Pre-1933 Gold Coins

Gold coins struck by the U.S. Mint prior to 1933 are known as Classic U.S. Gold Coins. They have a fascinating history that excites collectors, and their appeal has stood the test of time. Owning a complete assortment of these beauties is the goal of many serious numismatists.

Stacking Pre-1933 Gold Coins is an exciting and rewarding opportunity. The feeling of holding a hefty gold coin in your hand cannot be replicated. You can choose ungraded coins or coins graded by Professional Coin Graded Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). PCGS and NGC graded coins are sonically sealed in acrylic holders to protect the coins forever. Either way, don’t miss the opportunity represented by these Pre-1933 U.S. Gold Coins.

Why Buy Pre-1933 Gold Coins?

Pre-1933 Gold Coins are 90% gold legal tender coins that were struck before 1933, which is when gold coins stopped being circulated in the United States. These coins represent a time in American monetary history when U.S. currency was tied to gold and silver. Pre-1933 Gold Coins are attractive to collectors simply for their collectibility and historical significance, both major factors when it comes to buying and collecting them.

The History of Pre-1933 U.S. Gold Coins

When the United States was minting Pre-1933 Gold Coins, there were three denominations within the U.S. currency: Cents, Dollars, and Eagles. Like today, there were one hundred cents in a dollar, but unlike today, ten dollars made an Eagle. So, a “Half Eagle ” was considered $5, while a “Quarter Eagle” came out to $2.50.

Although they are referred to as “Pre-1933,” their history starts in the 18th century with the adoption of the Coinage Act in 1794. This piece of legislation sanctioned the production of U.S. coins, stating that coins for currency and monetary purposes can be minted only by the U.S. Mint. 

Fast forward to 1933, when the historical significance behind these coins started. When the Great Depression hit, President Franklin Roosevelt made the owning of gold by United States citizens illegal and called for all U.S. gold coins to be returned to the U.S. Treasury in order for them to be melted into gold bars. Obviously, not all coins were returned and can be found on the precious markets today.

How Much Gold Is in Pre-1933 Coins?

All Pre-1933 coins were made with 90% gold and 10% copper, making them almost 22k gold. The actual amount of gold in Pre-1933 U.S. gold coins depended on the coin’s denomination. For example, a gold double eagle coin contained twice as much fine gold as a gold eagle, and a gold eagle contained twice as much gold as a gold half eagle, and so on.