The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most famous and valuable coins in U.S. history. Its stunning design, rarity, and unique backstory have made it a collector’s dream. Though never officially released for circulation, a few legal examples of this gold coin have sold for up to $7.6 million at auction. Its extreme rarity, combined with its historical significance, makes the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle one of the most sought-after coins in the world.
In this article, we will take a closer look at why this coin is so valuable, its design features, and its fascinating history.
What is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle?
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a gold coin designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Originally minted between 1907 and 1933, this coin features a beautiful design, with Lady Liberty on the obverse (front) and a flying eagle on the reverse (back). However, the 1933 version is unique because it was never legally issued for public use, making it a rare and valuable find for collectors.
The 1933 Double Eagle was struck, but shortly after its creation, the U.S. government decided to take the country off the gold standard due to the Great Depression. As a result, most of the 1933 coins were melted down, and only a few survived. The coin became the center of a legal battle and eventually reached prices never seen before for a U.S. coin.
Why Was the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Never Circulated?
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was never released to the public because President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order to remove the U.S. from the gold standard during the Great Depression. This meant that all gold coins, including the 1933 Double Eagle, were ordered to be melted down.
However, some coins were saved by individuals at the time, and they became the subject of legal disputes. In fact, the few coins that survived are considered illegal to own unless they were officially recognized by the government.
The Legal Battle and Auction Record
The story of the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is full of legal battles. In the 1940s and 1950s, several coins were discovered and were seized by the U.S. government. One of these coins, known as the “King of the Double Eagles”, was finally sold at auction in 2002 for a record-breaking $7.6 million.
This sale set a new record for the most expensive coin ever sold at the time. Since then, other surviving examples of the 1933 Double Eagle have fetched substantial amounts in auctions. These coins are considered extremely rare, and each new sale often makes headlines in the numismatic world.
Design Features of the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is praised for its beautiful and artistic design. The obverse features Lady Liberty, holding a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other, walking forward with the Capitol building in the background. The reverse depicts an eagle flying high above a sunburst, carrying an olive branch in its talons.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Obverse Design | Lady Liberty walking with torch and olive branch |
| Reverse Design | Flying eagle carrying an olive branch |
| Weight | 33.436 grams (1 ounce of pure gold) |
| Diameter | 34 mm (1.34 inches) |
| Mint Mark | None (struck at the Philadelphia Mint) |
| Rarity | Extremely rare, fewer than 20 known legal examples |
The coin’s weight and diameter are consistent with the U.S. Mint’s standard for gold coins at the time. The striking imagery of Lady Liberty and the eagle helped solidify its place as one of the most beloved designs in U.S. coin history.
Why Is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle So Valuable?
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most valuable coins in the world for several reasons:
- Rarity: Only a small number of coins escaped being melted down, making them extremely rare.
- Historical Significance: The coin’s history, including its connection to the Great Depression and the legal battles surrounding its ownership, adds to its mystique.
- Design: Its artistic design is one of the most admired in U.S. coinage.
Due to these factors, the value of a 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle has skyrocketed. As of today, one example sold at auction for $7.6 million, setting a record for the most expensive coin sold at that time.
| Coin Feature | Estimated Value (in Excellent Condition) |
|---|---|
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | $7.6 million (auction record) |
Collectors and investors continue to seek out the few remaining legal examples of the coin, and their value continues to grow. Because of its rarity and demand, the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle has become a symbol of the power and importance of rare U.S. coins.
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle in the Market Today
While the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is rarely available for sale, when it does appear, it often breaks records. The $7.6 million auction price in 2002 still stands as one of the highest ever for a coin, and other examples have also commanded high prices at auction.
If you are lucky enough to come across a 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, it is crucial to get it authenticated by a professional. If it is deemed genuine and legal, you could be sitting on a fortune.
Conclusion
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is more than just a rare coin—it’s a piece of history. Its stunning design, fascinating backstory, and extreme rarity have made it one of the most valuable coins in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new numismatist, this coin represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of American history. With auction records reaching $7.6 million, the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is undoubtedly a collector’s dream.
FAQ’s
Why was the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle never released to the public?
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was never circulated because the U.S. government ordered all gold coins to be melted down after the country left the gold standard during the Great Depression.
How much is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle worth today?
A genuine 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle can be worth up to $7.6 million, depending on its condition and auction price.
How can I verify if I own a real 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle?
To verify if your coin is authentic, you should have it professionally authenticated by a numismatic expert or appraiser.