At $5 billion a year, the rare-coin market is so big that when the government lays claim to some marquee pieces in private hands, the decision makes national headlines.

The tiny, early American silver coin personally authorized by President George Washington 215 years ago, and purchased for a headline-generating record $1.5 million this past summer by a Sunnyvale educational foundation, will make its first Northern California public appearance.

A tiny, early American silver coin personally authorized by President George Washington 215 years ago has been purchased for a record $1,500,000 by a California educational foundation.

Insured for $6 million, the unique Brasher doubloon with the punchmark on the eagle’s breast is returning to New York City for the first time in more than a century.

The rare coin market is poised for a climb, Steven L. Contursi indicated as he made nearly $1.6 million of the total $5.3 million winning bids in an Oct. 29 auction in Las Vegas, Nev., by Bowers and Merena Galleries.