As the only 1933 Double Eagle ever authorised for private ownership, this coin is the most valuable gold coin in the world.
The Double Eagle was minted but never issued after President Roosevelt took the US off the gold standard during the Great Depression, but this one was stolen by a Mint employee in 1933. It subsequently found its way into the collection of King Farouk and then, after being withdrawn from a 1954 Sotheby’s sale on behalf of the Egyptian government, it disappeared for 40 years. It was found in the possession of an English coin dealer six years ago, who struck a unique deal with the US government, allowing the coin’s sale at auction this month. It is estimated to sell for between $4m and $6m.
Where Double Eagles dare
USA: Next week in an extraordinary single-lot auction – and the first joint sale between Sotheby’s.com and eBay, this 1933 Double Eagle $20 gold coin is to be offered for sale by Sotheby’s and New York coin auctioneer Stack’s on behalf of the US government.
