Intro
Discover the ultra-rare 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin, a numismatic treasure with only 445,500 minted. Learn about its fascinating history, design, and market value. Find out why this coin is highly sought after by collectors, its relation to the Great Depression, and its place in US numismatic history, featuring Double Eagle, Gold Coin, Rare Coins, and Numismatic Collectibles.
The 1933 Double Eagle gold coin is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in US history. Its story is a fascinating one, filled with intrigue, controversy, and ultimately, a remarkable tale of survival.
In 1933, the United States was in the midst of the Great Depression, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt was determined to take drastic measures to stabilize the economy. One of his actions was to take the country off the gold standard, which had been in place since 1879. This meant that the government would no longer back the value of the US dollar with gold, and the public was no longer allowed to exchange dollars for gold.
As part of this effort, the Philadelphia Mint had produced a batch of 445,500 Double Eagle gold coins in 1933, but they were never released to the public. Instead, they were melted down and turned into gold bars, which were then stored in the US Bullion Depository at Fort Knox.
Or so it was thought.
In the 1940s, it was discovered that a small number of 1933 Double Eagles had somehow escaped the melting pot and made their way into the hands of collectors. One of these coins was sold at auction in 1944 for $7,500, a staggering sum at the time.
However, the ownership of these coins was clouded by controversy. The US government claimed that the coins were stolen, and that anyone who possessed one was in possession of stolen property. This led to a series of lawsuits and court battles that would drag on for decades.
In 2002, a court finally ruled that the 1933 Double Eagles were indeed stolen, and that the government had the right to seize them. However, this ruling also created a loophole that would allow some of the coins to be sold at auction, provided they were properly authenticated and proven to have been obtained through legitimate means.
Today, there are only 13 known 1933 Double Eagles in existence, and they are among the most valuable coins in the world. In 2002, one of these coins sold at auction for $7.59 million, a record that still stands today.
The Value of the 1933 Double Eagle
So what makes the 1933 Double Eagle so valuable? There are several factors at play.
First and foremost, the coin is incredibly rare. With only 13 known examples in existence, it is one of the rarest coins in the world.
Secondly, the coin has a rich and fascinating history. Its story is one of intrigue, controversy, and ultimately, survival.
Finally, the coin is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. The Double Eagle was designed by the famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and it features a stunning image of Lady Liberty striding forward, with the sun rising behind her.
The combination of rarity, history, and design has made the 1933 Double Eagle one of the most valuable coins in the world. It is a true treasure for any collector or numismatist, and its value is sure to continue to appreciate over time.
The 1933 Double Eagle: A Numismatic Icon
The 1933 Double Eagle is more than just a valuable coin - it is a numismatic icon. Its image has been reproduced on countless other coins, medals, and other numismatic items, and it is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever minted.
The coin's design features a stunning image of Lady Liberty striding forward, with the sun rising behind her. The image is meant to represent the dawn of a new era, and it is a powerful symbol of American strength and resilience.
The coin's obverse features a profile of Lady Liberty, with the words "LIBERTY" and "1933" inscribed above and below her head. The reverse features an eagle in flight, with the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY DOLLARS" inscribed above and below the eagle.
The 1933 Double Eagle is a true masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, and its beauty is matched only by its rarity and historical significance.
Collecting the 1933 Double Eagle
Collecting the 1933 Double Eagle is a challenging and expensive endeavor. With only 13 known examples in existence, the coin is incredibly rare, and its value is sure to continue to appreciate over time.
However, for those who are willing and able to pursue it, collecting the 1933 Double Eagle can be a truly rewarding experience. The coin is a true numismatic icon, and its beauty and historical significance make it a true treasure for any collector or numismatist.
If you are interested in collecting the 1933 Double Eagle, be prepared to do your research and to be patient. The coin is incredibly rare, and its value is sure to continue to appreciate over time.
It is also important to work with a reputable dealer or auction house, as the authenticity and provenance of the coin are crucial to its value.
Authentication and Provenance
When it comes to collecting the 1933 Double Eagle, authentication and provenance are crucial. The coin's value is closely tied to its rarity and historical significance, and any doubts about its authenticity or provenance can significantly impact its value.
To ensure that you are buying a genuine 1933 Double Eagle, it is essential to work with a reputable dealer or auction house. They can provide you with the necessary documentation and authentication to prove the coin's provenance and value.
It is also important to have the coin graded and certified by a reputable third-party grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). This can provide an additional layer of authentication and can help to ensure that the coin is genuine and of high quality.
By working with a reputable dealer or auction house and by having the coin graded and certified, you can ensure that you are buying a genuine 1933 Double Eagle that is sure to appreciate in value over time.
Gallery of 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin
1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 1933 Double Eagle?
+The 1933 Double Eagle is a gold coin that was minted in 1933, but never released to the public. It is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in US history.
How many 1933 Double Eagles are there?
+There are only 13 known 1933 Double Eagles in existence.
What is the value of the 1933 Double Eagle?
+The value of the 1933 Double Eagle is estimated to be around $7.59 million, making it one of the most valuable coins in the world.
We hope you have enjoyed this article on the 1933 Double Eagle gold coin. Its rarity, historical significance, and beauty make it a true numismatic icon, and its value is sure to continue to appreciate over time. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, the 1933 Double Eagle is a coin that is sure to captivate and inspire.