Pre-1933 gold coins are highly sought-after by collectors and investors worldwide. These coins survived the 1933 legislation from President Roosevelt that prohibited anyone from holding monetary gold, ordering all gold coins to be sent back to the Treasury. The surviving pre-1933 gold coins are collectible, rare coins and are highly sought-after by collectors and investors worldwide because of their rarity and value.  

Before 1933, the Gold Standard was in place, requiring all U.S. currency to be backed by real gold. At this time in history, most speculate that the U.S. and most other countries could not easily return to the gold standard.  

Why Buy Pre-33 Gold? 

Buying pre-1933 gold refers to purchasing gold coins minted before 1933 in the United States. The year 1933 holds significance in the U.S. gold market due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s executive order requiring U.S. citizens to turn in their gold coins, bullion, and certificates to the Federal Reserve in exchange for U.S. dollars. The idea was to combat the Great Depression by removing gold from the monetary system and devaluing the dollar. 

There are many reasons why investors and collectors are interested in pre-1933 gold: 

Historical Significance 

Pre-1933 gold coins provide a tangible connection to American history. They reflect the artistry, craftsmanship, and events of their era. 

Numismatic Value 

In addition to their precious metal content, many pre-1933 gold coins carry a premium because of their rarity, condition, and demand. 

Diversification 

Owning pre-1933 gold coins can diversify your precious metals portfolio. While modern bullion coins are valued mainly for their metal content, older coins may also have numismatic value. 

Potential Exemption from Confiscation 

One reason sometimes cited is that pre-1933 gold coins may be exempt from potential government confiscation or mandatory buyback scenarios, as they were in the 1930s due to their numismatic status.  

Privacy 

Older coins may be purchased with a degree of privacy, while modern bullion transactions may not. 

Tangible Asset 

Like all physical gold, pre-1933 gold offers the benefit of being a tangible asset. It does not rely on electronic markets or banking systems to realize its value. 

Limited Supply 

Many of these coins may become harder to find in good condition as time passes, potentially increasing their rarity and value. 

Risks of Purchasing Pre-1933 Gold 

Every investment comes with risks, even old gold coins. Here are few risks to consider, 

Higher Premiums 

Due to their numismatic value, some pre-1933 gold coins may have higher premiums over their gold content than modern bullion. 

Need for Expertise 

To ensure you are not overpaying or buying counterfeit coins, it is beneficial to have some expertise or consult with experts when buying numismatic coins. Liquidity 

While there is a market for pre-1933 gold, it might not be as liquid as modern bullion coins or bars, depending on the specific coin and its condition. 

Types of Pre-1933 Gold Coins 

Pre-1933 gold coins come in various denominations and each coin has seen an essential part of history through its design and the denomination itself. Most of these coins underwent various design changes through the years due to revisions by different engravers, updates in design philosophy, or technical challenges in minting. These variations can significantly influence the rarity and value of specific coins.