we track the world’s most legendary and valuable coins — and the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle remains the most expensive U.S. coin ever sold at auction.
This gold coin is steeped in history, controversy, and intrigue. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the $7.6 million treasure.
📌 Quick Facts About the 1933 Double Eagle
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mintage | 445,500 coins |
| Survivors | 13 known (10 in vaults, 1 legal, 2 missing) |
| Auction Record | $7,590,020 (sold in 2002) |
| Gold Content | 0.9675 oz (worth ~$2,000 melt) |
| Legal Status | All but one are illegal to own |
🔍 Why Is the 1933 Double Eagle So Valuable?
⚠️ The Great Depression & FDR’s Gold Recall
- In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6102, recalling all gold coins from circulation.
- Although 445,500 Double Eagles were minted, they were never officially released to the public.
- Nearly all were melted down into gold bars — except for a few that slipped out.
🕵️♂️ The Secret Service Hunt
- A U.S. Mint cashier allegedly stole over 20 coins, many of which were later tracked down.
- 10 coins were recovered and destroyed by 1952.
- One famous coin made it to King Farouk of Egypt — the only one ever officially legalized for private ownership.
⚖️ The Legal Battle
- 2002: The “Farouk Coin” was sold legally for $7.59 million.
- 2011: The Mint seized 10 more coins found in a safety deposit box, now stored at Fort Knox.
- 2 coins remain missing — presumed destroyed or lost.
💎 Known Specimens & Locations
| Specimen | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Farouk Coin | Private Collector | Only legal example |
| Smithsonian Pair | U.S. National Collection | Never left the Mint |
| Langbord 10 | Fort Knox | Seized by government |
| 2 Missing | Unknown | Presumed destroyed |
💰 Value Estimates (2024)
- Farouk Coin (Legal): Estimated at $15M+ if resold today
- Hypothetical MS-65 Condition: Could exceed $25 million
- Gold Melt Value: ~$2,000 — but completely irrelevant
🚨 What If You Find One?
Before you get excited, know this: owning an unapproved 1933 Double Eagle is a federal offense.
Here’s What You Should Do:
- Don’t Touch or Sell It
- Call a Lawyer Immediately
- Contact the U.S. Mint: 202-354-7227
⚠️ PennyVerse Verdict: This is the only U.S. coin where finding it could land you in legal trouble!
“The 1933 Double Eagle isn’t just a coin – it’s a piece of American history the government doesn’t want you to own.”
🔗 Learn More at PennyVerse.info
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- The full history of the 1933 Double Eagle
- Courtroom records and exclusive Mint documents
- Updates on coin value and collector alerts
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