Some coins are so rare and mysterious that they’re nearly impossible to own. These coins are not just valuable—they’re legally forbidden to possess, making them even more fascinating for collectors.
Each one has a story filled with history, controversy, and government regulation. Let’s explore five forbidden coins that collectors can only dream of owning.
The Famous 1933 Double Eagle
The 1933 Double Eagle is the ultimate forbidden coin. Minted as a $20 gold piece during the Great Depression, nearly all 445,500 coins were ordered to be destroyed when the U.S. abandoned the gold standard.
However, a few coins escaped destruction.
The U.S. government considers these coins its property, and they can’t be legally owned—except for one, which sold for $7.6 million in 2002.
Any other Double Eagles that appear are swiftly seized by the Secret Service. This makes it not only a piece of history but a symbol of legal and historical intrigue.
The Controversial 2007 Liberty Head Double Eagle
This coin’s story highlights the tension between collectors and the government. Collector Dwight Manley legally bought the 2007 Liberty Head Double Eagle, but federal agents later seized it, claiming it belonged to the government.
Even though it’s a modern coin, its significance lies in the legal battles it sparked, showing how history and ownership rights often clash.
Collectors find this piece irresistible despite its legal complications.
The Curious 1974 Aluminum Penny
In the 1970s, the U.S. Mint experimented with aluminum pennies to save money on rising copper costs. Around 1.6 million 1974 Aluminum Pennies were created and sent to Congress for approval.
Most were destroyed after the project failed, but a few coins slipped through the cracks. When one showed up in 2014, it sparked a legal fight, with the government reclaiming ownership.
This coin is a “what-if” piece in U.S. history, sparking curiosity and interest among collectors.
The Mysterious 1964 Peace Dollar
The 1964 Peace Dollar is the stuff of legend. Over 300,000 coins were minted but never released to the public, as the government ordered them all destroyed. Yet rumors persist that a few coins survived.
These unconfirmed survivors have created a mystique around the 1964 Peace Dollar. While any existing coins are illegal to own, their rumored existence fuels excitement and keeps collectors dreaming of finding one.
The 1934 Chinese Silver Dollar
Rare and forbidden coins aren’t limited to the U.S. The 1934 Chinese Silver Dollar, featuring Sun Yat-sen’s image, is an example of international intrigue. Minted during a critical moment in China’s history, these coins were banned from export by the Chinese government.
This restriction has made them almost impossible to own legally outside China. Their scarcity and connection to an important historical figure make them a highly coveted piece for collectors worldwide.
Why Forbidden Coins Are So Fascinating
Owning forbidden coins is almost impossible because governments often see them as public property, no matter how they were acquired.
If these coins resurface, they’re typically confiscated. However, their forbidden status only adds to their allure.
Collectors are drawn to these coins not just for their rarity but for their history and the stories they tell. These coins reflect pivotal historical events, political decisions, and economic shifts.
The combination of scarcity and controversy makes them some of the most exciting treasures in numismatics.
