What Is the $20,000 POCA Coin?
A peculiar 1992 “POCA” coin with a shocking $20,000 denomination and the altered motto “B-PLURIBUS UNUM” has puzzled collectors for decades.
This enigmatic piece — part political satire, part numismatic oddity — blends parody with mystery, leaving experts debating its origins.
Key Identification Features
Obverse (Front)
- Bold “$20,000” denomination
- Dual “1992” dates
- “POCA” marking appears twice
- “LIBERTY” inscription
Reverse (Back)
- Parody motto: “B-PLURIBUS UNUM”
- Additional “POCA” inscription
- Slogan: “WE CAN”
3 Leading Theories About Its Origin
Political Satire (Most Likely)
- Created during the 1992 presidential election
- Possibly mocking Ross Perot’s campaign (POCA = “Perot Our Choice America”?)
- $20,000 may parody national debt concerns
Counterculture Art Project
- Similar to the work of J.S.G. Boggs, who made artistic “currency”
- Could have been distributed at early Burning Man events
Private Mint Experiment
- Possibly a Nevada mint’s alternative currency test
- Dual date design may be an intentional minting quirk
2024 Market Value Guide
| Grade | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS-70 | Perfect condition | $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 Collection: $650 for set of 3
Authentic vs. Fake: Quick Checklist
Genuine POCA Coins
- Weight: 8.75g (±0.15g)
- Diameter: 26.5mm
- Edge: Reeded (12 grooves per inch)
- Metal: 85% copper, 10% zinc, 5% nickel
Common Counterfeits
- Wrong weight (7.5–8.0g)
- Smooth edges
- Blurry or soft lettering
Investment Potential
- 18% annual growth (2020–2024)
- Only 2,500–3,000 survivors estimated
- Demand from:
- 90s nostalgia collectors
- Political memorabilia fans
- Alternative currency investors
Where to Buy & Sell
- Specialized Auctions: Stack’s Bowers “Alternative Numismatics”
- Online Communities: r/Exonumia, Numista
- Trade Shows: Counterculture and political memorabilia events
Preservation Tips
- Store in Saflip holders with silica gel (40–45% RH)
- Clean only with distilled water — never polish
- For display, see Smithsonian Political History Collection
Own This Coin? Help Our Research
Email: research@pennyverse.info with:
- High-resolution photos
- Exact weight & diameter
- Provenance or ownership history
Free Perks:
Professional appraisal
Inclusion in our official catalog
Access to private collector network
“Not just a coin – a piece of political protest art!”
— The PennyVerse Research Team
