The world of coin collecting is filled with incredible stories of rare and valuable pieces. However, some coins are off-limits to collectors—not because of their price or rarity, but because owning them is forbidden. These forbidden coins have captivated enthusiasts for decades, thanks to their dramatic histories, government involvement, and unresolved mysteries. Here’s a look at five of the most intriguing forbidden coins and their fascinating backstories.
Table of Contents
1933 Double Eagle
The 1933 Double Eagle is the undisputed king of forbidden coins. Originally intended to serve as $20 gold coins, these pieces were minted during a turbulent time in U.S. history. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s decision to abandon the gold standard during the Great Depression led to the destruction of nearly all 445,500 minted coins.
However, a handful of Double Eagles escaped destruction, becoming the centerpiece of one of numismatics’ most legendary stories. Today, the U.S. government considers these coins to be federal property, and owning one is illegal. Only one has been legally sold—fetching $7.6 million at auction in 2002. The rest remain under the watchful eye of the U.S. Secret Service, who actively pursue any that come to light.
2007 Liberty Head Double Eagle
The story of the 2007 Liberty Head Double Eagle highlights the modern-day conflict between collectors and government authority. After collector Dwight Manley purchased this coin through legal channels, federal agents confiscated it, claiming it had never been authorized for private ownership.
This case set a legal precedent, reinforcing the government’s authority over certain coins, even if they’ve entered the marketplace. The 2007 Liberty Head Double Eagle remains a symbol of the blurry line between private collecting and federal jurisdiction.
1974 Aluminum Penny
The 1974 Aluminum Penny is an experimental coin that was never meant for circulation. As copper prices surged in the 1970s, the U.S. Mint explored alternatives to reduce costs, leading to the creation of approximately 1.6 million aluminum pennies.
Most of these experimental coins were recalled and destroyed after being presented to Congress for review. However, a few specimens went missing, and their rarity has made them highly desirable. In 2014, one surfaced, sparking a legal battle that confirmed the government’s position: owning these coins is illegal.
1964 Peace Dollar
The 1964 Peace Dollar is often called the “ghost coin” of U.S. numismatics. Although over 300,000 coins were minted, none were officially released, and all were supposedly destroyed.
Rumors persist that a few coins survived the destruction, making the 1964 Peace Dollar one of the most elusive and mysterious pieces in U.S. coinage history. The government has declared any surviving examples to be illegal to own, but their legend continues to grow, making them a dream for collectors—if only they could legally obtain one!
1934 Chinese Silver Dollar
The 1934 Chinese Silver Dollar provides a fascinating example of a forbidden coin restricted by international laws. Featuring an image of Sun Yat-sen, the coin represents a pivotal moment in Chinese history. While these coins were intended for circulation, the Chinese government later prohibited their export.
As a result, acquiring one outside of China is extremely difficult, and they are illegal to own or trade in certain jurisdictions. Their rarity and historical significance make them highly desirable among collectors, despite the legal hurdles.
These forbidden coins are more than just rare pieces of metal—they represent moments of political change, experimental innovation, and international intrigue. While owning them may not be possible, their stories continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, proving that the value of a coin isn’t always in its material, but in its history.
FAQs
Why is the 1933 Double Eagle illegal to own?
Most were destroyed, and surviving coins are U.S. government property.
What happened to the 1974 Aluminum Penny?
Most were destroyed, and ownership of surviving coins is prohibited.
Are there any 1964 Peace Dollars in circulation?
Rumors persist, but all were supposedly destroyed.
Why are 1934 Chinese Silver Dollars restricted?
The Chinese government prohibited their export, limiting access.
What is unique about the 2007 Liberty Head Double Eagle?
It highlights modern legal disputes over rare coin ownership.
