The world of coin collecting is rich with history, artistry, and mystery. Among its many stories are coins so rare and controversial that they are outright forbidden to own. These elusive treasures represent pivotal moments in history and the tug-of-war between collectors and governments. Here’s a closer look at five of the most intriguing forbidden coins.
1933 Double Eagle
The 1933 Double Eagle is arguably the most famous forbidden coin in U.S. history. Minted during the Great Depression as a $20 gold coin, its story took a dramatic turn when President Franklin D. Roosevelt took the nation off the gold standard. This decision rendered the Double Eagle obsolete, and nearly all 445,500 coins were melted down.
However, a few escaped destruction, and their rarity has made them legendary. Only one has been legally sold, fetching an incredible $7.6 million at auction in 2002. The rest remain government property, with the U.S. Secret Service actively pursuing any that surface.
2007 Liberty Head Double Eagle
The 2007 Liberty Head Double Eagle offers a modern twist on forbidden coins. Dwight Manley, a well-known collector, legally acquired this coin through certified channels, yet it was later confiscated by federal authorities.
This case highlights the fine line between private ownership and government jurisdiction over certain historical artifacts. The controversy surrounding this coin serves as a cautionary tale for collectors, emphasizing the importance of knowing legalities before making high-stakes purchases.
1974 Aluminum Penny
An experimental oddity, the 1974 Aluminum Penny represents a fascinating chapter in U.S. coinage. It was created as a cost-saving measure when copper prices soared, with about 1.6 million pennies struck for congressional review.
Despite their promise, the coins were never approved for circulation, and most were recalled and destroyed. Yet a few remain unaccounted for, tantalizing collectors with their rarity. A 2014 discovery of one such penny sparked a heated legal battle, confirming these coins’ forbidden status.
1964 Peace Dollar
The 1964 Peace Dollar is often referred to as the “ghost coin” of numismatics. Over 300,000 of these silver dollars were minted, but none were officially released. All were supposedly melted down, though rumors persist that some escaped destruction.
The U.S. government asserts that any surviving 1964 Peace Dollars are illegal to own, adding to their mystique. For collectors, this coin embodies the ultimate “what if” of American coinage—a phantom treasure whose existence remains unconfirmed.
1934 Chinese Silver Dollar
Crossing international borders, the 1934 Chinese Silver Dollar is another example of a forbidden coin with a fascinating backstory. Bearing the likeness of Sun Yat-sen, this coin symbolizes a critical period in Chinese history.
The Chinese government prohibits the export of these coins, making them extremely difficult to acquire legally. Their restricted status only increases their allure among collectors, adding a layer of intrigue to their historical significance.
Coins like these remind us that history is not just something we read about—it’s something we can hold in our hands. The stories behind these forbidden treasures illustrate the complex interplay of law, history, and the enduring appeal of rare coins.
FAQs
Why is the 1933 Double Eagle forbidden?
Most were melted after the U.S. left the gold standard.
What happened to the 1964 Peace Dollar?
All were supposedly destroyed, making them illegal to own.
Why was the 1974 Aluminum Penny recalled?
It was an experimental coin never approved for circulation.
Are Chinese Silver Dollars legal to own?
They are restricted by Chinese export laws.
What is unique about the 2007 Liberty Head Double Eagle?
Its legal ownership is disputed despite private certification.
