Could a strange $20,000 coin from 1992 really be worth hundreds today?
The enigmatic POCA Coin — stamped with a shocking “$20,000” denomination and a twisted motto “B-PLURIBUS UNUM” — has been puzzling coin collectors, political historians, and art lovers for decades.
Is it satire? Is it art? Or is it an experimental minting project that slipped into the wild? Let’s take a deep dive into the mystery of the $20,000 POCA coin.
What Exactly Is the POCA Coin?
First surfacing in the early 1990s, this peculiar coin is believed to blend political parody with numismatic oddity.
Key Features:
Obverse (Front)
- Bold “$20,000” denomination
- Dual 1992 dates
- “POCA” marking (appears twice)
- “LIBERTY” inscription
Reverse (Back)
- Satirical motto: “B-PLURIBUS UNUM”
- “POCA” inscription
- Political slogan: “WE CAN”
Theories Behind Its Origin
Numismatists and historians have long debated the POCA coin’s true purpose. Three main theories dominate:
Political Satire (Most Likely)
- Possibly mocking the 1992 U.S. presidential election
- “POCA” may mean “Perot Our Choice America”
- The huge “$20,000” could parody America’s national debt crisis
Counterculture Art Project
- Similar to J.S.G. Boggs’ satirical “money art”
- Could have circulated at early Burning Man gatherings
Private Mint Experiment
- May have originated from a Nevada private mint
- The dual-date design might be a deliberate minting quirk
2024 POCA Coin 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 a set of 3
How to Tell Real from Fake
Authentic POCA Coin Specs
- Weight → 8.75g (±0.15g)
- Diameter → 26.5mm
- Edge → Reeded (12 grooves/inch)
- Metal → 85% copper, 10% zinc, 5% nickel
Fake Warning Signs
- Wrong weight (7.5–8.0g)
- Smooth edges
- Blurry or soft lettering
Investment & Collecting Potential
- Estimated 18% annual growth (2020–2024)
- Only 2,500–3,000 pieces believed to exist
- Popular among:
1990s nostalgia collectors
Political memorabilia enthusiasts
Alternative currency investors
Where to Buy & Sell POCA Coins
- Specialized Auctions → Stack’s Bowers “Alternative Numismatics”
- Online Communities → r/Exonumia, Numista forums
- Trade Shows → Counterculture & political memorabilia events
Preservation Tips
- Store in Saflip holders with silica gel (40–45% RH)
- Only clean with distilled water (never polish)
- For displays, reference Smithsonian’s Political History Collection
Do You Own a POCA Coin?
We’re actively researching this mysterious piece. If you have one, you can help uncover its history.
Send to: research@pennyverse.info with:
- High-resolution photos (front & back)
- Exact weight & diameter
- Any provenance or ownership history
Free Perks for Contributors:
Professional Appraisal
Inclusion in Our Official Catalog
Access to Private Collector Network
