A Pennsylvania family cleaning out Grandpa’s house stumbled on history—and an $18.9 million payday.
The gold piece, authenticated as a 1933 Double Eagle, is expected to ignite a global bidding war that could set a new coin record.The safe had sat unopened for decades. When relatives cracked it open, they found old deeds, war medals—and a small cloth pouch hiding a near‑mint Double Eagle, one of only a handful legally allowed in private hands.
Most of the original 445,500 coins were melted after President Franklin D. Roosevelt pulled the nation off the gold standard in 1933.
How a forgotten Pennsylvania safe safeguarded a piece of U.S. money history
Numismatists say a dozen examples slipped past the smelter. This one, preserved in a dry steel box, shows almost no wear. “It’s the discovery of a generation,” noted the Numismatic Guaranty Company after certifying the coin last week. Consequently, its valuation shot to $18.9 million—nearly triple the previous public‑auction record.
So, why was it stashed away? The heirs believe Grandpa accepted it as collateral during the 1940s, then simply forgot. Who hasn’t misplaced something valuable in the attic?
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Year minted | 1933 |
| Face value | $20 |
| Surviving legal specimens | Fewer than 15 |
| Highest prior sale (2002) | $7.59 million |
Why collectors are willing to pay record sums for the elusive 1933 Double Eagle
Rarity is only part of the story. This coin embodies the drama of the Great Depression, Roosevelt’s gold recall, and years of courtroom battles over private ownership. Investors also view premier numismatic pieces as hedges against market volatility. In fact, top‑tier coins have outpaced the S&P 500 during several downturns.
Need another reason? Bragging rights. Owning a Double Eagle is like holding the Mona Lisa—in your pocket.
- Key drivers of sky‑high demand:
- Legal provenance validated by federal authorities
- Near‑mint grade boosting bidder confidence
- Intense international interest from Asia and Europe
- Limited supply—no new 1933s will ever surface? Probably not.
What happens next as top auction houses court the coin and its owners
Sotheby’s, Heritage Auctions, and Stack’s Bowers have already pitched the heirs, promising seamless handling this fall. Pre‑bidding inquiries are flooding in, with some private collectors requesting viewings under security. Should the hammer land above $20 million, the Double Eagle would become the most expensive coin ever sold; insiders say even $25 million isn’t out of reach.
If you have an old safe or cigar box lying around, maybe it’s time for a peek. The heirs plan to channel part of the proceeds into a scholarship honoring their grandfather—proof that one forgotten coin can rewrite a family’s future and a chapter of American history.