People around the world collect coins for many reasons: their historical significance, artistic beauty, or curiosity about their origin stories. But some coins go far beyond the realm of hobby collecting. They become legendary due to their staggering auction prices. One such coin is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, which holds the record as the world’s most expensive coin ever sold. Let’s uncover the story of this extraordinary piece of history and explore other contenders vying for its title.
The Reigning Champion: The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle isn’t just a coin—it’s a symbol of a turbulent moment in American history. Designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this $20 gold coin was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s push to stabilize the economy during the Great Depression by abandoning the gold standard. Their minting was halted before they could circulate, ordered to be melted down, leaving just a handful unaccounted for.
A Coin Forged in Crisis
The early 1930s were a turbulent time, particularly for the U.S. economy. To combat the Great Depression, President Roosevelt signed an executive order recalling gold coins like the Double Eagle and forbidding citizens from hoarding gold. Every 1933 Double Eagle was supposed to be melted down—making its survival even more fascinating.
Only 20 coins are known to have escaped destruction. One found its way into the hands of Egypt’s King Farouk, prompting years of legal disputes before its eventual return to the U.S. government. This coin, thanks to its backstory, uniqueness, and legal limbo, earned a mythical reputation.
Escaping the Melt: A Story of Intrigue
The saga of the 1933 Double Eagle is riddled with intrigue. Beyond the Farouk coin, a few others were circulated privately, leading to seizures and court battles. Most notable is one such coin being deemed the only example allowed for private ownership. Its journey from a U.S. mint in Philadelphia to Sotheby’s auction floors underscores its value—and the lengths collectors will go to own a piece of history.
Record-Breaking Auction and Historic Sale
In June 2021, the coin became the most expensive coin ever sold at auction, fetching a jaw-dropping $18.9 million. Hosted by Sotheby’s, the sale made headlines worldwide. This unique coin, once considered contraband, cemented its place in history not just for its artistry, but for the dramatic tale behind its survival.
Contenders for the Crown: Other Exceptionally Valuable Coins
While the 1933 Double Eagle reigns supreme, other coins have also commanded staggering prices at auction, each with its own remarkable story.
