6 Highly Controversial Coins and Their Fascinating Stories

Coins are not only money; they are stories, secrets, and occasionally scandals. Over the years, some coins have been controversial, ignited legal wars, and left collectors in wonder.

These mysterious and rare coins are still highly prized, with some selling for millions at auction. Let’s examine six of the most controversial coins in American history.

1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin

One of the world’s most well-known and valuable coins, the 1933 Double Eagle, was never meant to be in private ownership. In 1933, the U.S. government prohibited gold coins from being circulated and commanded all Double Eagles to be melted. But a few got away.

• The U.S. government regards these coins illegal to possess.
• One sold at auction in 2002 for $7.6 million.
• In 2021, another one broke a record by selling for $18.9 million.

1974 Aluminum Penny

In the early 1970s, the U.S. Mint tested aluminum pennies to counteract increasing copper prices. The idea was ultimately abandoned, and all the aluminum pennies were to be recalled. A few, however, went missing.

• Few aluminum pennies are found outside government possession.
• Possessing one is deemed illegal.
• If it were sold, it would be worth millions because of its scarcity.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel

This enigmatic nickel is one of the most valuable and rarest U.S. coins. The Liberty Head design was never meant to be minted in 1913, but five coins appeared under mysterious conditions.

• Only five are known to exist.
• One was sold at auction for $4.5 million.
• No official documents verify how these coins were made.

2000 Sacagawea Cheerios Dollar

In a marketing campaign, the U.S. Mint inserted special Sacagawea dollars into Cheerios cereal boxes. Some of these coins, though, were minted with a different eagle feather design, so they were special.

• The Cheerios dollars have unique feather details.
• They are worth thousands of dollars to collectors.
• We don’t know how many of these special coins exist.

1959-D Wheat Penny Error Coin

The 1959-D Wheat Penny is a mystery since it bears the wheat penny design, which was officially terminated in 1958. Specialists argue whether it was an accident, a scam, or an unauthorized strike.

• It has only been found once.
• Some argue that it was a conscious error.
• Its history is unknown, and thus it is a real numismatic enigma.

1964-D Peace Dollar

The Peace Dollar was to come back in 1964, and the Denver Mint even produced coins. But before they could come out, the government instructed them all to be melted down. In spite of this, it is rumored that some survived.

• There are no officially accepted 1964-D Peace Dollars in existence today.
• Some collectors are convinced that some managed to evade the melting pot.
• If ever discovered, it would be invaluable.

Coins are not mere pieces of metal—history, mystery, and great worth are hidden in them. Such disputable coins are still fascinating collectors, with some seeking lost or concealed pieces to this day. Wherever they might be locked away in private collections or yet to be found, their tales remain.

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