The 1933 Double Eagle: A Coin of Crime and Legend

In 1933, amid the Great Depression, the US Mint produced over 445,000 $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagles, only for them to be ordered destroyed under President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 6102. However, several coins mysteriously survived this destruction, slipping into the hands of collectors through Israel Switt, a Philadelphia jeweler. These coins became illegal to own, sparking intrigue and legal battles over the years. While the government seized many, one coin sold for a record $18.9 million, highlighting a saga of gold, crime, and history. This compelling narrative explores how these coins lived on, stirring curiosity and controversy alike.🔍 Follow The Coinspiracy Podcast, download the episode, and find us on Whatnot at @agirlwholovescoins to keep the conversation going.