Pre 1933 US Gold
Gold coins minted by the United States prior to 1933 are an investment choice that is part of history.
St Gaudens 20 Double Eagles
Indian Head Gold 10 Eagles
Liberty Head Gold 10 Eagles
Liberty 5 Gold Half Eagles
Indian 5 Gold Half Eagles
Learn More About Pre 1933 US Gold
The US Mint began to mint Gold Coins following the passage of The Coinage Act of 1794. The Gold Eagles were issued with a face value of $10, Half Eagles of $5, and Quarter Eagles of $2.50. The intrinsic value of the gold content was roughly the same as the coin's face value during that era.
Pre-1933 gold coins are one of the most sought after gold bullion types available to precious metals investors and collectors. For those who enjoy history and learning, collecting pre-1933 US Mint coins can be an educational endeavor, offering insights into different periods of American history, including the economy, coinage, and minting processes.
Today, these coins are tangible assets, with the intrinsic gold value providing a base price. Coins from lower mintages, with certain mint marks and various types have increasing numismatic value amongst collectors. These vintage Gold Coins were minted in standard denominations, each containing a specific amount of gold defined in the various Coinage Acts.
- $20 Double Eagle Gold Coins - The first Double Eagle was minted in 1849 and featured the Liberty Head design by James B. Longacre. The design was later replaced by the Saint-Gaudens double eagle in 1907, which is considered one of the most beautiful American coins ever minted.The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a majestic eagle on the reverse. Both the Liberty Head and Saint-Gaudens double eagles were minted with .9675 oz gold and had a fineness of .900.
- $10 Eagle Gold Coins - The first $10 Gold Eagle was minted in 1795 and featured the Liberty Cap design by Robert Scot. This design was later replaced by the Coronet Head design in 1838 which was created by Christian Gobrecht and featured a portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet on the obverse and an eagle with a shield on its breast on the reverse. The composition of these coins was 90% gold and 10% copper. The $10 Gold Indian was introduced in 1907 and features Liberty wearing an Indian headdress. Each $10 Gold Eagle contains .4838 oz of gold.
- $5 Half Eagle Gold Coins - The first $5 Half Eagle was minted in 1795 and featured the Robert Scot design. In 1907, the Liberty Head design was replaced with the Incuse Indian Design, which featured the unique appearance with an inverse design. The half eagle was minted until 1929 with a brief interruption during the Civil War when gold coins were not produced for circulation. Each $5 half eagle coin contains 0.2419 oz of gold.
- $2.50 Quarter Eagle Gold Coins - The first $2.50 quarter eagle was issued in 1796. The Gobrecht quarter eagle was first mined in 1840 and carries the same design as other coins in the series. The incuse quarter eagle was introduced in 1907 and remained in circulation until 1929. Each $2.50 Quarter Eagle contains 0.121 oz of gold.
- $1 Gold Coins - The United States had a surplus of gold resulting from the California Gold Rush. Congress decided to create a new $1 Gold piece for circulation. The first $1 Gold coin was issued in 1849 and contains 0.04837 troy ounces of gold.
Given the historical and numismatic significance of these gold coins, some investors believe that pre-1933 coins might be exempt from potential future gold confiscation efforts.
US Mint Pre-1933 Gold Coins
The weights, sizes, denomination and designs are different from modern bullion coins. However, they still have certain similarities, such as legal tender status and the face value of primary denominations.
The three most popular designs of Pre-1933 gold coins are the Indian Head, Saint-Gaudens, and Liberty Head designs.
Other, less common coins were also minted such as the $3 gold coin and $1 gold piece. Their finite supply increases their rarity and numismatic value.
Liberty Head Gold Eagles
The Liberty Head Gold Series, sometimes referred to as the Coronet Head, features the depiction of Lady Liberty facing leftward and adorned with a coronet atop of her head. Thirteen stars are incorporated around the central design. Millions of Liberty Head gold coins were minted between 1849 and 1907, with many surviving the great melt of 1933.
Indian Head Gold Eagle Coins
The Indian Head Gold Coin incorporates an image of a Native American chief on the obverse side that celebrates the indigenous cultural history of the United States. The $10 Indian Gold piece featured Lady Liberty adorned with an Native American Headdress. The $2.50 and $5.00 denominations incorporated a Native American chief with an incuse design, which means that the details are sunken into the coin rather than being raised.
The Indian Head series of coins was minted from 1907 until 1916, and then irregularly until 1933.
St Gaudens Double Gold Eagle Design
The Saint Gaudens Double Eagle Gold Coin depicts the Lady Liberty walking with an olive branch in one hand and a torch in the other one, with the Capitol Building being visible behind her. The same design served as an inspiration for the American Gold Eagle coin.
The Saint-Gaudens double eagle is a twenty-dollar gold coin, minted by the United States Mint from 1907 to 1933.
More articles about Pre 1933 US Gold
$10 Eagle Gold Coin
The $10 Eagle gold piece was minted from 1795 until 1933 and contains 0.48375 troy ounces of gold.
Tangible Assets: US Mint Pre-1933 Gold Coins
Prior to the Great Depression, gold coins were the normal and natural form of money and in common circulation throughout the world.
Gold coins can bring unique diversity to an existing investment portfolio, while expanding on an interest in numismatics or history. Beyond potential financial gains, the process of collecting, studying, and preserving historical coins can morph into a numismatic hobby.
Investing in Vintage Gold Coins
While all gold coins carry value due to their metal content, vintage coins can also have numismatic value. The numismatic value depends on collector demand, rarity, historical significance, condition, other attributes.
The Basics of Coin Collecting
Coin collecting has evolved beyond merely acquiring coins for their monetary value. Many collectors now focus on various aspects, including historical significance, artistic appeal, rarity, and cultural context, with some collectors specializing in specific periods, rulers, or coin types.
With advancements in communication and technology, coin collecting has become more accessible to a global audience. The internet allows collectors to connect, research, sell and buy gold coins from around the world. Online auction platforms and forums have expanded the reach of numismatics.
What are US Mint Pre-1933 Gold Coins?
With their unique designs, historical significance, and rarity, Pre-1933 US Gold Coins offer collectors and investors a glimpse into the past and a tangible connection to the stories of our ancestors.
These gleaming pieces of history are valuable precious metal assets and windows into a fascinating era.
