In the world of coin collecting, there are few things more coveted than the rarest of the rare—coins so elusive, so forbidden, that their very existence is almost shrouded in mystery. These coins, with their hidden stories and incredible value, are the subject of intense desire for collectors and investors alike. What makes them forbidden isn’t just their scarcity or their historical significance, but often the secrecy and intrigue that surrounds them. From unauthorized mintings to government bans, these five forbidden coins have a fascinating tale behind their rarity, and each has captured the imagination of numismatists around the world.
1. The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – A Coin Lost in Time
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most legendary and forbidden coins in the world. Struck in 1933, this gold coin was intended to be part of a series of gold coins used in daily circulation. However, as the United States transitioned off the gold standard, the government ordered that all gold coins be recalled and melted down. Most of the coins were destroyed, but a few escaped the fate intended for them.
The reason for its forbidden status lies in the fact that the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was never released to the public. Only a handful of coins managed to slip through the cracks, and their existence was kept secret for decades. In the 1990s, one of these coins surfaced in an auction, and it fetched a record-breaking $7.6 million, making it the most expensive coin ever sold at that time.
The forbidden nature of this coin is tied to its connection with the U.S. government’s desperate attempt to control gold ownership during the Great Depression. Due to its unapproved release, any surviving specimens of this coin were considered illegal to own for a long period. As a result, they became even more desirable to collectors, who found the hunt for this hidden treasure all the more exhilarating.
2. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – The Mystery Coin
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is perhaps the most famous forbidden coin in American history. Struck clandestinely by a mint employee, this coin was never authorized for production. Only five known examples of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel exist, making it one of the rarest coins on earth.
The tale behind the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is shrouded in mystery. Allegedly, the coin was struck by mint engraver George T. Morgan and his assistant, who were experimenting with the design of the nickel at the time. Although the U.S. Mint had officially replaced the Liberty Head design with the Buffalo Nickel in 1913, these five coins slipped through the cracks.
For years, the coins remained a secret, hidden in private collections and passed through the hands of unscrupulous dealers. It wasn’t until 1920 that one of these coins surfaced, leading to years of speculation and intrigue surrounding its origins. In 2018, one of these rare coins sold for over $4 million, further cementing its place in numismatic history as a forbidden treasure.
What makes this coin so forbidden is not just its unauthorized production, but the way it has remained elusive for so long. Its existence represents an era of government secrecy, and each coin carries with it the legacy of rebellion against official orders. It’s no wonder why collectors crave this forbidden relic.
3. The 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar – A Coin of Diplomatic Secrets
The 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar is one of the most fascinating coins in American history, and it’s also one of the most forbidden. While it bears the date 1804, the coins were actually minted in the 1830s, specifically as gifts for foreign dignitaries. The reason for its “forbidden” status lies in the fact that it was never intended to circulate.
In the early 19th century, the U.S. government minted a small number of these silver dollars for presentation to ambassadors and foreign leaders as a symbol of American wealth and diplomacy. However, because the coins were not meant for circulation, they were never officially released into the public domain. Instead, the coins were hoarded in government vaults, and only a few were distributed as gifts.
Over time, the existence of the 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar became known to the public, and it sparked a frenzy among collectors. Today, fewer than 15 examples of the coin are known to exist, and its scarcity and connection to early American diplomacy have made it one of the most desirable and forbidden coins in history.
In 1999, one of these coins sold for a jaw-dropping $4.1 million, further solidifying its status as a forbidden treasure. Its rarity and the mysterious circumstances of its minting continue to captivate collectors, who dream of one day owning a piece of early American history.
4. The 1943 Copper Penny – A Wartime Mistake
During World War II, the U.S. Mint made a critical error in producing the 1943 copper penny, a mistake that would go on to become one of the most forbidden coins in U.S. history. In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for the production of pennies in order to conserve copper for military purposes. However, a small number of copper pennies were accidentally minted that year, and they quickly became highly sought after.
Only a few of these copper pennies exist today, and they are worth millions of dollars due to their rarity. Their “forbidden” nature is tied to the fact that they were never meant to be produced, and they are considered one of the greatest minting errors in American coin history.
In 2010, one of these rare 1943 copper pennies sold for over $1 million, and its value has continued to increase over the years. The forbidden aspect of this coin comes from the fact that it is a result of a wartime mistake, and owning one is akin to owning a small piece of American history that should have never existed.
5. The 1937 Edward VIII Proof Sovereign – A Royal Coin
The 1937 Edward VIII Proof Sovereign is a coin steeped in royal intrigue and mystery. Edward VIII, who briefly reigned as King of England before abdicating the throne in 1936, authorized the minting of a limited number of proof sovereigns during his short reign. However, due to his controversial abdication and his decision to marry Wallis Simpson, these coins were never released to the public.
The coins were struck but never officially issued, making them incredibly rare. Today, only a handful of these forbidden coins are known to exist, and they have fetched record prices at auction. The most famous of these coins was sold for over $2 million in 2015, making it one of the most expensive British coins in history.
What makes the 1937 Edward VIII Proof Sovereign forbidden is the political and royal drama surrounding its creation. The coin is a symbol of a king who gave up his throne for love, and its rarity only adds to its mystique.
Conclusion: The Forbidden Allure of Coins
The five forbidden coins explored in this article—each with its unique story—are some of the most coveted treasures in the world of coin collecting. From minting errors to royal intrigue, these coins carry with them a sense of mystery and historical significance that makes them so irresistible to collectors. While they may have been deemed forbidden for various reasons, their allure is undeniable.
For numismatists, these coins are not just rare pieces of metal; they are a connection to the past, a symbol of a time when these treasures were never meant to see the light of day. The hunt for these forbidden coins will continue, as collectors and investors seek to own a piece of history that should have remained hidden forever.
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FAQs
Q 1. What are forbidden coins?
A: Forbidden coins are those that were never meant to be minted, were unintentionally released into circulation, or were produced with such error that they had appeared extremely rare and enormously coveted by collectors.
Q 2. Why are forbidden coins so valuable?
A: These coins are valuable because they are extremely rare, often due to minting errors, historical decisions to recall them, or limited production runs. Their scarcity and unique stories make them highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
Q 3. What is the 1933 Double Eagle coin, and why is it so famous?
A: The 1933 Double Eagle was a gold coin that was never officially released for circulation. Many of these coins were melted down; however, some were illegally removed and have been kept privately. One such coin sold for $7.6 million and is considered to be one of the most expensive coins ever made.
Q 4. What is the 1943 Copper Penny and why do people call it forbidden?
A: The 1943 Copper Penny is a rare error of minting where a few pennies were struck from copper rather than the intended steel due to a mix-up at the U.S. Mint. These pennies are worth a lot of money because of their rarity and historical context surrounding the production.
Q 5. Why is the 1804 Silver Dollar called the “King of U.S. Coins”?
A: The 1804 Silver Dollar is known as the “King of U.S. Coins” because it was never issued into circulation. Although the coins were minted as presentation pieces in the 1830s, their scarcity and historical value have made them highly prized among collectors.
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