One of the most valuable antiques ever found in the United States is the 1933 Double Eagle gold coin. It is considered a rare and highly sought-after piece of American numismatic history.
The story of the 1933 Double Eagle begins during the Great Depression when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order in 1933, effectively outlawing the ownership and circulation of gold coins in an attempt to stabilize the nation’s economy. While thousands of Double Eagles were minted that year, they were intended for official purposes and were supposed to be melted down.
However, a small number of these coins managed to escape destruction. It is believed that a few were lawfully acquired by collectors or government officials, but the majority were surreptitiously taken out of the U.S. Mint by unauthorized individuals. These coins became illegal to own, making them even more valuable due to their rarity and unique history.
Fast forward to the early 2000s, the 1933 Double Eagle caught the attention of the public when a coin dealer named Stephen Fenton tried to sell one at an auction. However, the United States Secret Service seized the coin, claiming it was stolen property. Legal battles ensued for several years, resulting in a resolution in 2009.
The case was eventually settled, and in 2011, the U.S. government authorized the sale of the 1933 Double Eagle at a public auction conducted by Sotheby’s and Stack’s Bowers Galleries. The coin fetched a staggering price of over $7.5 million, making it the most expensive coin ever sold at auction at that time.
The rarity, historical significance, and the fact that it was once illegal to own contributed to its exceptional value. Today, the remaining 1933 Double Eagles are considered national treasures, with only a handful of specimens legally owned by collectors or exhibited in museums.
The story of the 1933 Double Eagle serves as a captivating reminder of the allure and value of rare and historically significant antiques. It showcases how an antique can become not just an object of beauty or craftsmanship but also a testament to a fascinating piece of American history.
Looking to sell your coin collection here in Kansas City? While we can’t afford a 1933 Double Eagle, we’d love to learn more about your collection. Drop us a note at [email protected]