The world of coin collecting isn’t just about mint errors and rare metals — sometimes it’s about mystery. One of the most intriguing examples is the 1992 $20,000 POCA coin, a satirical and controversial token that blends politics, art, and parody.
Though not an official U.S. Mint issue, this piece has fascinated collectors for decades — and some have sold for $650+ at auction. Let’s dive into what makes the POCA coin so strange and collectible. 
What Is the $20,000 POCA Coin?
- Obverse (Front):
- Bold “$20,000” denomination
- Dual 1992 dates
- “POCA” inscription (appears twice)
- Classic “LIBERTY”
- Reverse (Back):
- Parody motto: “B-PLURIBUS UNUM”
- “POCA” inscription
- Slogan: “WE CAN”
At first glance, it looks like a satirical spin on U.S. coinage — and that’s exactly the point.
Theories About Its Origin
Collectors and researchers still debate how and why this coin was created. Here are the top 3 theories:
Political Satire (Most Likely)
- Created during the 1992 presidential election
- Possibly mocking Ross Perot’s campaign (POCA = “Perot Our Choice America”)
- The huge $20,000 denomination may parody the national debt
Counterculture Art Project
- Similar to works by artist J.S.G. Boggs, who made “currency” art
- Could have been distributed at early Burning Man or political rallies
Private Mint Experiment
- Possibly struck by a Nevada private mint
- Dual-date design might be a deliberate “quirk”
2024 Market Value Guide
| Grade | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS-70 | Perfect | $150 – $300 |
| AU-55 | Light handling marks | $75 – $125 |
| XF-40 | Moderate wear | $40 – $70 |
Recent Sales:
- 2023 Heritage Auction → $225 (MS-63)
- 2024 Private Sale → $650 for a set of 3
How to Tell Real vs. Fake
Genuine POCA Coin Specs:
- Weight: 8.75 g (±0.15 g)
- Diameter: 26.5 mm
- Edge: Reeded (12 grooves per inch)
- Metal: 85% copper, 10% zinc, 5% nickel
Common Counterfeits:
- Lighter weight (7.5–8.0 g)
- Smooth edges
- Blurry lettering
Investment Potential
- Estimated survivors: 2,500–3,000
- 18% annual value growth (2020–2024)
- Strong demand from:
- Political memorabilia fans
- ’90s nostalgia collectors
- Alternative currency investors
- Political memorabilia fans
Where to Buy or Sell
- Auctions: Stack’s Bowers (Alternative Numismatics category)
- Online Communities: r/Exonumia, Numista
- Trade Shows: Political memorabilia & counterculture events
Preservation Tips
- Store in Saflip holders with silica gel (humidity 40–45%)
- Only clean with distilled water — never polish
- For safe display, compare with examples in the Smithsonian Political History Collection
Help Us Research the POCA Coin
Do you own one of these strange tokens? We’re building a full collector catalog.
Email: research@pennyverse.info with:
- High-resolution photos
- Exact weight & diameter
- Provenance (where it came from)
Free perks for contributors:
Professional appraisal
Inclusion in our upcoming POCA catalog
Access to a private collector network
Bottom Line:
The 1992 POCA coin may not be an official U.S. issue, but its mix of politics, satire, and rarity make it a fascinating collectible. While prices are in the hundreds today, growing demand means this mysterious token could keep climbing in value.
