The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle 

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most famous and sought-after coins in U.S. numismatic history. With a rich story full of intrigue and rarity, this coin holds a special place in the world of rare coins and collectors. 

Its legacy begins with the iconic design of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who was commissioned to create the coin during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency in the early 20th century. 

Saint-Gaudens, a celebrated sculptor, designed the coin with great attention to artistry and symbolism. The obverse of the coin features a beautiful rendition of Lady Liberty striding forward, holding a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other, embodying the ideals of freedom and peace.  

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was intended to be the last in a series of gold coins minted in the United States. However, the coin never circulated as originally planned. In 1933, the U.S. was in the midst of the Great Depression, and the country faced an economic crisis that led to a significant shift in monetary policy. 

In response to the financial turmoil, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order in March 1933, requiring the citizens to exchange their gold coins, gold bullion, and gold certificates for paper currency, in an effort to stabilize the economy and end the gold standard. 

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, which had already been struck by the U.S. Mint, were never released for public circulation. Instead, most of the coins were melted down or destroyed. 

A small number of coins were kept as proof specimens, but these coins were not intended for circulation. The decision to melt down most of the 1933 Double Eagles was part of the broader government effort to reduce the amount of gold in circulation. 

As a result, the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle became a symbol of lost opportunity and mystery, as most of the coins were no longer in existence. 

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