1933 USA St. Gaudens Double Eagle-With Motto Appraisal
Category: Coin
Description
This item is identified as a 1933 USA St. Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin with motto. The image displays both the obverse and reverse sides of the coin. The obverse features Lady Liberty holding a torch and olive branch, with rays of sunshine radiating outwards. The reverse depicts a flying eagle over a rising sun. The coin appears to be in excellent condition, indicated by the 'MS-69' grading, suggesting it is near-perfect uncirculated. The material is gold, as is characteristic of Double Eagle coins. The color is a rich, lustrous gold. No obvious significant wear, damage, or repairs are visible in the provided images, contributing to the high anticipated grade. The craftsmanship appears detailed and sharp, consistent with historical US Mint production. While no specific mint mark is discernible in the images, the design is clearly that of the St. Gaudens Double Eagle. The date 1933 is a key identifier. It's crucial to note the warning about numerous replicas of this highly valuable coin, highlighting its rarity and desirability. The overall look suggests a well-preserved and potentially authentic specimen.
Appraisal Report
Upon examining the provided images and information for this 1933 USA St. Gaudens Double Eagle with Motto, my assessment is based on the visible high-quality details and the stated 'MS-69' grade. The coin appears to be in near-mint, uncirculated condition, with sharp strikes and exceptional luster, consistent with its high grading. The 1933 St. Gaudens is arguably the most famous and valuable coin in American numismatics. Its extraordinary rarity stems from the 1933 executive order by President Franklin D. Roosevelt recalling gold coins from circulation, leading to the melting of nearly all 1933 Double Eagles. Only a handful of specimens were preserved, with only one currently legal for private ownership—the Farouk specimen. This singular legality is the single most critical factor determining its value. Any other privately held 1933 Double Eagle is considered stolen government property and subject to seizure, rendering its market value effectively zero under legal circumstances. Therefore, while a genuine MS-69 specimen would command an unparalleled price, establishing legal title is paramount. My appraisal is contingent on the critical assumption of its authenticity and, most importantly, its legal status for private ownership, mirroring the unique history of the legally-transacted Farouk specimen. A definitive appraisal would require in-person examination, professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC, provenance documentation tracing its history back to the Mint, and potential non-destructive metallurgical analysis to confirm its composition against known standards. Without these verifications, and given the prevalence of replicas, value cannot be certified.
Appraisal Value
$18,900,000