to a top British coin dealer in hopes of confirming it is the finest specimen ever found.

The House of Spinks will also evaluate, authenticate and clean the sixpence before sending it back to Bermuda.

"We believe it is the finest Hogge sixpence in existence,'' said Bermuda Monetary Authority general manager Mr. Malcolm Williams.

Hogge coins can be worth anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000.

With engravings of a hog, ship on the back, and all writing clearly visible, the coin shows hardly any wear from handling or contact with other coins.

"To find old coins in such condition today is very rare and particularly unusual in Bermuda where climatic conditions can be so very corrosive on metals,'' Mr. Williams said.

The coin is further believed to be the first recorded discovery of Hogge money in an archaeological dig and in association with other artifacts dating to the period of issue.

The coin was found in undisturbed earth by an archaeological student during excavations at King's Castle, a masonry fort erected on the eastern headland of the island in 1612.

A twelvepence, which is the most common Hogge money denomination and was in poor condition, was also found.

Numismatists and historians believe Hogge money was the first colonial coinage ever minted.

Maritime Museum director Dr. Edward Harris, who led the dig, recalled his excitement when he learned of the discovery on August 5.

"It was absolutely fantastic. We did not expect to find any early artifacts at all -- and certainly not any Hogge money,'' Dr. Harris said.

When the two coins are returned, they will be displayed in the BMA exhibit at the Maritime Museum.

RARE FIND -- The 17th Century Hogge Money sixpence found last month during a dig at Castle Island.