The Double Eagle Coin is a famous old U.S. gold coin with a face value of $20. It was first created in 1849, thanks to the huge amount of gold discovered during the California Gold Rush. Back then, people needed bigger coins to match all the new wealth, so the double eagle was born. Before this, the biggest gold coin in the U.S. was the $10 eagle—so this new one was double the value, hence the name.
Each double eagle contains almost a full ounce of real gold—about 0.97 troy ounces—mixed with a little copper to make it stronger.
A Coin Designed by a Famous Artist
In the early 1900s, President Theodore Roosevelt wanted U.S. coins to be more beautiful and artistic. He asked the famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign the $20 gold piece. The result? A stunning image of Lady Liberty holding a torch and olive branch, and a soaring eagle on the back.
Saint-Gaudens’ design was so detailed, it was hard to produce with the machines at the time. Still, the coins were finally released in 1907 and remained in use until 1933.
The 1933 Double Eagle Coin: The $18.9 Million Coin
Now here’s where the story gets really interesting. In 1933, the U.S. government stopped using gold coins and made it illegal for people to own them. Even though 445,500 double eagles were made that year, they were never officially released and almost all were melted down.
But a few somehow survived. Most were taken illegally—but one coin made it into private hands legally, thanks to a government mistake. This one-of-a-kind 1933 double eagle was sold at auction in 2021 for a record $18.9 million, making it the most expensive U.S. coin ever sold.
Why Is It So Valuable?
Here’s why collectors are obsessed with it:
- It’s the only 1933 double eagle you can legally own.
- It marks the end of gold coins being used in daily life.
- Only a few exist—and just one is legal.
- The design is a work of art.
- Its auction history adds to the legend.
Some people even call it the “Mona Lisa of coins.”
Collecting Double Eagles Today
Even if you can’t get the $18.9 million coin, double eagles are still popular with collectors. They were made from 1850 to 1933, and come from different mints like Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Some are rare because of the year they were made, or because they were recovered from old shipwrecks.
In Short…
The double eagle is more than just a gold coin. It tells the story of America’s gold rush, incredible artistry, and big changes in the economy. And the 1933 double eagle? It’s a legendary piece of history—rare, beautiful, and worth a fortune.
FAQ’s
Q1: What makes the 1933 double eagle so rare?
A: Almost all 1933 double eagles were melted by the U.S. government, and only one is legally owned by a private collector, making it extremely rare.
Q2: How much gold is in a double eagle coin?
A: Each double eagle contains about 0.9675 troy ounces of gold, making it highly valuable for both collectors and gold investors.
Q3: Can I own a 1933 double eagle?
A: No—only one 1933 double eagle is legally allowed in private hands. All others are considered government property and illegal to own.
