America’s Most Controversial Gold Coin
At CoinVerse.Pro, we track the fascinating history of the 1933 Double Eagle – a coin so rare that owning one was once illegal. This guide explains why collectors risk everything to own these $20 gold pieces.
Key Identification Features
➡️ Obverse Design:
- Full-length Liberty with torch and olive branch
- “LIBERTY” inscription
- 1933 date (never officially issued)
➡️ Reverse Design:
- Flying eagle in majestic pose
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
- “TWENTY DOLLARS” denomination
➡️ Critical Specifications:
✅ Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
✅ Weight: 33.436g
✅ Diameter: 34mm
✅ Edge: Lettered (“E PLURIBUS UNUM”)
The Forbidden Coin’s History
- 445,500 minted but all ordered melted
- 20+ smuggled out by mint cashier
- U.S. Secret Service confiscated most
- Only 13 legally owned today
Legal Ownership Status
🔴 Illegal to Own (unless part of the 13)
🟢 Legal Examples:
- King Farouk specimen (PCGS MS-65)
- 2002 auction coin (sold for $7.6M)
- 10 in U.S. Treasury vault
- 1 in Smithsonian
Valuation Estimate
| Specimen | Last Sale | Current Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 Auction | $7.6M | $10M+ 💎 |
| Farouk Coin | N/A | $8M–$12M |
| Other Legal | N/A | $5M+ |
Note: All values for legal specimens only
6-Step Authentication Protocol
1️⃣ Provenance Research
- Must trace to known legal examples
- Verify 1933 Treasury records
2️⃣ Microscopic Die Study
- Match to official mint dies
- Check for authentic 1933 markers
3️⃣ XRF Metal Analysis
- Verify 90% gold content
- Check for period-appropriate alloy
4️⃣ Edge Lettering Verification
- Authentic coins have specific font
5️⃣ Government Certification
- Requires U.S. Mint authentication
6️⃣ Legal Documentation
- Must have 2002 settlement papers
Famous Ownership Stories
- King Farouk of Egypt legally exported one
- Israel Switt smuggled others (confiscated)
- Joan Langbord family legal battle (lost)
⚠️ Warning:
- Owning unauthorized 1933 Double Eagles is a federal crime
- Secret Service actively investigates illegal specimens
For Legal Owners Only
If you possess one of the 13 legal specimens:
- Contact Heritage Auctions immediately
- Maintain full documentation
- Store in maximum-security vault
💬 “We advise the legal owners of these national treasures”
— The CoinVerse Gold Coin Team
[🔐 Never attempt to buy/sell unauthorized 1933 Double Eagles]
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