The 1933 Saint Gaudens Gold Double Eagle is one of the most talked-about coins in the world. It’s made of gold, looks beautiful, and has a history full of mystery and surprise. This coin was made during a time of big changes in the United States, both in the economy and in the world of money. Even though many coins were produced in 1933, only a few of these special gold coins remain in the world today.
What makes this coin even more interesting is the slogan or motto that appears on it: In God We Trust. This simple message carries a deep meaning and adds to the value of the coin for collectors and historians alike. In this article, we will look at why this coin is so rare, what makes it valuable, and how it became one of the most legendary coins in American history.
What is the 1933 Saint Gaudens Gold Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint Gaudens Gold Double Eagle is a gold coin with a face value of 20 dollars. It was designed by famous sculptor Augustus Saint Gaudens, who created a beautiful image of Lady Liberty on the front and a flying eagle on the back. The coin was supposed to be used as regular money, just like any other coin.
But in 1933, during the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt stopped the use of gold coins for everyday money. The US government decided people should return their gold coins to the banks in exchange for paper money. As a result, most of the 1933 Double Eagles that were made were never actually released to the public. Almost all of them were melted down and turned back into gold bars.
How Many of These Coins Still Exist
Even though the US Mint made around 445,000 of these coins in 1933, nearly all were destroyed. Only a very small number survived. Most of them were kept by the US government or found their way into collectors’ hands secretly. Today, only a few of these coins are known to exist outside government collections.
One of these coins even sold at auction in 2021 for over 18 million dollars, making it one of the most expensive coins ever sold. This shows how rare and treasured the coin has become with collectors around the world.
The Meaning Behind In God We Trust
One special thing about the 1933 Double Eagle is the motto In God We Trust. This phrase has been used on American coins for a long time and shows the country’s strong belief in faith and values. The version of the Double Eagle without this motto was made earlier. But later, after 1908, public opinion led to the addition of the phrase back onto the coin.
By 1933, the motto was firmly part of the design. Including this phrase on the coin gives it an emotional and national value, reminding people of their country’s identity during very troubled times. It also makes this coin different from some earlier versions that did not include the phrase.
What Makes This Coin So Special
There are a few reasons why collectors love this coin:
– Very few left: With almost all of them destroyed, owning one is like having a piece of history.
– Beautiful design: The artwork by Saint Gaudens is considered by many to be the best ever seen on American coins.
– Strong history: This coin was made at a major turning point in the US economy and shows what life was like during the 1930s.
– Legal drama: Some coins were taken from the Mint and ended up in private hands, leading to legal battles about who owns them.
All of these reasons make the 1933 Double Eagle more than just a gold coin. It is a symbol of American strength, values, and beauty.
Why Collectors Are So Interested
People who collect coins are always looking for rare and eye-catching pieces. The 1933 Double Eagle is seen by many as the treasure of all treasures. Not only is it rare, but it also offers a story that connects to America’s past. It combines art, history, and economics all in one small object.
Collectors love the fact that there’s a mystery behind how some of these coins left the US Mint in the first place. Some were smuggled out, and it took years before they were discovered. Owning one gives you not just a piece of gold but also a piece of an untold story.
How to Know If A 1933 Double Eagle is Real
If you ever come across a 1933 Double Eagle, it’s important to be careful. Because the coin is so valuable, many fakes have been made over the years. Experts recommend checking the coin’s details very closely. Real 1933 Double Eagles have a specific weight, size, and design. Most importantly, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a trusted coin dealer or a grading service like PCGS or NGC. These companies can confirm the coin’s realness and give it an official rating.
Final Thoughts
The 1933 Saint Gaudens Gold $20 Double Eagle With Motto In God We Trust is not just a coin. It’s a piece of American history, an artistic masterpiece, and a rare collector’s item. Its story is full of twists and turns, from the Great Depression to international auctions. That’s why it continues to attract attention from collectors, historians, and even people who don’t usually care much about coins.
If you ever get a chance to see one or learn more about it, take the opportunity. It’s not every day that you come across something this rare and meaningful. Whether you’re a new coin enthusiast or just someone curious about history, the story of the 1933 Double Eagle is definitely worth exploring.
