By: Mobin
Nearly 450k 1933 Double Eagles were made, but none issued. A few were stolen before the rest were melted down due to a Gold Confiscation Order.
After changing various hands, ownership of the coins has been disputed in court between collectors and the U.S. Government.
The first 1933 Double Eagle to go to auction sold in 2002 for a record $7.6 million. Another legal example sold in 2021 for over $18 million.
The most valuable 1933 Double Eagle was formerly owned by King Farouk of Egypt. After a legal dispute it sold at auction in 2002 for $7.6 million.
Joan Langbord surrendered 10 more 1933 Double Eagles in 2005, but ownership has been tied up in court ever since.
The King Farouk coin was held in the WTC until 2 months before 9/11. It was then moved to Fort Knox for safekeeping.
As the world's most valuable and storied rare coin, the 1933 Double Eagle has received extensive media coverage over its disputed legal history.