Coins aren’t just money—they hold stories, secrets, and sometimes trouble. Some rare ones have caused fights in court, big scandals, or arguments between people who collect and study them. Here are six coins that have stirred up a lot of talk, along with what makes them so interesting to coin lovers.
Table of Contents
1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin
The 1933 Double Eagle is a super famous and pricey coin. It was never meant to be used because the government stopped allowing gold coins. Still, a few somehow avoided being melted and ended up with collectors.
Why It Causes Trouble
- In 1933, the U.S. made owning gold coins against the law.
- Most were destroyed, but a handful secretly got out.
- People fought in court for years over who could keep them.
How Much It’s Worth
One sold for $18.9 million, the highest price ever paid for a coin.
1974 Aluminum Penny
In the 1970s, the U.S. Mint tested making pennies out of aluminum since copper was getting expensive. They only made a few before stopping the idea and asking for them back. But some didn’t get returned and ended up with people anyway.
Why It Causes Trouble
- The Mint never said these pennies could be used by the public.
- Keeping one now is against the law.
- Experts think just one could be worth millions.
How Much It’s Worth
If one showed up for sale, it might bring in millions of dollars.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a big mystery in U.S. coin history. It wasn’t supposed to be made, but five of them popped up with collectors later on.
Why It Causes Trouble
- The coin’s design was never approved for use.
- Someone got hold of the five coins in a strange way, and no one’s sure how.
- Some think a worker at the Mint made them secretly.
How Much It’s Worth
One sold for $4.5 million, making it one of the priciest nickels ever.
2000 Sacagawea Cheerios Dollar
A special Sacagawea dollar coin was put in Cheerios cereal boxes as a fun giveaway. These had a different feather pattern on the eagle compared to the usual ones.
Why It Causes Trouble
- At first, the Mint didn’t admit the design was different.
- Coin collectors noticed the change, which made them more valuable.
- Coming from cereal boxes made them extra exciting to find.
How Much It’s Worth
Some have sold for thousands because they’re rare and special.
1959-D Wheat Penny Error Coin
The 1959-D Wheat Penny is a puzzle for coin fans. The Mint stopped using the wheat design in 1958, but this one, dated 1959, still has it.
Why It Causes Trouble
- The wheat design should’ve ended in 1958.
- Some say it was a mistake or even fake.
- Only one is known to exist, which makes it super mysterious.
How Much It’s Worth
Since it’s so unique, it could be worth millions if proven real.
1964-D Peace Dollar
The 1964-D Peace Dollar was supposed to bring back an old coin style, but the plan got canceled. The Mint said they melted them all, though some people think a few might still be out there.
Why It Causes Trouble
- They were never legally released to the public.
- Some collectors swear they’ve seen one, even though the Mint says none exist.
- Finding one would make it a huge deal.
How Much It’s Worth
If one turned up, it could be worth tens of millions at auction.
Wrapping Up
Coins tell stories way bigger than their size. These rare ones come with tales of secrets, law troubles, and hunts for treasure. People who love coins keep looking for them, wanting to hold a bit of history. Whether they’re lost, against the rules, or made by accident, these coins are some of the most exciting mysteries in coin collecting.
FAQs
Which controversial coin is worth the most?
The 1933 Double Eagle, sold for $18.9 million.
Why can’t you own a 1974 Aluminum Penny?
The Mint never allowed it for public use, so it’s illegal.
How many 1913 Liberty Head Nickels are there?
Just five are known, making them super rare.
What’s unique about the 2000 Sacagawea Cheerios Dollar?
It has a special feather design different from others.
Does the 1964-D Peace Dollar exist?
The Mint says they’re all gone, but some believe a few survived.
