Erie Gold Coin: Is There a Gold Coin from Erie PA?
If you’re searching for an Erie gold coin, you might be wondering something fascinating:
👉 Has there ever been a real gold coin made in Erie, Pennsylvania?
The answer is surprising—and it opens the door to a deeper look at Erie’s numismatic history, rare tokens, and collectible coins tied to the city.
Has Erie Ever Produced a Real Gold Coin?
Short answer:
No official gold coin has ever been minted specifically for Erie, PA.
Unlike major mints such as Philadelphia or Denver, Erie has never had a U.S. Mint facility. That means:
- No official U.S. legal tender gold coins were struck in Erie
- No widely recognized .999 gold “Erie coin” exists
However… that doesn’t mean Erie has no coin history.
Coins and Tokens That Bear the Name “Erie”
While there’s no true Erie gold coin, there are several fascinating coins and tokens tied to the city.
1. Perry Sesquicentennial Token (1963)
One of the most well-known Erie-related coins is the 1963 Perry Sesquicentennial token.
- Marked with “Erie, Pennsylvania”
- Issued for a major celebration honoring 150 years of peace
- Could be redeemed for 50¢ during the event
- Made of brass (not gold) (Numista)
These tokens often appear gold in color—but that’s just the brass composition.
👉 Many people mistake these for an “Erie gold coin,” but they contain zero gold.
2. Civil War Era Erie Tokens
During the 1800s, Erie businesses issued local tokens due to coin shortages.
Example:
- W. Bell Token (1859)
- Marked with “Erie PA”
- Made of copper (Sell Rare Coins)
These are collectible today, but again—not gold.
3. Erie-Themed Tokens and Medals
Over the years, Erie has produced various:
- Membership tokens (often aluminum) (Numista)
- Souvenir tokens (like zoo or attraction tokens) (Numista)
These pieces are collectible “exonumia” (non-official coins), but none are gold.
Oliver Hazard Perry & Erie Coin Connections
Erie’s strongest coin connection comes from Oliver Hazard Perry, the naval hero of the Battle of Lake Erie.
Because of his importance to the city, many commemorative items were created in his honor.
Perry Commemorative Tokens
The 1963 token mentioned earlier celebrates:
- Perry’s victory
- 150 years of peace between the U.S. and Britain
These tokens are often:
- Gold-colored
- Made of brass or gilt metals (gold-plated look) (Numisma Club)
👉 Key takeaway:
They look like gold, but they are not gold coins.
Is There a Real Perry Gold Coin?
As of now:
- There is no widely recognized .999 gold coin specifically honoring Perry from Erie
- Some private mints may create commemoratives, but they are not official Erie-issued coins
Collectors should be cautious—if someone claims they have an “Erie gold coin,” it’s likely:
- A gold-colored token
- Or a generic gold coin being marketed with a local story
Why Erie Never Had a Gold Coin
Gold coins in the U.S. were historically minted only at official facilities like:
- Philadelphia
- Denver
- San Francisco
Since Erie never had a mint, it never produced:
- Gold Eagles
- Gold Buffalos
- Or any official gold coinage
Cities That DO Have Real .999 Gold Coins
While Erie doesn’t, many places are featured on real gold coins.
Examples of .999 Gold Coins:
- American Gold Buffalo (.9999 fine gold) – minted by the U.S.
- Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (.9999 fine gold) – issued by Canada
- South African Krugerrand – one of the world’s most famous gold coins
These coins are:
- Government-backed
- Highly liquid
- Widely traded worldwide
Could an Erie Gold Coin Ever Exist?
It’s possible—but it would likely be:
- A private mint commemorative
- A limited-edition collector piece
- Not official U.S. currency
With Erie’s rich history—especially tied to Lake Erie and Perry—a true Erie-themed gold coin would definitely attract collectors.
Final Thoughts: The Truth About the “Erie Gold Coin”
So what’s the bottom line?
- ❌ No official Erie gold coin exists
- ✅ Erie DOES have collectible tokens and coins
- ⚠️ Many “gold-looking” Erie coins are actually brass or copper
- 💡 Real gold coins tied to Erie would likely be modern commemoratives
Find Gold Coins in Erie Today
Even though Erie never made its own gold coin, you can still buy:
- American Gold Buffalos
- Maple Leafs
- Krugerrands
Right here locally.
👉 On Erie Marketplace, you can connect with buyers and sellers offering real gold coins and bullion in your area. If the site is lacking gold and silver listings, remember to stop back frequently to check.
I’m Jeff and I’m an Erie resident and small-time coin collector also. I found a real nice krugerrand on Amazon you might be interested in. KRUGERRAND
I am an Amazon Associate and I may make a commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase from a link on this website. The commissions are used to maintain this website.
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