The Penny You Can’t Legally Own
Imagine a U.S. penny so rare it could sell for over $2 million—yet owning one might actually be illegal. This is the incredible story of the 1974 Aluminum Cent, a coin the U.S. Mint never meant to leave its doors.
Why Is the 1974 Aluminum Cent So Valuable?
Here’s why collectors go crazy for this mysterious coin:
Ultra-Rare Prototype – Only 10–15 coins are confirmed to exist
Mint’s Failed Experiment – Tested as a cheaper replacement for copper pennies
Supposed to Be Destroyed – Nearly all examples were ordered melted in 1974
Certified Example – The only PCGS MS65 coin is valued at $2M+
Fun Fact: The Smithsonian Institution holds two legal specimens. All other examples are still considered U.S. government property.
The Forbidden Coin Paradox
| Status | Implications |
|---|---|
Legal to Own?  |
No – still government property |
Auction Value  |
$200K – $2M (if legal) |
Last Known Sale  |
Private 2016 deal for $1.1M |
| Confirmed Legal Examples | Only 2 coins in the Smithsonian |
How to Spot a Genuine 1974 Aluminum Penny
Reminder: Owning one is illegal, but here’s how experts identify them.
1. Metal Test
Lightweight: Only 0.93g (vs. 3.11g for copper)- Non-magnetic
- “Tinny” sound when dropped
2. Design Features
- No mint mark (Philadelphia struck only)
- Slightly weak strike (test coin quality)
- Dull gray finish (no copper shine)
3. Provenance Matters
- Surviving coins came from Congress or Mint employees
- No legal circulated examples exist
Social Media Buzz
“ THIS PENNY COULD GET YOU ARRESTED! 
The U.S. Mint ordered them destroyed, but a few escaped:
Worth up to $2 Million
99.9% of ‘1974 aluminum cents’ online are fakes
Only 2 legal examples exist (Smithsonian’s collection)”
Drop a in the comments if you’d still hunt for one anyway! 
The Smithsonian’s Two Coins
- Specimen #1: On public display in the National Numismatic Collection
- Specimen #2: Kept in Mint vaults as a control reference
Fun Fact: A 1974-D Aluminum Cent does not exist—Denver never struck them.
Why Do Collectors Still Dream of It?
Despite the risks, the 1974 Aluminum Penny remains one of the most coveted U.S. coins:
Rarer than the legendary 1913 Liberty Nickel
A piece of U.S. coin history and experimental design
Surrounded by mystery and black-market rumors
