Pre-1933 United States gold coins are among the most beautiful, historically significant, and valuable coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint. If you have inherited or discovered old gold coins, you likely have something worth far more than you realize.
Why 1933?
In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 6102, requiring Americans to turn in their gold coins to the Federal Reserve. The U.S. Mint stopped producing gold coins for circulation. Most pre-1933 gold coins that survived did so because they were hidden, forgotten, or held overseas, making them both rare and historically significant.
Gold Content of Pre-1933 U.S. Gold Coins
| Denomination | Gold Content (troy oz) | Approx. Value at $4,200/oz |
|---|---|---|
| $1 Gold Dollar | 0.04837 oz | ~$203 |
| $2.50 Quarter Eagle | 0.12094 oz | ~$508 |
| $5 Half Eagle | 0.24187 oz | ~$1,016 |
| $10 Eagle | 0.48375 oz | ~$2,032 |
| $20 Double Eagle | 0.96750 oz | ~$4,064 |
Note: Gold prices change daily. Check Kitco.com for current spot prices.
$20 Double Eagle: The King of U.S. Gold Coins
Liberty Head Double Eagle (1849–1907)
- Common dates circulated: $4,089.14 Approx
- Key dates (1854-O, 1856-O, etc.): $5,000–$50,000+
- Carson City (CC) mint marks command strong premiums
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (1907–1933)
- Widely considered the most beautiful U.S. coin ever made
- Common dates circulated: $4,089.14 Approx
- High Relief 1907: $15,000–$30,000+
- 1927-D: $15,000–$25,000+
$10 Eagle Gold Coins (Liberty & Indian)
- Liberty Head Eagle common dates circulated: $2,044.57 Approx
- Indian Head Eagle common dates circulated: $2,044.57 Approx
- Carson City dates: $2,044.57 and up, up, up.
$5 Half Eagle Gold Coins (Liberty & Indian)
- Liberty Head Half Eagle common dates circulated: $1,022.26 Approx
- Indian Head Half Eagle common dates circulated: $1,022.26 Approx
- 1929: $10,000–$20,000+
$2.50 Quarter Eagle Gold Coins (Liberty & Indian)
- Liberty Head common dates circulated: $511.15 Approx
- Indian Head common dates circulated: $511.15 Approx
- 1911-D: $3,000–$8,000+
$1 Gold Dollar (1849–1889) Liberty & Indian
- Type 1 common dates: $204.44 Approx
- Type 2 (scarce): $204.55 Approx
- Type 3 common dates: $204.44 Approx
What Makes Pre-1933 Gold Worth More Than Melt Value
Every pre-1933 gold coin is worth at least its gold melt value, but most are worth significantly more because of age, historical significance, low surviving populations, collector demand, and mint mark premiums.
Never clean your gold coins. Original, uncleaned gold coins are worth significantly more than cleaned examples. Bring them exactly as you found them.
Where to Sell Pre-1933 Gold Coins in Upstate SC
Clemson Coins, Currency and Bullion in Pendleton, SC is the premier buyer of pre-1933 U.S. gold coins in Upstate South Carolina, Western North Carolina, Northeast Georgia, and East Tennessee.
We are Vetted PCGS, NGC and CACG authorized dealers with over 50 years of experience. We pay full gold melt value plus full numismatic premiums for key dates, high grades, and desirable mint marks. Immediate cash or bank transfer, same day.
As a subsidiary of Barringer Precious Metals, we have the capital to handle seven-figure transactions.
Call 864-502-0100 or walk in any time Tuesday through Saturday, 10am–5pm.
Located in Pendleton, SC, 30–35 minutes from Greenville, 20 minutes from Anderson.
Clemson Coins, Currency and Bullion Pendleton, South Carolina
We Pay More, Always.