Perhaps the most famous forbidden coin in American numismatic history, the 1933 Double Eagle holds a fascinating tale. Originally minted just before President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 6102, which prohibited the ownership of most gold coins, these Double Eagles were ordered to be melted down. However, a few escaped the melting pot.
Only five examples of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel are known to exist, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after coins in the world. The story behind these coins involves a mint employee clandestinely striking them after hours and without proper authorization. Their unauthorized creation adds to their allure and mystique.
Despite its date, the 1804 Silver Dollar was not actually minted in that year. In fact, it wasn't until the 1830s that any were struck. These coins were specially made as diplomatic gifts rather than for general circulation, with only a few originals known to exist.
Among numismatists, the 1894-S Barber Dime is known as the "King of American Coins" due to its extreme rarity. Only 24 were minted, and most were believed to have been melted down. However, a small number managed to survive, making them incredibly valuable and sought after by collectors.
This coin is particularly fascinating because its uniqueness was a result of an error in the minting process. The "doubled die" effect on the coin's features was a result of the die being created incorrectly, causing certain elements to appear doubled.