Ashley
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is often called the holy grail of U.S. coins.
Though more than 445,000 pieces were struck, nearly all were melted before release due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s gold recall during the Great Depression.
Out of this unique history came one coin that went on to sell for an incredible $18.9 million at auction, setting a world record.
This is the story of why this single gold coin became the most valuable ever sold.
Why This Coin Is So Special
The Double Eagle was designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever minted.
In 1933, the U.S. Mint produced the coins, but they were never released into circulation. Instead, they were ordered to be melted down as the nation abandoned the gold standard.
While most coins disappeared, a few slipped out of the Mint through unofficial channels. Almost all were later seized by the government, leaving only one coin legally owned by a private individual.
Legal Battles and Ownership Issues
The U.S. government has always maintained that the 1933 Double Eagles were never officially issued and thus cannot be legally owned.
Over the decades, collectors and families tried to claim ownership, but courts ruled that the coins remain the property of the United States.
The one exception is a coin that once belonged to King Farouk of Egypt. Because of a special export license granted in the 1940s, this coin became the only legal Double Eagle in private hands.
Record-Breaking Auction Sale
The Farouk coin was first sold in 2002 for $7.59 million, already a record at the time.
Nearly two decades later, in June 2021, the coin returned to auction and stunned the world when it sold for $18,872,250 at Sotheby’s in New York.
This price reflected more than rarity—it represented a unique combination of legality, beauty, and history.
No other 1933 Double Eagle can be legally owned, making this single coin one of a kind.
Fast Facts and Specifications
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle |
| Denomination | $20 (Double Eagle) |
| Designer | Augustus Saint-Gaudens |
| Year Struck | 1933 |
| Mintage | 445,500 coins |
| Released for Circulation | None |
| Composition | 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Weight | 33.43 grams |
| Diameter | 34.1 mm |
| Legal Private Specimens | One (Farouk Coin) |
| Auction Record | $18,872,250 (2021) |
| Smithsonian Holdings | Two specimens |
Why It Sold for Millions
Several factors explain why this coin achieved such a high price:
- Extreme Rarity – Only one legally owned example exists.
- Historic Significance – Represents Roosevelt’s 1933 gold recall and America’s departure from the gold standard.
- Beautiful Design – Widely considered the most stunning U.S. coin design.
- Prestigious Provenance – Ownership traced back to King Farouk of Egypt.
- Collector Demand – With trophy coins in high demand, collectors were willing to pay a premium.
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is not just a coin—it’s a symbol of American history, economic change, and the ultimate rarity in numismatics.
With only one example legally available to collectors, its $18.9 million sale was more than a record; it was proof of how history, beauty, and exclusivity can make a single piece of gold the most coveted coin in the world.
FAQs
How many 1933 Double Eagles still exist?
More than 445,000 were struck, but almost all were melted. Only a few survive, with two in the Smithsonian and one legal coin in private hands.
Why are 1933 Double Eagles illegal to own?
Because they were never officially issued, all coins except the Farouk specimen are considered government property.
What makes the Double Eagle so valuable?
Its combination of extreme rarity, unique legal status, historic importance, and record-breaking demand makes it the world’s most valuable coin.