6 Highly Controversial Coins and the Intriguing Stories Behind Them

Here are some coins that are not just associated with currency but history, mystery, and controversy. These coins have sparked legal battles, stunned collectors, and sometimes sold for crores. Let’s take a look at the 6 most controversial coins of America.

1. 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin

The 1933 Double Eagle is one of the most famous and valuable coins in the world. It was not released to the general public because in 1933 the US government stopped the circulation of gold coins and ordered all double eagle coins to be melted. But some coins survived, bringing this coin into controversy.

• The US government considers it illegal and it is illegal to own it in private.
• In 2002, one of its coins was auctioned for $7.6 million.
• In 2021, another coin sold for $18.9 million, becoming the most expensive coin ever.

2. 1974 Aluminum Penny

In the 1970s, the U.S. Mint experimented with making coins out of aluminum due to the rising price of copper. However, the plan was canceled, and all aluminum pennies were to be destroyed. But some coins went missing.

• Only a few aluminum pennies exist outside government control.
• It is considered illegal to possess it.
• If it ever sold at auction, it could be worth crores.

3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

In 1913, the Liberty Head nickel was not officially supposed to be made, but 5 coins still emerged, making it a mystery of history.

• Only 5 coins exist in the world.
• In 2018, one of its coins was auctioned for $4.5 million.
• There are no official records of how these coins were made.

4. 2000 Sacagawea “Cheerios” Dollar

In 2000, the US Mint placed some Sacagawea Dollars in boxes of Cheerios cereal as part of a promotional offer. But some of these coins were special because the eagle’s feather design on the back was different from the usual coins.

• These coins have different patterns in the feathers.
• These coins can sell for thousands of dollars.
• No one knows how many of these coins were made in total.

5. 1959-D Wheat Penny Error Coin

In 1959, the US Mint dropped the “Wheat design” and introduced new designs to the Lincoln Cent. But the 1959-D Wheat Penny suddenly appeared, with the old design, making it a mystery.

• Only one coin has ever been found. Some believe it was made by mistake, while others believe it was a forgery.
• Experts are still debating its existence.

6. 1964-D Peace Dollar

In 1964, there were plans to reintroduce the Peace Dollar, and the Denver Mint actually minted a few coins. But before they hit the market, the government ordered all the coins to be melted down. Still, there are rumors that some coins survived.

• Officially, no 1964-D Peace Dollar coins are known to exist.
• Some collectors believe that some coins survived and ended up in private hands.
• If a real 1964-D Peace Dollar were to surface, it would be priceless.

Conclusion

Coins are not just pieces of metal, but they are full of history, mystery, and value. Some of these coins may still be lurking just outside the eyes of collectors. If you have old coins, you may even have a rare and controversial coin!

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