The U.S. Mint’s rarest penny – worth $2 million+ – is so controversial that it’s illegal to own! At PennyVerse, we’re revealing the shocking story behind these ultra-rare aluminum cents.
The $2 Million Forbidden Penny
1974 Aluminum Lincoln Cent
Estimated Value: $1.5M-$2M+
Only 13-14 may exist (all government property)
Last Known Sale: Ended in confiscation by the Secret Service!
Why the Mint Created These Illegal Pennies
- 1970s copper crisis made penny production too expensive
- 1.5 million aluminum cents minted as test pieces
- Never released after vending machine and medical industry protests
- All ordered destroyed…but a few escaped!
How to Spot One (If You Dare)
Weight: 0.93g (vs 3.11g for copper)
Color: Silvery like a dime
Mintmark: None (Philadelphia)
Magnetic Test: Won’t stick (unlike steel pennies)
WARNING: Possession could mean federal charges!
The Shocking Legal Battle
- 2014: Collector inherits coin from Mint employee father
- 2016: Secret Service confiscates the penny
- 2017: Federal court rules it’s government property
Why It’s Worth Millions
Rarity: Fewer than 15 exist
Historical Significance: Mint’s failed experiment
Controversy: Illegal status increases mystique
Fun Fact: The Smithsonian displays one of the only legal specimens!
What to Do If You Find One
- DON’T TOUCH IT (fingerprints could damage value)
- Photograph secretly (for bragging rights)
- Call a lawyer (not a coin dealer!)
- Return to U.S. Mint (avoid federal trouble)
PennyVerse Verdict
While we dream of finding this $2M treasure, remember:
Legal rare coins can still make you rich
Always verify your finds with experts
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PS: Check out our legal alternatives – the 1943 copper penny and 1969-S doubled die can be worth millions without the FBI involvement! #ForbiddenCoins #CoinCollecting #RarePennies
