There are various "forbidden coins" that collectors want due to their rarity, legal constraints, or controversial histories. Five such coins and their secret tales:
The 1933 Double Eagle is maybe the most notorious "forbidden coin." Due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 6102, which banned gold coin hoarding, over 445,000 were made but never released.
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However, some specimens escaped the mint unlawfully, prompting a lawsuit between the U.S. government and the heirs of a Philadelphia jeweller.
The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is the "King of American Coins" due to its rarity and historical significance. No 1804 coins were made; they were coined in the 1830s as diplomatic gifts.
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The 15 known examples have sold for exorbitant sums at auction. The 1804 Dollar's thefts, forgeries, and legal conflicts add to its forbidden appeal.
Another mysterious coin is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Five specimens have a secret history of thievery, dishonesty, and court fights.
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A North Carolina collector inadvertently had the "Walton Specimen," which had been missing for nearly 40 years, until 2003. Its return shocked numismatics and revived interest in the banned coin.
The U.S. Mint struck a few aluminium cents as experimental pieces in 1974, but they were never released due to worries about its characteristics and confusion with the silver dime.
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Few survived and were bought by private individuals. Government-owned aluminium cents are unlawful to own and can be seized.
Collectors prise the Brasher Doubloon, one of the first US gold coins. George Washington's neighbour and goldsmith Ephraim Brasher made the coins in the late 18th century.
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Few specimens exist, each with a distinct design and history. American numismatists dream of having a Brasher Doubloon.
The rarity, historical significance, and enigmatic character of these prohibited coins attract collectors. The history behind these coins make them some of the most sought-after numismatic gems, even though most people can only dream of possessing one.
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