Coins are not just for transactions, but they also contain history, mystery and sometimes controversy. Some rare coins have been a part of legal battles, scandals and heated debates among collectors.
Here we will talk about the six most controversial coins, which are still a topic of discussion among coin collectors and historians.
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 officially issued by the US government because gold coins were banned at that time. But some coins somehow escaped the melting process and reached private collections.
Why is it controversial?
- In 1933, the US government banned gold coins, making this coin illegal.
- Most of the coins were melted and destroyed, but how some survived remains a mystery.
- Legal battles over ownership of this coin continued for years.
Estimated price:
A copy of this coin was sold for $18.9 million (about Rs 155 crore), making it the most expensive coin in the world.
2. 1974 Aluminum Penny
In the 1970s, the US government decided to make aluminum coins in view of the rising prices of copper. Some aluminum coins were also made, but later the plan was canceled and all the coins were recalled. Still, some coins went into private hands, making this coin controversial.
Why is it controversial?
- The US Mint never officially released this coin.
- Most of the coins were recalled, but some disappeared secretly.
- Private ownership of such coins is considered illegal.
Estimated price:
If a real 1974 aluminum penny ever came up for sale, it could sell for several million dollars.
3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of the most mysterious coins in US history. The design was never officially approved, yet somehow five coins were made and found in private collections.
Why is it controversial?
- It was never released with government permission.
- How and where the five coins were made remains a mystery to this day.
- It is believed that these coins were secretly made by an employee of the US Mint.
Estimated price:
A single 1913 Liberty Head nickel sold for $4.5 million (roughly Rs. 37 crores), making it one of the most expensive nickel coins in the world.
4. 2000 Saka-Javia Cheerios Dollar
In 2000, the US government inserted a special edition of the Saka-Javia dollar into ‘Cheerios’ cereal boxes as a promotional campaign. But it was later discovered that these coins had a different design in the eagle’s wings than other common coins.
Why is it controversial?
- The US Mint did not acknowledge this design difference at first.
- Collectors later realized that these coins are unique and have special features.
- This way of distributing coins in cereal boxes was very unusual, making this coin even more interesting.
Estimated Price:
Today, the price of these rare coins can go up to thousands of dollars.
5. 1959-D Wheat Penny Error Coin
The 1959-D Wheat Penny is one of the biggest mysteries in the coin world. The US government had discontinued the Wheat Penny design since 1958, yet a coin from 1959 was found with the Wheat design.
Why is it controversial?
- The Wheat Penny design was discontinued after 1958, yet how did this design appear in 1959?
- Some experts believe it may have been made by mistake, while others believe it is a fraud.
- There is only one known copy of this coin, making it even more unique.
Estimated Price:
The price of this coin cannot be estimated as it is the only coin of its kind and if sold at auction, it could fetch millions of dollars.
6. 1964-D Peace Dollar
In 1964, the US government had planned to reintroduce the Peace Dollar, but later canceled it and ordered all the coins made to be melted. However, there are rumors that some coins somehow survived and reached private hands.
Why is it controversial?
- The US government never officially released it.
- The U.S. Mint claimed all the coins were destroyed, but some people believe they still exist somewhere today.
- If a real 1964-D Peace Dollar is found, it would be a historic discovery.
Estimated Price:
If this coin ever hits the market, it could be worth millions of dollars.
Conclusion
Coins are not just pieces of metal, they are witnesses to history. These controversial coins are full of mystery, legal battles, and unsolved puzzles. Collectors and historians are still trying to find these rare coins.
If you have an old or unusual coin, check it out carefully—who knows, you might own a rare treasure!
FAQs
What makes a coin controversial?
A coin can be considered controversial due to design errors, political implications, legal disputes, historical significance, or unexpected rarity.
Are controversial coins valuable?
The market recognizes valuable controversial coins because of their scarcity and their historical worth or public spotlight during their initial release.
Can controversial coins still be in circulation?
Controversial coins remain in circulation although few examples are found whereas most reside either in private collections or museums because of their monetary worth.
Where can I buy or sell controversial coins?
You can buy or sell controversial coins through online auction sites, coin dealers, numismatic events, and professional grading services.