It's the Brasher Doubloon.
Still doesn't ring any bells? Don't sweat it.
The doubloon is a rare coin -- so rare, in fact, that only coin collectors and fans of 1940s movies may recognize it.
The 219-year-old gold piece was kept from public view for much of its history. But since last year, when a Los Angeles-area collector paid about $3 million for it, the coin has been on a U.S. tour with stops ranging from New York to San Francisco and now Orlando.
Starting today and continuing through Saturday, mere mortals will be able to catch a free glimpse of the shiny piece in a strictly look-but-don't-touch kind of way at the Orange County Convention Center, where it will be one of the key exhibits at the 51st annual Florida United Numismatics Convention.
The coin -- struck in 1787 by New York City silversmith Ephraim Brasher, a neighbor of George Washington's -- will be heavily protected by a private California security firm and off-duty deputies.
Those who get close enough to the nearly perfect gleaming gold doubloon will notice details such as Brasher's initials carved on the breast of the eagle featured on one side.
For much of its life, the doubloon was considered a mystery coin, the holy grail of collectors, so mysterious and valuable that it is featured in a Raymond Chandler novel and subsequent film in which hard-boiled detective Philip Marlowe hunts for the missing coin.
"This is the first gold coin that was truly symbolic of Americana," owner Steven Contursi said.
Contursi, 53, who grew up in New York City, has always had something of a Midas touch with coins, which he began collecting at age 5. By the time he finished high school, his collection was worth about $8,000.
These days, though, most of Contursi's coins are in his collection. He rarely carries or pays cash for anything, preferring the convenience of plastic.
Chris Cobbs can be reached at ccobbs@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5447.
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