How to Sell pre-1933 Gold Coins?

Pre-1933 gold coins are a valuable asset that can be sold to collectors, coin dealers, and even the general public. Selling pre-1933 gold coins can be a lucrative venture if done correctly. With the right knowledge and resources, you can maximize your return on these coins.

How to Sell Pre-1933 Gold Coins?

In this guide, you'll learn the basics of selling pre-1933 gold coins, including how to identify them. With a bit of effort, you can make a nice profit from these vintage coins.

What Are Pre-1933 Gold Coins?

Pre-1933 gold coins refer to coins that were minted and circulated prior to the Gold Reserve Act of 1933, which made it illegal for individuals in the United States to own and trade gold coins, gold bullion, and gold certificates. This act was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal and was intended to help stabilize the U.S. economy during the Great Depression. Some of the most popular pre-1933 gold coins are the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, the Indian Head Eagle, and the Liberty Head Double Eagle. These coins are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike due to their age, rarity, and gold content.

Types of Pre-1933 Gold Coins 

Most people are unfamiliar with the denominations of pre-1933 U.S. gold coins. The following is a list of the coins and the time period during which they were minted:

• $1 Gold Dollar: 1849–1889
• $2.50 Gold Quarter Eagle: 1796–1929
• $3 Gold Coin: 1854–1889
• $5 Gold Half Eagle: 1795–1929
• $10 Gold Eagle: 1795–1933
• $20 Gold Double Eagle: 1850–1933

The “eagle” is a former United States coin denomination. It was officially created by the Coinage Act of 1792 and was the largest denomination of currency issued in the United States until the gold standard was abandoned in 1933. The Eagle was equal to ten dollars, with “Quarter Eagles”, “Half-Eagles” and “Double Eagles” being lower or higher variations on that amount.

Below are some specific designs featured on the different types of Gold Pre-1933 Eagles: 

1. Liberty Head Double Eagles (1850-1907): This type of gold coin was minted from 1850 to 1907, and features a design of Lady Liberty on the obverse, and an eagle on the reverse. 
2. Indian Head Eagles (1907-1933): This type of gold coin was struck by the United States Mint continuously from 1907 until 1916, and then irregularly until 1933. It features a design of an Indian head on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. 
3. Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles (1907-1933): This type of gold coin was minted from 1907 to 1933, and features a design of Lady Liberty on the obverse, and a flying eagle on the reverse. 
4. Liberty Head Half Eagles (1839-1908): This type of gold coin was minted from 1839 to 1908, and features a design of Lady Liberty on the obverse, and an eagle on the reverse. 
5. Indian Head Half Eagles (1908-1929): This type of gold coin was minted from 1908 to 1929, and features a design of an Indian head on the obverse, and an eagle on the reverse.

How Much Gold is in a Pre-1933 Gold Coin?

Ever wondered why pre-1933 gold coins are valuable? Pre-1933 coins are 90% pure and range in face value from $1 to $20. Most U.S. gold coins minted before 1933 contain 0.9167 troy ounces of gold per coin. Other pre-1933 gold coins may contain .48375 troy ounces of gold per coin.

What are the Best Pre-1933 Gold Coins to Buy?

In terms of recognizability, liquidity, and value, here are the best pre-1933 gold coins to buy: 

1. Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (1907-1933) 
2. Liberty Head Double Eagle (1850-1907) 
3. Indian Head Half Eagle (1908-1929) 
4. Liberty Head Half Eagle (1839-1907) 
5. Indian Head Quarter Eagle (1908-1929) 
6. Liberty Head Quarter Eagle (1840-1907) 
7. Liberty Head Three Dollar Gold Piece (1854-1889) 
8. Indian Head Three Dollar Gold Piece (1854-1889) 
9. Liberty Head Eagle (1838-1907) 
10. Indian Head Eagle (1907-1933)

Where Can I Sell Pre-1933 Gold Coins?

Pre-1933 gold coins are highly sought after and can be sold at coin dealers, auction houses, and pawn shops. Online auction sites such as eBay are also a good place to find buyers for pre-1933 gold coins. Many coin dealers specialize in buying and selling rare coins, so they may be the best option to get the most money for these coins. Check out Bullion Exchanges’ “Sell To Us” page, scroll down, and search “pre-1933” for a list of quotes!

What is the Best Way to Sell Old Gold Coins?

Here are the basic steps to selling any type of gold, including old gold coins:

1. Calculate the gold's worth: The first step in selling gold is to calculate its worth. This should be done by a professional appraiser or a gold buyer. Feel free to ask them “How much will I get if I sell my gold?” The appraiser or gold buyer will examine the gold and give it a karat rating and a weight in order to determine its worth. 
2. Choose a buyer: After the gold's worth is known, the seller should choose a buyer. Gold buyers can be found in a variety of places, ranging from pawn shops to online sites. It is important to compare prices and make sure the buyer is reputable before selling.
3. Negotiate a price: Once the buyer is chosen, if it is a private buyer such as a single person or small-time dealer, the seller can often negotiate a price. This price should be based on the gold's worth and should be fair to both parties. It is important to note that the price may be lower than the appraised value due to the buyer's costs for refining the gold. When selling to a larger company or dealer, they will often have set prices that cannot be negotiated down.
4. 4. Make the sale: After a price is agreed upon, the sale can be finalized. The buyer should provide the seller with a receipt that includes the details of the transaction. Large-scale bullion dealers will be able to walk you through the process if you need extra assistance.

What is the Rarest Gold Coin in the World? 

The 1849 Double Eagle is the rarest and most valuable coin in U.S. history, with only one known to exist. This coin was part of the two trial pieces that marked the beginning of the $20 coins, referred to as Double Eagles.

The coin, which was actually minted in 1850 but marked with 1849, was released around the same time as the start of the California gold rush. It is carefully preserved at the National Numismatic Collection of the Smithsonian Institution.