In the world of coin collecting, known as numismatics, some coins are not just rare but almost impossible to own legally. These coins have fascinating stories that go beyond their value and reflect significant moments in history, politics, and ambition. Here, we will explore five of the most sought-after forbidden coins, uncovering the intriguing tales behind them.
Table of Forbidden Coins
| Coin Name | Year | Description | Status of Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|
| The 1933 Double Eagle | 1933 | A $20 gold coin minted during the Great Depression. | Mostly illegal to own; 1 sold legally. |
| The 2007 Liberty Head $20 Double Eagle | 2007 | A historical gold coin that faced government confiscation. | Confiscated by the government. |
| The 1974 Aluminum Penny | 1974 | An experimental coin that was never released to the public. | Illegal to own; few exist. |
| The 1964 Peace Dollar | 1964 | A silver dollar that was struck but never released into circulation. | Considered illegal to own. |
| The 1934 Chinese Silver Dollar | 1934 | A limited silver dollar depicting Sun Yat-sen, removed from circulation due to political issues. | Illegal to export from China. |
1. The 1933 Double Eagle: America’s Legendary Gold Coin
The 1933 Double Eagle is possibly the most famous forbidden coin in the world. Minted during the Great Depression, it was meant to be a $20 gold coin. However, due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s decision to take the U.S. off the gold standard, nearly all of the 445,500 coins made were ordered to be melted down before they could circulate.
The Untold Story:
Despite the government’s efforts to destroy them, a few Double Eagles were secretly taken from the mint. For many years, the U.S. Secret Service actively searched for these coins, leading to a dramatic legal battle when one surfaced in the 1990s. In 2002, one became the first—and so far, only—Double Eagle sold at auction for a whopping $7.6 million. However, others remain illegal to own, and the government still claims ownership if any are found.
Why Collectors Dream of It:
With only one legally owned by a private collector, the 1933 Double Eagle is a symbol of mystery, rarity, and intrigue. Collectors see owning this coin as the ultimate achievement in numismatics, blending historical significance with exclusivity.
2. The 2007 Liberty Head $20 Double Eagle: The Last Confiscated Coin
The Liberty Head Double Eagle, minted in the 19th and early 20th centuries, became subject to strict legal restrictions after Roosevelt’s gold recall in 1933. In 2007, a collector named Dwight Manley made headlines when he bought a 1933 Liberty Head Double Eagle, only to have it confiscated by federal agents.
The Untold Story:
Manley legally purchased the coin, as it was privately certified. However, the government claimed it was never meant to leave federal custody. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between individual ownership rights and government control over historical artifacts.
Why Collectors Dream of It:
This coin represents the struggle between collectors and the government. Its modern history and significance make it a fascinating yet forbidden piece in the world of coins.
3. The 1974 Aluminum Penny: A Trial Gone Astray
In 1974, the U.S. Mint experimented with aluminum pennies to save money due to rising copper prices. About 1.6 million aluminum pennies were made and given to Congress for evaluation. However, the plan was canceled, and most of these pennies were ordered to be destroyed.
The Untold Story:
Some aluminum pennies went missing, becoming mysterious “forbidden” coins. One of them resurfaced in 2014, owned by a former U.S. Mint official’s family. The government demanded its return, sparking a legal battle. Eventually, the family had to surrender the penny, leaving collectors curious about the existence of other potential survivors.
Why Collectors Dream of It:
The 1974 Aluminum Penny symbolizes experimentation and rarity. Collectors desire it not just for its scarcity but also because it represents a different direction U.S. coinage could have taken.
4. The 1964 Peace Dollar: America’s Unreleased Silver Dollar
In 1964, the U.S. Mint struck over 300,000 silver Peace Dollars to bring silver dollars back into circulation. However, due to political pressure and the falling value of silver, all were ordered to be melted down before release. Rumors suggest that a few coins survived this fate.
The Untold Story:
Some mint employees believe a handful of coins escaped destruction, but none have been officially documented. The government states that any surviving 1964 Peace Dollars are illegal to own, making them a “ghost coin” in numismatics.
Why Collectors Dream of It:
For collectors, the 1964 Peace Dollar represents the potential for a high-stakes discovery. It’s the Holy Grail of post-1960s U.S. coins, promising a unique find with the thrill of a treasure that officially doesn’t exist.
5. The 1934 Chinese Silver Dollar: A Tale of China’s Forbidden Coin
In 1934, amid economic turmoil, the Chinese government issued a limited number of silver dollars featuring Sun Yat-sen. Only a small batch was minted, and they were quickly withdrawn from circulation due to reports of smuggling and political tension.
The Untold Story:
The 1934 Chinese Silver Dollar is a symbol of modern Chinese history and reflects a nation in transition. While recognized within China, exporting these coins is strictly prohibited, making them highly sought after and difficult to acquire for collectors outside of China.
Why Collectors Dream of It:
For collectors, the 1934 Chinese Silver Dollar represents an important moment in Chinese history. Owning one is not just about wealth; it connects collectors to a significant part of China’s political and cultural evolution.
In conclusion, these five forbidden coins tell remarkable stories that go beyond their monetary value. They capture moments in history, reflect the struggles of ownership rights, and represent unique paths in coinage. Each coin holds a piece of the past, making them highly coveted among collectors. For many, owning any of these coins would be the ultimate prize in the world of numismatics, blending history, mystery, and rarity.
FAQs
What happens if someone is found with a forbidden coin?
If a person is found with a forbidden coin, authorities typically seize the coin and may require the individual to prove legal ownership.
How do these forbidden coins end up in private collections?
Many forbidden coins entered private collections due to mishandling or oversight.
Can I legally buy a forbidden coin at an auction or from a private collector?
Generally, forbidden coins cannot be legally owned or sold without special permissions.
Why are some coins considered “forbidden” or illegal to own?
Certain coins are deemed “forbidden” because they were never officially released to the public or were recalled by the government.