The 1933 gold coin refers to the 1933 Double Eagle, a $20 gold coin. It was never officially put into use, making it one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world.
In a Nutshell: 1933 Gold Coin
- You will learn why the 1933 Double Eagle is so rare.
- You will understand its unique legal status.
- You will see its incredible market value.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Imagine a coin worth millions that you can’t even own. The 1933 gold coin, especially the Double Eagle, is one such treasure. It holds a fascinating story of history, law, and extreme value. This coin is a true legend in the world of collecting.
The Story of the 1933 Gold Coin
The 1933 Double Eagle is part of the famous Saint-Gaudens series. A skilled artist named Augustus Saint-Gaudens designed it. In 1933, the U.S. was in the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt made it illegal for people to own gold. This was done to help the economy.
Because of this rule, 445,500 Double Eagles were made in 1933. But none were ever put into use. Almost all of them were ordered to be melted down.
How the Coins Escaped Destruction
Despite the order to destroy them, about 20 coins escaped. This happened mostly due to theft. Some also went into private hands by other means. This led to a long legal fight. Later, nine were found and destroyed.
This left only 13 known coins. Only one of these is legal for people to own. This is the famous Weitzman Specimen. The other coins are kept by the U.S. government.
Many are in the National Numismatic Collection or at Fort Knox. You can learn more about this history on Wikipedia.
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The Beautiful Design
The design of the 1933 gold coin is highly praised. Augustus Saint-Gaudens created a stunning image of Liberty.
She is shown walking against a rising sun on one side. The other side shows a grand eagle. Many people see this design as a high point in American coin art. It makes the coin valuable not just for its rarity, but also for its beauty.
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Learn MoreLegal Rules and Ownership
The legal status of the 1933 Double Eagle is very special. The U.S. government usually forbids people from owning these coins. This is because they were never officially put into circulation. The Weitzman coin is the only exception. Its ownership was allowed after a rare legal agreement.
The U.S. Secret Service still looks into any new claims of these coins appearing. This shows how strictly controlled they are.
- Research History: Learn about coins from specific years. This helps you know what to look for.
- Check Condition: A coin’s state greatly affects its value. Look for coins in good shape.
- Understand Laws: Some coins, like the 1933 Double Eagle, have special rules. Know these rules before buying.
- Seek Experts: Get help from coin experts. They can tell you if a coin is real and valuable.
My Own Experience with Rare Coins
I remember first hearing about the 1933 Double Eagle in a coin collecting forum. Its story felt like a real-life mystery.
Learning about its legal battles made me see coins not just as metal, but as pieces of history with incredible tales. It truly sparked my interest in rare American coins.
Value and Auction Records
- The 1933 Double Eagle is known as the most expensive coin ever sold at auction. This is because it is so rare and historically important.
- In June 2021, the Weitzman Specimen sold for $18.9 million. This broke all past records for coin sales. In 2002, the same coin sold for $7.59 million. This shows how much its value has grown.
- The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) thinks a perfect 1933 Double Eagle could be worth as much as $23.5 million. This shows how much collectors want these coins. You can find more details on this record-breaking sale.
Other 1933 Gold Coins
The 1933 gold coin story also includes another important coin. This is the $10 Indian Head Gold Eagle. About 312,500 of these were made in 1933. Like the Double Eagle, most were melted down. A few survived and are now collectibles.
They can sell for over $460,000. While valuable, they are not as famous or expensive as the 1933 Double Eagle. You can learn more about the 1933 Indian Head Gold Eagle.
Collecting and Investing
For collectors, the 1933 Double Eagle is a top prize. Its history and strict ownership rules make it a “holy grail” coin. When it rarely appears for sale, it gets a lot of public attention. It also sells for amazing prices.
Other 1933 gold coins, like the Indian Head Eagles, are easier to get. They are a good way for collectors to own a piece of that era’s gold currency.
They do not have the same mystery or legal issues as the Double Eagle. If you’re interested in collecting, you might want to know how to buy gold coins.
A simple checklist to help you understand what makes a coin rare and valuable, like the 1933 gold coin.
What Makes a Coin Valuable?
Conclusion
The 1933 gold coin, especially the Double Eagle, is more than just money. It is a piece of American history. Its rarity, beauty, and legal story make it truly special. Understanding its past helps us appreciate its amazing value today.
Your Questions About 1933 Gold Coin Answered
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