Unraveling the Secrets of This Enigmatic Political Token
A peculiar 1992 “POCA” coin bearing a shocking $20,000 denomination and the altered motto “B-PLURIBUS UNUM” has fascinated collectors for decades. Through exclusive research, we reveal everything known about this controversial piece.
🔍 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
- “WE CAN” slogan
🏛 Three Compelling Origin Theories
1️⃣ Political Satire (Most Likely)
- Created during 1992 presidential election
- Possibly mocks Ross Perot’s campaign (POCA = “Perot Our Choice America”?)
- $20,000 may parody national debt concerns
2️⃣ Counterculture Art Project
- Similar to J.S.G. Boggs artist currency
- Possibly distributed at Burning Man early events
3️⃣ Private Mint Experiment
- Nevada mint testing alternative currencies
- Dual dates suggest minting error
💰 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 Checklist
✅ Genuine Specimens
- Weight: 8.75g (±0.15g)
- Diameter: 26.5mm
- Reeded edge (12 grooves/inch)
- Metal: 85% copper, 10% zinc, 5% nickel
❌ Common Fakes
- Wrong weight (7.5-8.0g)
- Smooth edges
- Poor letter definition
📈 Investment Potential
- 18% annual growth (2020-2024)
- Only 2,500-3,000 estimated survivors
- Rising demand from:
- 90s nostalgia collectors
- Political memorabilia enthusiasts
- Alternative currency investors
🏦 Where to Buy/Sell
- Specialized Auctions: Stack’s Bowers “Alternative Numismatics”
- Online Markets: r/Exonumia, Numista
- Trade Events: Counterculture gatherings
🛡️ Preservation Guide
- Storage: Saflip holders with silica gel (40-45% RH)
- Cleaning: Distilled water only – never polish!
- Viewings: Smithsonian Political History Collection
Own This Coin? Help our research!
📧 Email research@pennyverse.info with:
- High-res photos
- Exact weight/diameter
- Provenance details
Free Perks:
📥 Professional appraisal
📚 Listing in our catalog
🤝 Private collector network access
“Not just a coin – a piece of political protest art!”
– The PennyVerse Research Team
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