This is quite possibly the rarest coin in the history of the world and it has a unique story. Back in the 1930's in an effort to move the country out of a depression, the government of the United States made it illegal for individuals to own gold.
This meant that gold had to be turned in and was melted down, and this was true for the United States Mint as well. That year they had already produced a number of Double Eagle gold coins and the decision was made to melt them all down before sending them into circulation.
One savvy mint cashier was successful in saving an unknown number of them and over 4 decades later, they showed up at auction. The United States Secret Service quickly confiscated these coins which were thought to be melted down 40 years earlier. The owner filed a lawsuit and won.
They coin was sold and the proceeds had to be split with the government. The coin fetched an amazing $7.5 million dollars. Since that time a few other 1933 Gold Eagle coins have been located and it is not known how these coins got into the hands of their owners.
A guide Book of Double Eagle Gold Coins: A Complete History and Price Guide (Official Red Books)
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