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Pre-1933 US Gold Coins

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History of Pre-33 Gold

Pre-33 gold refers to gold coins minted in the United States prior to 1933, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6102. The order made it illegal for U.S. citizens to own gold bullion. As a result, the United States Mint halted production of gold coins intended for public circulation. The ban on gold ownership lasted until December 31, 1974, when President Gerald Ford signed legislation allowing Americans to again buy, sell, and own gold coins and bullion.

Today at APMEX, we offer an extensive selection of Pre-33 gold coins, including famous design types like Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, Liberty Gold Double Eagles, and Indian Head Eagles. These coins represent the last era of classic American coin designs before the Gold Recall Act of 1933. For collectors and investors, Pre-33 U.S. gold coins hold a special allure and historical significance. APMEX is your trusted source for authentic Pre-33 gold coins.

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Historical Premiums

Historical Premiums

Premiums on pre-1933 US gold coins have fluctuated over the decades similar to changes in the spot price of gold, but not always in tandem. Since 2000, premiums have fallen for common-date Pre-33 coins as increased demand for physical gold has focused on bullion issues vs. historic U.S. gold coins. This normalization of premiums closer to the intrinsic metal value means that these historical gold coins represent an attractive investment opportunity for those looking to add numismatic value on top of the value of the gold content itself.

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Series Spotlight: $3 Princess

The $3 Princess is one of the most popular and coveted gold coins we offer at APMEX. They have high collectibility due to their low original mintage and unusual denomination. These gold coins were originally minted to coincide with the cost of stamps, which were 3 cents apiece. The $3 Princess allowed people to purchase a book of 100 stamps with one gold coin. Designed by James B. Longacre, the coins display the profile of a regal Indian Princess and contain 0.1451 troy ounces of gold.

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Series Spotlight: $3 Princess

Bulk Pre-33 Gold

Unlock a world of timeless elegance with our bulk Pre-33 gold collection. Dive into history with a diverse range of pre-1933 U.S. gold coins, offering iconic designs at various price points – invest in legacy today!

Bulk Pre-33 Gold

Rare Gold

These low mintage coins are difficult to source even in favorable markets. For serious collectors seeking hard-to-find, high demand Pre-33 gold coins, APMEX has the expertise and inventory to assist in securing these treasured numismatic acquisitions.

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Historic Pre-1933 Gold

Each of these gold coins survived the 1933 legislation from President Roosevelt that prohibited anyone from holding monetary gold, ordering all gold coins to be sent back to the Treasury. These surviving gold coins are great collectible rare coins and are highly sought-after by collectors and investors all over the world because off their rarity and beauty.

These U.S. gold coins date as far back as 1795, providing a glimpse into one of the first uses of U.S. coinage. They also come in a variety of denominations providing buyers with options that can work within their budget or their investment strategy. While denominations vary, each coin has seen an important part of history unfold whether through its design or the denomination itself. They include $1.00, $2.50, $5.00, $10 and $20 gold coins. These exceptionally rare coins give buyers several options and have outstanding value associated with each coin. The Gold Quarter Eagle and the Liberty Gold Double Eagle are popular choices, as is the Gold Half Eagle.

Pre-1933 Gold Coin Variety

The U.S. Mint issued its first gold coins in 1795. During the height of the Great Depression in 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt prohibited American citizens from holding monetary gold. He ordered all gold coins be returned to the U.S. Treasury, where millions were melted into gold and then cast into gold bars. This was an unprecedented legislative act to help fight the Great Depression. By doing so, many collectible gold coins were affected and the course of history for monetary gold was changed forever.

These federal government recalls and meltdowns made these previously common gold coins very rare. Today, the surviving Pre-1933 gold U.S. coins are fixed at an extremely limited supply. This fact has made Pre-1933 gold coins some of the most desirable items among collectors and investors. APMEX is proud to offer a superb selection of these harder-to-find classic coins. The historical significance of these coins are vitally important and will provide diversity and significance to any investment or collection. These rare coins hold tremendous value and include popular Gold coins including Pre-1933 Gold Eagles, the Gold Liberty Double Eagle and the Gold Quarter Eagle.

While Pre-1933 Gold Coins hold historical significance and can be intriguing for collectors, it's essential to explore the full selection of Gold Coin options available. Considering modern gold coins alongside their historical counterparts allows for a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as purity, rarity, and investment potential, ensuring a well-rounded approach to gold coin acquisition.

The Significance of Pre-1933 Gold: A Blend of Numismatic and Investment Appeal

Pre-1933 gold, particularly in the form of Liberty gold coins, holds a special place in the world of numismatics and investment. These vintage gold coins, minted before the gold recall of 1933, offer a unique combination of historical significance, rarity, and intrinsic value. Let's delve into why pre-1933 gold sets itself apart and attracts both numismatists and investors.

Historical Significance of Liberty Gold Coins

Liberty gold coins, minted between the late 18th century and 1933, embody a rich historical legacy. These coins capture the spirit and values of the time periods in which they were minted, reflecting the growth and development of the United States as a nation. They symbolize a bygone era, with designs that showcase iconic American figures such as Lady Liberty, eagles, and other patriotic elements. As a result, collectors are drawn to the historical context and cultural significance associated with these coins.

Rarity and Exclusivity

Pre-1933 gold coins are characterized by their limited availability and scarcity. Following the issuance of Executive Order 6102 in 1933, which prohibited private ownership of gold, most gold coins were withdrawn from circulation and melted down. Consequently, surviving pre-1933 gold coins are relatively rare, making them highly sought after by collectors and investors.

Investment Potential of Pre-1933 Gold

From an investment standpoint, pre-1933 gold holds enduring value. These vintage gold coins are made of 90% pure gold, providing a tangible and stable investment in precious metals. The scarcity and historical significance of pre-1933 gold coins contribute to their numismatic premium, which can exceed the value of their gold content.

The 1933 $20 Gold Coin: Legendary Status

Among pre-1933 gold coins, the 1933 $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle holds legendary status. Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this coin features a stunning rendition of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a majestic eagle on the reverse. Only a handful of these coins escaped the melting process and are considered exceedingly rare and valuable. Due to their unique status, 1933 $20 gold coins are highly coveted by both collectors and investors.

Old Gold Coins for Sale: Collectible Appeal

The collectible appeal of pre-1933 gold coins contributes to their significance. Many collectors are drawn to the artistry, craftsmanship, and historical context of these coins. Each vintage gold coin carries its own unique story, adding depth and intrigue to a collector's portfolio. Collectors appreciate the thrill of acquiring and owning these timeless treasures, building a collection that transcends mere financial value.

Pre-1933 gold, specifically Liberty gold coins, holds immense importance and allure for both numismatists and investors. The historical significance, rarity, and intrinsic value of these vintage gold coins make them highly sought after in the market. Whether you are a collector seeking old gold coins for sale or an investor looking for a tangible and stable investment, pre-1933 gold offers a unique opportunity to embrace the past, preserve wealth, and indulge in the captivating world of numismatics.

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