1933 Double Eagle

The 1933 Double Eagle holds a unique and storied position in numismatic history. Produced by the United States Mint, this $20 gold coin’s allure stems from its rarity and intriguing past. Despite being minted, most of the 1933 Double Eagles were melted down due to changes in currency policies during the Great Depression, making surviving specimens exceedingly scarce.

In 2002, a remarkable turn of events occurred when one of these coins surfaced in the possession of a British coin dealer. A legal battle followed, resulting in a historic settlement between the dealer and the U.S. government, which allowed a single coin to be privately owned while acknowledging the government’s ownership of the rest. This particular 1933 Double Eagle fetched a record-breaking $7.59 million in a 2002 auction.

The coin’s value is not solely derived from its gold content but rather its history, rarity, and the legal intrigue that has surrounded it. As a result, the 1933 Double Eagle remains a prized artifact for collectors and a testament to the intricate connections between numismatics and history.