Illegal Tender: Gold, Greed and the Mystery of the Lost 1933 Double Eagle

by David Tripp

Book Overview

It's the stuff myths are made of: the story of a celebrated artefact - the 1933 twenty-dollar gold piece - and its incredible journey from the deathbed of a famous artist to a sybaritic Egyptian king to a vault in the World Trade Centre to a record-breaking auction in July 2002, where it was sold for more than USD 7.5 million. In ILLEGAL TENDER David Tripp tells a riveting tale of greed, intrigue and deception as it follows the once-secret trajectory...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743245741
• ISBN13: 9780743245746
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: American Numismatic Society
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A Real Page Turner

Illegal Tender reads like a fast-paced detective thriller. All the elements of a great "whodunit" are here. The elusive treasure, the thieving insider, the hard nosed by the book detectives and tying it all together is the outstanding writing of David Tripp. In addition to weaving a fascinating tale of the fate of these precious 1933 Double Eagle coins, Tripp masterfully expands the panorama of the story to bring the reader back to the early 1930s and FDRs decision to essentially ban private ownership of gold. Indeed, while reading the first few chapters, I couldn't help but think the story of FDR's first 30 (forget 100) days in office would itself fill a book. The story of the hunt for the purloined gold coins is wonderfully told with rich texture given to the main characters, an insider's look on how an FBI sting operates, the sometimes shady world of numismatism, and everything in between. The kernels of information laced throughout this book will literally leave you saying this CAN'T be true. But it is. There's a great coda to the story, I won't spoil here, but Tripp leaves one last twist until the very end. This book is highly recommended.

Au+

Rare coins, government fowlups, kings and presidents, big money, criminals, artists and a beautiful girl (on the coin)...all elements in this fascinating book. I am an avid reader of non-fiction and I have the collector gene, but I never expected this to be a one-night-read. Just great!

Great narrative non-fiction!

Who would have thought that a book about an old gold coin would be interesting? Tripp does a fine job in explaining the financial problems this country was facing at the start of FDR's first term and how gold coins played a major part in saving the US banking system. The story of the '33 Double Eagle is fascinating--full of intrigue with a cast of characters worthy of Dickens. One does not need to be a numismatic to appreciate this story. A great example of narrative non-fiction. Bravo, Mr. Tripp.

Illegal fun

One of those stories where truth is stranger than fiction. Meticulous research, great writing and intrigue kept me up well past my bedtime.

Golden Greed

This book has it all: kings, cops, crooks, and millionaire collectors all in pursuit of a fabulous gold coin that can't be legally owned or sold. Tripp's taut tale is exciting non-fiction, and the story and vivid personalities will keep you hooked. If you've ever looked at your spare change and wondered if one of your coins might be worth a fortune, this book is for you!