The story of the 1933 Double Eagle begins during one of the darkest periods in American history – the Great Depression.
As a result, the production of gold coins ceased, and the remaining gold coins in circulation were to be exchanged for currency.
Amidst this backdrop, the Philadelphia Mint struck a small number of Double Eagle coins in 1933 before halting production in compliance with Roosevelt's order.
However, the vast majority of these coins were ordered to be melted down into gold bars, with only a few escaping the mint's grasp through surreptitious means.
Despite the order to destroy the coins, a handful found their way into the hands of collectors and government officials.
One such individual was King Farouk of Egypt, who acquired several Double Eagles through diplomatic channels.
However, their legality came into question, leading to a series of legal battles and investigations that further cemented the coin's enigmatic status.