A rare $20 coin has taken the numismatic world by storm, recently selling for a staggering $1.3 million — and it may have you digging through your drawers, coin jars, and pockets in search of hidden treasure. This jaw-dropping figure is attached to a gold coin minted more than a century ago that has become one of the most sought-after pieces in American currency history.
What Makes This Coin So Valuable?
The coin in question is a 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, a $20 gold piece that was never officially released for public circulation. While tens of thousands were originally struck by the U.S. Mint, most were melted down after President Franklin D. Roosevelt took the country off the gold standard during the Great Depression.
Only a few managed to survive, and those that did are now considered numismatic royalty.
The most famous of these coins was auctioned off by Sotheby’s for a record-breaking $18.9 million in 2021. But a recent private sale of another verified 1933 Double Eagle clocked in at $1.3 million, stirring renewed interest among collectors and curious citizens alike.
Why Are 1933 Double Eagles So Rare?
The uniqueness of the 1933 Double Eagle comes from both its beauty and its backstory. Designed by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the coin features Lady Liberty striding forward on the obverse, with a soaring eagle on the reverse — widely regarded as one of the most elegant designs in U.S. coinage history.
Although 445,500 of these coins were struck, none were legally issued due to the change in monetary policy. Nearly all were melted down, but a few escaped into private hands under mysterious circumstances — some even making international headlines for their disputed legality.
Quick Facts About the 1933 Double Eagle
| Feature | Details |
| Denomination | $20 |
| Year Minted | 1933 |
| Designer |
Augustus Saint-Gaudens
|
| Metal Content | 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Estimated Value | $1.3M to $18.9M+ |
How to Know If You Have One
Before you go running to your local pawn shop or bank, keep in mind that authentic 1933 Double Eagles are extremely rare. Only a handful exist legally, and any you find would need to be thoroughly authenticated and possibly involve legal procedures.
Still, it doesn’t hurt to take a closer look at old coin collections. Some of the signs you might have something valuable include:
- A coin dated 1933 with the $20 denomination
- An image of Lady Liberty with rays of sun behind her
- The words “LIBERTY” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the edge
- Unusual weight and gold appearance (though fakes exist)
If you suspect you have a rare coin, your best course of action is to contact a certified coin appraiser or numismatic expert — not try to sell it directly. In the past, people who unknowingly owned 1933 Double Eagles faced legal complications, as the U.S. government had previously considered them illegal to own.
Other Coins Worth Searching For
While the 1933 Double Eagle may be the crown jewel, it’s not the only coin worth a fortune. There are several coins floating around in circulation or tucked away in change jars that could fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Here are a few to watch for:
- 1943 Copper Penny – Worth up to $250,000
- 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter – Worth up to $6,000
- 1969-S Doubled Die Penny – Worth $35,000+
- 1999 Wide AM Penny – Worth $500+
- 1970-S Small Date Penny (High 7) – Worth $3,000+
So yes, your spare change could be more valuable than you think.
A Boom in Coin Collecting
The rise in rare coin values reflects a broader surge in interest in collectibles. The global collectibles market — from baseball cards to NFTs to vintage coins — has grown dramatically over the past five years. Economic uncertainty, inflation, and nostalgia have all fueled this boom, and coins are proving to be among the most solid long-term investments.
According to the Professional Numismatists Guild, rare coin sales in the U.S. exceeded $6 billion in 2023 alone.
Final Thoughts
While finding a 1933 Double Eagle in your pocket is highly unlikely, stories like this prove that hidden treasures are out there. Whether it’s tucked in an old box or buried in a coin collection inherited from a grandparent, that one rare coin could change your life.