The 16 Most Controversial Coins Ever Released

Collecting coins is a hobby that often brings history, art, and finance together in fascinating ways. However, not all coins are created equal, and some have stirred significant controversy over the years. From design flaws and minting errors to political messages and unintended releases, these coins have captured the attention of collectors and sparked debates. Here, we explore 16 of the most controversial coins ever released, delving into the unique stories and values that make them so intriguing.

2007 Canadian Silver Maple Leaf 

The 2007 Canadian Silver Maple Leaf caused a stir due to its milk spots. These unsightly blemishes appeared randomly on the coins, frustrating collectors. Despite the Royal Canadian Mint’s efforts to address the issue, it persisted. The spots didn’t affect the silver content, but they did impact the coin’s aesthetic appeal. This led to debates about the mint’s quality control and the coin’s market value, which currently averages around $30, depending on condition.

2000 Sacagawea Dollar 

The Sacagawea Dollar, introduced in 2000, was meant to honor the Shoshone woman who helped Lewis and Clark. However, its launch was met with mixed reactions. Critics argued that the coin’s design was unappealing and its color too similar to the quarter. Additionally, the dollar coin faced difficulties in circulation, often confused with other denominations. These issues sparked discussions on the coin’s practicality and design choices, with its value usually around face value but can reach up to $5 for pristine conditions.

2020 Brexit 50p Coin 

The 2020 Brexit 50p coin was issued to commemorate the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Controversy arose from the political sensitivity of the topic. Some viewed the coin as a premature celebration, given the complex and ongoing negotiations. Others criticized the timing and the message it conveyed. The debate highlighted deep divisions within the UK regarding Brexit, with these coins often selling for around £10 to £15.

2009 Ultra-High Relief Double Eagle 

The 2009 Ultra-High Relief Double Eagle revived the classic Saint-Gaudens design but stirred controversy due to its hefty $1,189 issue price. Collectors debated whether the high price was justified despite its beauty and technological feat. The coin’s marketing also played a role in the debate, as some felt it was overhyped. Nonetheless, its intricate design and limited mintage drew significant attention. Today, these coins can fetch between $2,000 and $3,000 in the market.

1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar 

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was reissued in 1999, years after its initial run from 1979-1981. Its return was contentious because the coin had been unpopular due to its size and resemblance to the quarter. Critics argued that reissuing it was unnecessary and confusing. The coin’s continued lack of acceptance in everyday transactions reinforced these opinions. Despite its controversy, these dollars typically sell for about $2 to $3.

1964-D Peace Dollar 

The 1964-D Peace Dollar is one of the most controversial coins in U.S. history, primarily because none are officially known to exist. The U.S. Mint struck 316,076 of these silver dollars, but they were all ordered to be melted down. However, rumors persist that some coins escaped destruction. This intrigue has led to a significant black market value, with speculative prices reaching up to $50,000 if a genuine example were ever verified.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel 

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is controversial because only five specimens are known to exist, and their creation was unauthorized. The coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint under mysterious circumstances. Their rarity and the intrigue surrounding their origin have made them legendary. Each of the five nickels has fetched millions of dollars at auction, with prices ranging from $3 million to over $5 million.

1933 Double Eagle 

The 1933 Double Eagle is one of the most famous and controversial U.S. coins. Although 445,500 were minted, they were never officially released into circulation due to the Gold Reserve Act. Most were melted down, but a few were believed to have been stolen. The legality and ownership of these coins have been subjects of intense legal battles. In 2002, one sold at auction for $7.6 million, and in 2021, another sold for $18.9 million.

2004 Wisconsin State Quarter “Extra Leaf” 

The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter became controversial due to a minting error that added an extra leaf to the ear of corn on the reverse side. There are two versions of this error: the “extra leaf low” and the “extra leaf high.” Collectors debate whether these were intentional or accidental errors. These quarters have become highly sought after, with prices ranging from $50 to $300 depending on the condition and type of the error.

1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent 

The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is famous for its dramatic doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse. This error was caused by a misalignment during the minting process. While some view it as a fascinating minting error, others see it as a glaring oversight. Despite the controversy, it has become one of the most famous and valuable Lincoln cents, often selling for $1,000 to $2,500 in higher grades.

1804 Silver Dollar 

The 1804 Silver Dollar, known as the “King of American Coins,” was not actually struck in 1804 but in the 1830s. The original 1804 dollars were intended as diplomatic gifts, leading to debates about their authenticity and purpose. Only 15 specimens are known, divided into Class I, II, and III. Their storied history and rarity have made them extremely valuable, with prices ranging from $4 million to over $7 million.

1995-W Proof Silver Eagle 

The 1995-W Proof Silver Eagle is controversial due to its limited mintage of just 30,125 coins, making it the rarest of the Proof Silver Eagles. This scarcity has led to significant market speculation and high prices. Critics argue that the coin’s rarity was artificially created to drive up value. Despite the controversy, collectors prize this coin, with prices often exceeding $3,000.

1974 Aluminum Penny 

The 1974 Aluminum Penny was an experimental coin minted during a period when the U.S. Mint was considering cheaper materials for pennies. Only about a dozen are known to exist, as the Mint recalled and destroyed most of them. Their rarity and the fact that they were never officially released have made them highly controversial. If sold, these pennies could potentially fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars, but legal issues complicate their trade.

1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent 

The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent features significant doubling on the date and inscriptions. Initially, the U.S. Secret Service seized many of these coins, mistaking them for counterfeits. This action caused confusion and controversy among collectors. Eventually, the coins were authenticated, and their value soared. Today, they can sell for $35,000 to $50,000, depending on their condition.

1921 Peace Dollar High Relief 

The 1921 Peace Dollar High Relief was the first year of the Peace Dollar series, featuring a high-relief design that was difficult to strike. This led to production issues and a limited number of high-quality coins. Collectors debate whether the high relief was a design flaw or an artistic triumph. Despite these issues, the coin is highly prized, with values typically ranging from $200 to $3,000 based on condition.

2007 U.S. $20 Presidential Spouse Gold Coin 

The 2007 U.S. $20 Presidential Spouse Gold Coin, honoring Thomas Jefferson’s wife, sparked controversy because it featured Lady Liberty instead of Martha Jefferson, who never served as First Lady. Critics argued that this was misleading and disrespectful. The Mint explained that it adhered to the law requiring Liberty’s image for presidents without a spouse. Despite the controversy, these coins are valuable, often selling for $1,000 to $1,500.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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