 35 years, the estimate of the coin was set between $8 million and $10 million. Mr. Perschke’s son was extremely disappointed about the end result of the auction.

Mr. Perschke’s was intrigued by the study of coins at a very young age and his history teacher enrolled him in a coin club. He then started his own company Numisco, that dealt with precious metals and coins. His popular talks were telecasted through various shows during his times. A sting operation led to Mr. Perschke’s imprisonment for six months as he was unable to report his income.

After he sold the doubloon coin, Mr. Perschke changed his outlook towards life and switched completely to spirituality. He acquired and renamed Monthly Aspectarian magazine to Conscious Community for promoting spirituality, body-mind health etc. Mr. Perschke has organized several Spiritual Learning Centre camps in Indiana and has delivered some really inspiring speeches about spirituality.

A memorial event has been planned on 26th June at Unity Church in Chicago, 1925 W. Thome Ave.