If you’ve been wondering what is the most valuable gold coin in the world, that would be the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. The 1933 gold double eagle coin was worth $20 when it was minted, but is now sold at an auction for $18.9 million.
A gold coin is made mostly or entirely of gold. Most gold coins minted since 1800 are 90-92% gold (22 karats), while most modern ones are 99.9% gold (24 karats). The first gold coins were often made with high gold content, but by the late 19th century, most countries had adopted a gold standard and produced standard coinage with lower gold content. Pure gold coins are generally too soft and are produced as bullion coins and used as a store of value or investment.
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever minted and was designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of the greatest American sculptors. It was minted in very small numbers, as only 445,500 were struck, and most of those were melted down by the US government. The coins is world’s most valuable coin because only 20 pieces were ever made, and only a few exist today. Many people desire to own this coin as it symbolizes wealth and prosperity.
The Most Valuable Gold Coin in The World
The 1933 Double Eagle is one of the world’s most beautiful and famous coins. It has a creamy, orange-yellow surface with a light green patina. Luster is above average but subdued due to the overall color. Sharply struck with full details on all features. A small mark (as made) is seen in the field to the right of Liberty’s neck. The coin is in Extremely Fine 45 condition and has a mintage of just 445,500.
The obverse (front) features a portrait of Liberty by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The date, “1933”, is below her. The words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” are above. Forty-six stars, representing the states of the Union in 1933, encircle the coin.
The coin’s reverse (back) features a flying eagle designed by Saint-Gaudens. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” surround the eagle.
History
The story of the 1933 Double Eagle begins with President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1905, Roosevelt commissioned Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign the US gold coinage. Saint-Gaudens’ designs are widely considered some of the most beautiful minted coins ever.
The new gold coins were first released in 1907, but the design was not well-received by the public. In particular, the new $20 coin was too large and bulky to be practical for commercial use. As a result, very few of the coins were actually circulated.
In 1933, the US was in the midst of the Great Depression. President Franklin Roosevelt took office that year and implemented a series of economic reforms, including taking the US off the gold standard. As part of this process, the government recalled all gold coins from circulation and melted them down.
A small number of the 1933 Double Eagles were saved from being melted down. Some were stolen from the US Mint and later sold illegally. Others were given to relatives of Mint employees as souvenirs. In 1944, one of the stolen coins was sold at auction for $7,590.
In 2002, one of the two remaining coins was sold for a record $7.59 million, which means its value has more than doubled in less than a decade. The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is not only the most valuable gold coin but also one of the world’s most famous and iconic coins. The 2002 buyer wished to remain anonymous, and the coin was later displayed at the National Numismatic Collection in the Smithsonian Institution.
Value
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is the most valuable gold coin in the world, worth an estimated $18.9 million. The coin is famous for its beauty and scarcity, as only 445,500 were struck, and most of those were melted down by the US government. The coin is also notable for its connection to President Theodore Roosevelt and Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of the greatest American sculptors. You could be sitting on a fortune if you’re lucky enough to own one of these coins.
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Pete