My Deep Dive into Here Is A Very Nice 1933 USA Gold Coin, REAL!

I’ve collected coins for over thirty years, and the chatter about those so-called 1933 U.S. gold $5 pieces really grabbed my attention. This topic gets collectors fired up like few others, so I thought I’d share what I’ve learned about these controversial items after digging into them myself.

What’s All the Fuss About?

Let’s get straight to it: the U.S. Mint never struck genuine $5 gold coins in 1933. What you’re seeing are cleverly modified pieces, usually overstruck on authentic Indian Head $5 coins by Daniel Carr. When I studied photos and descriptions, the telltale signs jumped out – tooling marks, shifted elements, that sort of thing. That little asterisk sellers use in descriptions? That’s your first warning bell ringing loud and clear.

Two Sides to Every Story

This debate splits our community right down the middle:

• Supporters see them as artistic creations: Carr markets these openly as fantasy pieces, not trying to fool anyone. I’ll admit – some are beautifully executed. They remind me of commemorative medals where craftsmanship takes center stage.
• Critics call them fakes: Changing that “FIVE DOLLARS” denomination? That’s legally dicey territory. I’ve held these in hand, and they could easily trip up new collectors. The ethics bother me most – unsuspecting buyers might get burned thinking they’re getting something official.

Walking the Legal Tightrope

From what I’ve gathered talking to folks in the know, Carr hasn’t been charged, probably because there’s no real 1933 version to counterfeit. But here’s my two cents: altering currency with denominations still feels like skating on thin ice. The golden rule? Full transparency. Sellers must spell out exactly what these are, and we buyers need to do our homework. If you’re tempted by one, get its story verified through trusted dealers or grading services.

Handling These Pieces Safely

If you encounter one of these, here’s what I’d suggest based on hard lessons learned:

• Research before you reach for your wallet: Always check what the mint actually produced. My Red Book’s spine is cracked from constant use – make yours the same way.
• Look closer than you think necessary: Grab that loupe and hunt for tool marks or doubled elements. I’ve caught fakes just by spending an extra minute examining edges.
• Remember what they are – and aren’t: These shouldn’t go to grading services as regular coins. Treat them as curiosities and keep their paperwork clear.
• Buy with both eyes open: Only deal with sellers who shout from the rooftops that it’s a fantasy piece. If something feels off, trust that gut feeling – there are plenty of genuine rarities out there.

Where They Fit in the Market

These Carr pieces have carved out a peculiar little niche. Dedicated fans will pay decent money for the artistry, but don’t expect them to hold value like real mint issues. Watch out though – I’ve seen shady sellers try to pass these off as something they’re not in secondary markets. Stick to transactions with solid paperwork, and share what you know with fellow collectors. We protect each other that way.

At the end of the day, these 1933 pieces make fascinating conversation starters at coin club meetings. Love them or hate them, they remind us that knowledge is our best protection in this hobby. Stay curious, stay skeptical, and keep sharing what you learn – that’s what makes collecting rewarding for all of us.