The Hidden Truths Behind 5 Legendary Coins Collectors Can’t Own

Some are forbidden because the history behind those coins involved a controversy, an illegal issue, and more. So-called forbidden coins have been banned, recalled, or declared illegal by various governments. Some never meant to exist. Others withdrew from circulation and a few are involved in historical events also making them interesting.

If you find these coins, consider yourself lucky as they symbolize much more than just money. They are representative of treasures that were lost down the ages, government intervention, and more. Five of the most interesting “forbidden” coins that collectors wish to own are discussed in detail below.

1. The 1933 Double Eagle – A Coin Worth Millions

What Is It? The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most famous and valuable coins in history. It was a $20 gold coin minted during the Great Depression, but it was never released for public use. In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt removed the U.S. from the gold standard, which meant folk couldn’t use gold coins as money anymore.

All 1933 Double Eagle coins were ordered to be melted and destroyed. But, some got away. The government of the United States still considers any coins that are left to be stolen property, so private individuals aren’t allowed to own them. Some of these coins were taken out of the U.S. Mint and went to collectors. This one inspired the quest of many collectors all up until now after it was sold at auction back in 2002 for a whooping $7.59 million. The coin was stolen, smuggled overseas, fought over in court and then found in a safety deposit box.

2. The 1974 Aluminum Penny – A Penny That Shouldn’t Exist

What Is It? In the early 1970s, the price of copper was rising, so the U.S. Mint experimented with making pennies out of aluminum instead. In 1974, they created 1.5 million aluminum pennies as a test. In the 1970s, the price of copper rose so U.S. Mint made a plan to make pennies out of aluminum instead. So, they designed aluminum pennies and made 15 lakh of them in 1974, as a test.

Why It’s Forbidden: The plan was later abandoned, and the government ordered that all the aluminum pennies be destroyed. But some of them never returned to the Mint. These pennies are still considered government property, which means if you find one you can’t keep it or sell it. Rumor has it that some Congress members or Mint staff took home a penny or two as souvenirs. Over time, a few have surfaced, resulting in court cases over ownership by private collectors. In 2014, the government took one of them, proving that they still are a cursed treasure even decades later.

3. The 1964-D Peace Dollar – A Vanished Silver Coin

What Is It? The 1964-D Peace Dollar was supposed to be America’s last silver dollar coin. The U.S. mint claimed that all of the coins were melted down for unknown reasons. So none exist today: But many collectors feel that a few potentially survived. If any still exist, the federal government considers it illegal to own one. Some collectors claimed Having seen a 1964-D Peace Dollar in private hands but no one was able to prove Time period That could change. If one would surface today, the government would seize it again just like they did with the 1933 Double Eagles.

4. The 1973 Krugerrand Ban – A Coin Tied to Apartheid

What is it? The Krugerrand is a gold coin from South Africa that was first minted in 1967. It was made to encourage the country’s gold industry, and it became one of the world’s most famous gold coins by the 1970s.

Many countries including USA, UK and some European nations, prohibited the import and sale of Krugerrands during the 1980s because South Africa was under apartheid and it used to be a world famous gold coin. So, the import, sale and use of krugerrands was banned, especially in western nations that opposed the apartheid regime.Because of apartheid, South Africa’s Krugerrand became controversial. A number of countries placed a ban on the importation and sale of the coin.

5. Ancient Roman Coins – Priceless Relics That Can’t Be Owned

What Are They? Ancient Roman coins are thousands of years old that hint at the history of the Roman Empire. Many show emperors, gods, and famous battles which makes them very desirable for collectors. Many of these coins were excavated from old historic sites in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and other places. Many governments believe they are national treasures and stop them from being sold. If a collector has a coin that was illegally dug up, authorities can seize it and press charges.

The Black Market: Despite strict laws, a huge black market exists for ancient coins. Some people smuggle them out of archaeological digs, while others forge fake documents to sell them legally. Museums and historians argue that these coins belong to the world and should be preserved in museums rather than sold to private collectors.

The Thrill and Risk of Forbidden Coins

Owning a forbidden coin is both exciting and dangerous. On one hand, these coins are incredibly rare and valuable, representing lost pieces of history. On the other hand, they come with legal risks, and some have been seized by governments even after being owned for decades.

Final Thoughts:

If you ever come across a forbidden coin, research it carefully before trying to sell or keep it.
Many of these coins have been involved in smuggling, lawsuits, and even FBI investigations.
The mystery and controversy surrounding them only make them more desirable for collectors.
In the world of numismatics, forbidden coins remain the ultimate prize—but they also come with a price far beyond their monetary value.

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