The 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin has captured the imagination of collectors worldwide and is renowned as one of the most valuable coins in existence.
With a staggering price tag of over $18 million, this coin is not just a piece of currency—it’s a symbol of American history, controversy, and numismatic excellence.
In this article, we explore every detail about the 1933 Double Eagle, from its historical background and design to the factors that make it so valuable today.
A Brief History of the 1933 Double Eagle
The 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin was minted during one of America’s most challenging periods—the Great Depression.
Originally intended for circulation, nearly all of these $20 coins were ordered to be melted down after the government abandoned the gold standard.
However, a small number managed to escape destruction. Due to their rarity and the controversy surrounding their release, these coins have become highly coveted.
Only a handful of 1933 Double Eagles exist today. Out of the 445,500 coins minted in 1933, most were melted down.
A few were illegally removed from the mint and later recovered, and now only 13 specimens are known to exist, with just one legally owned by a private collector. This scarcity has driven auction prices to record heights, with one specimen selling for over $18 million.
Design and Composition
The 1933 Double Eagle is celebrated for its iconic design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The obverse features a majestic portrait of Lady Liberty with flowing hair and intricate details, while the reverse showcases a soaring bald eagle with an inscription that reads “E Pluribus Unum.”
The coin’s design is revered for its artistic excellence and remains a benchmark in U.S. coinage.
- Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
- Weight: Approximately 33.431 grams
- Diameter: About 34.1 mm
- Thickness: Roughly 2.0 mm
The blend of artistic design, historical significance, and gold content makes the 1933 Double Eagle a true treasure for collectors.
Factors Contributing to Its High Value
Several factors make the 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin so valuable:
- Scarcity: With only 13 known specimens, its rarity is unmatched.
- Historical Controversy: The coin’s tumultuous history—marked by orders for melting, illegal removals, and legal battles—adds to its mystique.
- Design Excellence: Saint-Gaudens’ renowned artwork enhances its desirability.
- Gold Content: Made from 90% gold, the intrinsic metal value further contributes to its high price.
- Legal Restrictions: The U.S. government strictly regulates private ownership of 1933 Double Eagles, making legally owned specimens exceptionally rare.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin |
| Denomination | $20 |
| Design | Obverse: Lady Liberty; Reverse: Bald Eagle, “E Pluribus Unum” |
| Composition | 90% Gold, 10% Copper |
| Weight | Approximately 33.431 grams |
| Diameter | About 34.1 mm |
| Thickness | Roughly 2.0 mm |
| Mintage (1933) | 445,500 minted; most melted down |
| Known Specimens | Only 13 exist; 1 privately owned |
| Record Auction Price | Over $18 million |
The 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin stands as a legendary symbol in the world of numismatics. With its record-breaking auction price of over $18 million, this coin encapsulates a rich history marked by both artistic brilliance and intense controversy.
Its scarcity, exceptional design, and gold content make it a prized collectible, coveted by investors and history enthusiasts alike.
As one of the most valuable coins ever produced, the 1933 Double Eagle not only represents a piece of American history but also serves as a tangible asset that continues to appreciate in value over time.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious investor, this coin remains a benchmark for rarity and excellence in the realm of currency.
FAQs
Why is the 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin so valuable?
Its value comes from extreme rarity, historical controversy, exquisite design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, high gold content, and strict legal regulations that limit private ownership.
How many 1933 Double Eagle coins are known to exist?
Only 13 specimens are known to exist, with just one legally owned by a private collector, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins.
What are the physical specifications of the 1933 Double Eagle?
The coin weighs approximately 33.431 grams, has a diameter of about 34.1 mm, and a thickness of roughly 2.0 mm, and is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper.