Skip to content 
From the earliest days of US coinage until 1933, the United States Mint struck a variety of gold coins for circulation. The most recognized of these were the US Eagle denominations, though the Mint also produced the shorter-lived gold dollar coin. All carried a consistent gold fineness after 1837 and featured timeless designs still sought after today by collectors and gold buyers. At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we purchase Pre-33 US Gold Coins from individuals looking to sell, offering fair market evaluations, transparent pricing, and free verbal appraisals.
From 1795 to 1833, all US gold coins minted by the US Mint were struck in 22-karat gold, then known as “English crown gold.” By law, each coin contained 11/12 pure gold and 1/12 alloy, made only of silver and copper. Silver could make up no more than half of the alloy by weight, resulting in coins with 91.67% gold, up to 4.167% silver, and the remainder copper.
In 1834, the gold content was reduced to 89.92% to prevent the widespread melting and export of US gold coins, which had become profitable due to their high gold content. This composition remained in place until 1836.
By 1837, the gold content had been standardized at 90% with a 10% alloy. Initially, from 1837 to 1840, the alloy could include up to 5% silver, with copper making up the balance. From 1841 onward, silver was removed entirely, leaving all Pre-33 US Gold Coins composed of 90% gold and 10% copper until gold coin production ended in 1933.
The most common Pre-33 US Gold Coins came from the US Eagle denomination. Introduced in 1795, the Eagle ($10), Half Eagle ($5), and Quarter Eagle ($2.50) were minted with occasional production gaps until 1933, 1929, and 1929, respectively. The Double Eagle ($20) was introduced in 1850 and discontinued in 1933. Early designs were shared across denominations until the late 19th century, when unique designs emerged in the early 20th century, giving each denomination its distinct style and place in American coinage history.
Another significant evolution in these coins was their changing diameters, which shifted as the gold purity and the composition of metallic alloys were adjusted over time (as noted earlier). These changes in diameter included:
Introduced in 1849 following the California Gold Rush, the US Gold Dollar was minted alongside the silver dollar but featured unique designs, setting it apart from both silver dollars and US Eagle denomination coins. Containing .04837 Troy oz of gold in a 90% gold and 10% copper alloy, it saw three obverse and two reverse designs over a 40-year run ending in 1889. Initially 12.7 MM in diameter, the coin increased to 14.3 MM with the second series design.
The history of Pre-33 US Gold Coins traces back to the Coinage Act of 1792, which authorized US coinage and defined face values. Gold coin production began in 1794-1795, but early focus remained on silver coinage until the 1830s–1840s, when Eagles, Half Eagles, and Quarter Eagles gained traction. The California Gold Rush fueled gold coin production as the US Mint received abundant gold supplies.
These coins, once matching their face value in gold content, are now far more valuable for their bullion worth. The term “Pre-33” stems from 1933, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt ended the gold standard, halted gold coin production, and ordered citizens to exchange gold coins for paper currency. Most were melted into bullion for the Federal Reserve at Fort Knox, making surviving Pre-33 gold coins rare today.
Due to over 80 years of non-production, Pre-33 US Gold Coins are scarce and in high demand. Availability is limited, and once sold out, they are often gone for long periods. Certified coins ship in protective slabs, while raw coins come in vinyl flips. Orders over $199 ship free and are fully insured.
For inquiries about selling Pre-33 US Gold Coins, call us at + (702) 460-5188 or email us at deigoldandsilvercoins@gmail.com. We offer fair evaluations, free verbal assessments, and secure transactions.
At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We value transparency and trust, and our testimonials reflect our commitment to fair service. Feedback is always welcome as we continue improving the selling experience.
DEIGoldAndSilverCoins offers over 50 years of trusted expertise in buying, selling, and appraising gold and silver coins in Las Vegas. Backed by certifications from CAC, NGC, PCGS, GIA, and AGL, we ensure every transaction is secure, professional, and rewarding.
All Rights Reserved © 2025 Powered By UDM
