A single surviving 1974 aluminum penny could be worth over $2 MILLION—but owning one is technically illegal! Here’s the shocking story behind this experimental coin.
Why This Coin Is Priceless (But Illegal)
Ultra-Rare Test Piece – Only 10-15 confirmed survivors
Mint’s Failed Experiment – Created to replace copper pennies
Government Property – All were ordered destroyed in 1974
PCGS MS65 Certified – The sole graded example is valued at $2M+
The Forbidden Coin Paradox
| Status | Implications |
|---|---|
| Legal to Own? |  No – Remains U.S. government property |
| Auction Value |  $200K-$2M (if legal) |
| Last Known Sale |  2016: $1.1M (confidential private transfer) |
Key Fact: The Smithsonian holds 2 specimens – the only legal examples.
How to Identify a Real 1974 Aluminum Cent
1. Metal Test
Non-magnetic
Weighs 0.93g (vs. 3.11g for copper)
Distinct “tinny” sound when dropped
2. Design Features
No mint mark (Philadelphia strike)
Weak strike (test coin quality)
Dull gray finish (no copper tone)
3. Provenance Matters
- Chain of custody required (most are ex-Mint/Congress)
- No circulated examples exist legally
Viral Social Media Post
“THIS PENNY COULD GET YOU ARRESTED! 
The U.S. Mint ordered all destroyed – but a few escaped:
Why they’re worth $2M
How to spot fakes (99.9% are)
The legal loophole collectors use
Drop a 
below for the FULL story!
#ForbiddenCoins #NumismaticCrime
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Warning: Possession risks federal seizure!
The Smithsonian’s Two Coins
- Specimen #1 – On display at the National Numismatic Collection
- Specimen #2 – In the Mint’s vaults as a control piece
Fun Fact: A 1974-D aluminum cent doesn’t exist – Denver never struck them!
Why Collectors Risk It All
The Ultimate Numismatic Challenge – Fewer exist than 1913 Liberty Nickels
Historical Significance – Last U.S. coin experiment of its kind
Black Market Lore – Rumors of “Mint employee souvenirs” persist
Need a Documentary Script? I can draft a “Hunting the Illegal Penny” treatment!
