Production 1933 double eagle

a 1933 double eagle national numismatic collection

these 2 coins should have been 1933 double eagle coins in existence. however, unknown mint, number of coins (20 have been recovered far) stolen, possibly u.s. mint cashier, , found way via philadelphia jeweler israel switt hands of collectors. coins circulated among collectors several years before secret service became aware of existence. matter came attention of mint officials when investigative reporter looked history of coins had spotted in upcoming stack s bowers coin auction , contacted mint part of research. result, official investigation matter launched secret service in march 1944. prior investigation, texas dealer sold 1 of coins foreign buyer, , left u.s. on february 29, 1944.

during first year of investigation, 7 coins seized or voluntarily turned in secret service , subsequently destroyed @ mint; eighth coin recovered following year , met same fate. in 1945, investigation identified alleged thief , accomplice, switt, admitted selling 9 (located) coins, not recall how obtained them. justice department tried prosecute them, statute of limitations had passed. tenth coin recovered , destroyed in 1952.

in contrast, 1933 eagle issued before roosevelt s withdrawal order, may legally owned private citizens. however, estimated no more 40 exist, rest having been melted, making them exceptionally rare.