THE 1933 DOUBLE EAGLE WORLD TOUR OPENS IN LONDON

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V15 2012 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 15, Number 10, March 4, 2012, Article 22

This Coin Update article describes the current "world tour" of one of the Smithsonian's 1933 double eagle. Dubbed "the most expensive coin in the world" following the sale of the Fenton specimen for $7.59 million, '33 double eagles still draw attention. National Numismatic Collection curator Dick Doty is accompanying the coin along its journey. -Editor

Within the splendor that is the Goldsmith's Hall, among the priceless paintings and abundant city-of-London history, the display of the legendary 1933 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin made a bit of history itself today. On loan by special permission from the Smithsonian Institution and in conjunction with the Samler Huset Group, sponsors of the event, the coin will feature on a multi-city tour to what is expected will be many thousands of interested coin enthusiasts and collectors who will relish the opportunity to see an item which would ordinarily be off limits unless a visit to the US capitol is on the horizon.

With the kind of fanfare and anticipation usually on show for rock stars or royalty, the famed 1933 St. Gaudens $20 gold double Eagle coin was unveiled to a roomful of news reporters, journalists and photographers. Often referred to as the world's most expensive coin, amid the security, from local, national and right up to international level, the glittering and renowned gold coin was unveiled from under red drapery by Peter Swanston, Samler Huset's CEO.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Swanston noted "This is an incredibly exciting event. As well as being immensely valuable, the 1933 Double Eagle is a truly beautiful coin. We are thrilled to bring it to London and I'm sure many people will want to come and see this icon of American history."

Encased in a Lucite frame and now housed in a glass and black steel showcase, which will also serve as its secure home for the next few weeks, the gold coin traveled from its permanent home in Washington D.C. to the heart of the financial district in London, literally a stone's throw from the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral.

The American numismatic treasure will be on show from the 3rd to the 4th March, just two days in London as it makes its way through several European capitals. I have it on good authority that the next city which will have the opportunity to welcome the coin will be Dublin. The tour organizers tell me that anyone wishing to know where to see the coin after Dublin will have to follow its progress on Facebook and Twitter due to the security concerns. The links appear below.

This Museum example currently on tour has spent almost its entire life as part of the National Numismatic Collection of the United States and on display at the world renowned Smithsonian Institution. Under the supervision and careful eye of Richard Doty, Senior Curator and Karen Lee, project Specialist of the Smithsonian, both are accompanying the coin as it winds its way through several European capitals in this the first tour of its kind. It was my privilege to have had the opportunity to inspect the coin close up and as a dedicated collector for most of my life, it was a great privilege.

The Goldsmith's Hall is one of the places I'd hoped to see while living in London in 2007, but I never actually made it. If any of our European readers catch up with the coin along its tour, please let us know your thoughts.

Wondering why anyone would be willing to foot the bill for such an expensive undertaking, I looked up The Samler Huset Group. It's a Norwegian-owned, international mail order company selling collectibles such as coins, medals, stamps and banknotes.

By the way, Dr. Doty was also recently awarded the Huntington Medal for 2011 by the American Numismatic Society. Congratulations! Have a great trip. -Editor