Your Ultimate Hedge Against Inflation
As the purchasing power of the dollar continues to erode, Pre-1933 gold coins offer a proven shield against inflation with over a century of historical evidence.
The Inflation Reality
Since 1913, when the Federal Reserve was established, the U.S. dollar has lost over 97% of its purchasing power. What cost $1 in 1913 now costs approximately $30 today.
In contrast, gold has not only maintained its purchasing power but has appreciated significantly. An ounce of gold that cost $20.67 in 1933 is now worth over $2,600—a 12,500% increase.
Historical Fact:
In 1933, a $20 Double Eagle could buy a quality men's suit. Today, that same coin (worth $2,600+) can still buy a quality suit—plus much more. The dollar? It would barely cover a tie.
Why Pre-1933 Outperforms Modern Bullion
While all gold serves as an inflation hedge, Pre-1933 coins offer dual appreciation potential:
- 1.Intrinsic Gold Value: As gold prices rise with inflation, your coin's base value increases proportionally.
- 2.Numismatic Premium: Historical rarity and collector demand create additional value beyond the gold content, often appreciating faster than spot gold prices.
Performance Example:
During the 1970s inflation crisis, gold increased 2,300%. Many Pre-1933 coins increased 3,000-4,000% due to combined gold appreciation and numismatic demand.
Inflation Protection Through the Decades
Gold rose from $35 to $850/oz as inflation hit 13.5%. Pre-1933 coins outperformed spot gold by 40-60%.
While stocks crashed 37%, gold rose 5.5%. Pre-1933 coins held value and saw increased collector premiums.
Gold hit all-time highs above $2,000. Pre-1933 coins appreciated 25-35% faster than modern bullion.
Understanding Executive Order 6102
In 1933, during the depths of the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 6102, "forbidding the hoarding of gold coin, gold bullion, and gold certificates within the continental United States."
Citizens were required to turn in their gold to the Federal Reserve in exchange for $20.67 per ounce in paper currency. Shortly after confiscation, the price of gold was revalued to $35.00 per ounce—effectively devaluing the paper dollars citizens had just received by nearly 70%.
However, the order contained a specific exemption for "gold coins having a recognized special value to collectors of rare and unusual coins."
This exemption allowed numismatic (collectible) gold coins to remain in private hands legally. Today, these Pre-1933 coins are highly sought after not just for their gold content, but for their historical scarcity and privacy benefits.
The Complete Benefits of Pre-1933 Gold Ownership
Pre-1933 gold coins deliver advantages that modern bullion simply cannot match. Here's what you gain as a client when you add these historical treasures to your portfolio.
Superior Privacy Protection
Benefit: Confidential wealth preservation
Pre-1933 gold coins offer significantly greater privacy than modern bullion. While bullion purchases over $10,000 trigger IRS Form 8300 reporting, Pre-1933 coins are often treated differently under dealer reporting requirements.
What this means for you: You can build substantial precious metals holdings with enhanced confidentiality. Your wealth remains your business, not a matter of public record.
Client Advantage:
Accumulate wealth discreetly without triggering the same reporting thresholds as modern bullion, providing peace of mind in uncertain economic times.
Dual Appreciation Potential
Benefit: Two ways your investment grows
Unlike modern bullion that only tracks the spot price of gold, Pre-1933 coins appreciate through both gold price increases AND numismatic premiums. As these coins become scarcer, collector demand drives values higher.
What this means for you: When gold rises 20%, your Pre-1933 coins may rise 25-30% or more. You benefit from gold's inflation hedge PLUS the growing scarcity premium.
Client Advantage:
Your investment has built-in leverage. Historical data shows Pre-1933 coins consistently outperform bullion during gold bull markets by 30-50%.
Confiscation Protection
Benefit: Historical exemption from government seizure
Executive Order 6102 specifically exempted "gold coins having a recognized special value to collectors." This precedent established Pre-1933 coins as collectibles rather than monetary instruments.
What this means for you: In the unlikely event of future government restrictions on gold ownership, Pre-1933 coins have historical legal protection that modern bullion does not enjoy.
Client Advantage:
Sleep soundly knowing your wealth is protected by legal precedent. Pre-1933 coins are classified as collectibles, not currency, providing an additional layer of security.
Tangible Legacy Asset
Benefit: Generational wealth transfer
Pre-1933 coins are more than investments—they're heirlooms. These coins survived the Great Depression, World Wars, and economic crises. They carry stories and can be passed down through generations.
What this means for you: You're not just preserving wealth; you're creating a tangible legacy. Unlike stocks or bonds, these coins can be held, displayed, and cherished by your children and grandchildren.
Client Advantage:
Estate planning simplified. Pre-1933 coins are easily divisible, portable, and universally recognized. No probate delays, no complex valuations—just pure, transferable wealth.
Additional Client Benefits
No Counterparty Risk
Physical ownership means no dependence on banks, brokers, or third parties. Your wealth is in your hands.
Liquidity When You Need It
Pre-1933 coins are globally recognized and easily sold to dealers, collectors, or at auction. Convert to cash quickly.
Portfolio Insurance
When stocks fall, gold typically rises. Pre-1933 coins provide true diversification and crisis protection.
A Rich History: The Pre-1933 Gold Timeline
Understanding the historical journey of Pre-1933 gold coins reveals why they remain one of the most sought-after assets for wealth preservation.
The Coinage Act of 1792
Congress establishes the U.S. Mint and defines the dollar as a specific weight of gold or silver. The foundation of American gold coinage begins, with the first gold coins ($10 Eagles) minted in 1795.
Significance: This act established gold as the backbone of American currency, creating a monetary system that would last over 140 years.
California Gold Rush
The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill sparks the largest gold rush in American history. The influx of gold leads to the minting of the first $20 Double Eagles in 1850, followed by the iconic Liberty Head design that would run for 57 years.
Significance: This era produced millions of gold coins that circulated widely, establishing gold as the primary store of value for American prosperity.
The Saint-Gaudens Masterpiece
President Theodore Roosevelt commissions renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign U.S. gold coinage. The result: the $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle and $10 Indian Head Eagle, widely considered the most beautiful coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint.
Significance: These coins represent the pinnacle of American numismatic artistry. Saint-Gaudens died before seeing his designs in circulation, making them his final legacy.
The Great Depression Begins
The stock market crash of October 1929 triggers the worst economic crisis in modern history. As banks fail and paper assets collapse, Americans hoard gold coins as the only reliable store of value.
Significance: Gold proved its worth during the greatest financial crisis of the 20th century, protecting those who held it while paper wealth evaporated.
Executive Order 6102: The Confiscation
On April 5, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs Executive Order 6102, requiring all Americans to surrender their gold coins, bullion, and certificates to the Federal Reserve in exchange for $20.67 per ounce. Failure to comply carried penalties of up to $10,000 in fines and 10 years in prison.
The Exemption: The order contained a critical clause exempting "gold coins having a recognized special value to collectors of rare and unusual coins." This allowed numismatic coins to remain in private hands legally.
Significance: This is THE defining moment in Pre-1933 gold history. The confiscation ended 141 years of gold coinage circulation and created the legal distinction that protects Pre-1933 coins today.
The Gold Reserve Act
Just months after confiscation, Congress passes the Gold Reserve Act, revaluing gold from $20.67 to $35.00 per ounce—a 69% increase. Americans who surrendered their gold at $20.67 watched helplessly as the government immediately profited from the revaluation.
Significance: This act effectively devalued the dollar by 41% overnight, transferring massive wealth from citizens to the government. Those who kept collectible Pre-1933 coins saw their value soar.
Gold Ownership Restored
After 41 years, President Gerald Ford signs legislation allowing Americans to own gold bullion again. By this time, gold had risen to $183 per ounce. Pre-1933 coins, which were never illegal to own, commanded significant numismatic premiums.
Significance: This marked the end of the gold prohibition era, but Pre-1933 coins retained their special legal status and privacy advantages.
A Proven Store of Value
Pre-1933 gold coins have survived the Great Depression, World War II, the abandonment of the gold standard, multiple recessions, and ongoing currency devaluation. They remain one of the most reliable wealth preservation tools available.
Significance: With over 230 years of history, Pre-1933 gold coins have proven their value through every economic crisis. Today, they offer the same protection they provided in 1933—and the supply shrinks every year.
Featured Pre-1933 Gold Coins
Explore our selection of authentic Pre-1933 gold coins, each with its own unique history and investment characteristics.
$20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Widely considered the most beautiful U.S. coin ever minted. Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens at Theodore Roosevelt's request.
$20 Liberty Head Double Eagle
The longest-running U.S. gold coin series. Features Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with "LIBERTY."
$10 Indian Head Eagle
Features a Native American chief in full headdress. Unique incused (sunken) design makes it instantly recognizable.