Replicas of the 1933 Gold Double Eagle do exist; however, it is imperative to emphasize that possessing or trading these replicas as authentic coins may result in legal repercussions. The original 1933 Double Eagles are deemed as U.S. government property. While the U.S. Mint has crafted authorized replicas for collectors, these duplicates are clearly identified as such and are not intended to deceive.
In the exceedingly rare event that a specimen is verified as genuine, the U.S. government will pursue repossession. It’s crucial to understand that only the King Farouk specimen of this specific date for the double eagle is legally owned, as it was never officially released into circulation and remains the property of the U.S. Mint.
- 1933 Giant Gold Double Eagle Proof Replica. twice the original size
- Description: A massive replica of the coin that sold for a record $18.9 million Considered by many to be the most beautiful coin ever created by the U.S. Mint.
- 1933 gold double eagle replica layered in 24k gold.
- Material: Copper, layered in 24k gold.
- Price: $129.95
- Link: American Mint
- 1933 Gold Double Eagle Reverse Proof Archival Edition
- Description: The most expensive gold coin in history, layered entirely in 24k gold and preserved in a NumiShield Archival Case.
- Price: $79.95
- Link: American Mint
- 1933 Gold Double Eagle Replica on eBay
- Description: Historical Archival Collection 24k Plated Proof.
- Price: Varied (eBay listings)
- Link: eBay Listings
1933 Double Eagle Commemorative on Etsy.
The product is a replica of the 1933 $20 Saint Gaudens gold coin, layered in 24K gold. It is listed on Etsy for €22.94, with an additional shipping cost of €24.79. The coin is described as “Replica 1933 – 20 Dollar Saint Gaudens 24K Gold Clad UNC details” and is said to ship within 1–2 business days. The listing has received 221 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers have praised the coin for its excellent quality, quick delivery, and authentic appearance. Only one item is left in stock at the time of the search.
- Description: 24K Gold Layered Gold Dream Commemorative of the 1933 Gold Double Eagle Proof.
- Price: $24
- Link: TreasurersMint
The double eagle, a US gold coin valued at $20, saw a production of 445,500 units in 1933 by the US Mint. However, President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 6102 mandated the surrender of all gold coins, bullion, and certificates to a Federal Reserve bank by May 1, 1933. Subsequently, the Gold Reserve Act of 1934 rendered United States gold coins illegal for general circulation, except for collector coins, marking them as no longer legal tender. Most 1933 double eagles were melted down or subjected to tests, with only two officially presented to the US National Numismatic Collection.
Despite the limited official existence, around 20 coins were stolen from the Mint and eventually circulated among collectors through a Philadelphia jeweler named Israel Switt. The US Secret Service started tracking these coins in 1944, recovering and destroying eight by the end of 1945. Switt, implicated in the sale of nine coins, escaped legal consequences due to the statute of limitations. Another coin was recovered and destroyed in 1952.
King Farouk of Egypt obtained one of the double eagles in 1944, but export permission was mistakenly granted by the US Treasury Department before its discovery. Attempts to reclaim the coin were hindered by World War II and the overthrow of the Egyptian monarchy in 1952. Despite assurances, the coin disappeared and could not be located in Egypt. In 1996, a double eagle emerged in the possession of British coin dealer Stephen Fenton, claiming it came from King Farouk’s collection.
The Gold Standard’s end in the early 1970s and a law passed by President Ford made it legal to hold gold coins in the US, and since 1974, gold coins are no longer melted down. However, the 1933 double eagles, having never been officially issued, remain the property of the US Government. Fenton’s coin became subject to a legal battle with the US Government, resulting in a settlement in 2001. The coin was sold at auction in 2002 for $6.6 million, setting a record.
In 2005, the US Mint announced the recovery of ten more 1933 double eagles from the Switt family, currently held in Fort Knox. Legal proceedings continued until 2017 when the Supreme Court denied certiorari.
Concluding, the likelihood of a genuine 1933 double eagle is extremely low, as many were melted down or destroyed. Fake coins are prevalent, especially from Lebanon and China. Genuine ones hold significant value, with the most notable auctioned for $6.6 million in 2002. If seeking to purchase, it is crucial to use reputable coin shops and avoid online transactions unless the seller is trusted, given the prevalence of counterfeit coins on the market.