Dangerous Coins Abound

Throughout history, people have sometimes been wary about using coins and other circulating currencies. In many cases, those fears were related to politics, devaluation, or superstition. Another reason for concern includes the possibility of ingesting a coin or handling pieces that are contaminated in some way.

England

In England, cooks have long followed the tradition of hiding a coin in their Christmas puddings. The Dundee Evening Telegraph, on December 15, 1937, reported that the custom of coins in puddings led to a public demand for a new silver threepence, which by then was being replaced in circulation by a new 12-sided coin. Cooks were warned that it would be dangerous to put the new dodecagonal brass coins in their puddings, although no explanation was given for the difference. 

More recently, in 2005, a British supermarket chain decided to add sixpence coins to their puddings. They spent months trying to obtain enough coins, only to give up on the idea because they felt that the lucky sixpences constituted a choking hazard. Instead, they provided a collector’s card with the coin attached so that it could be placed under a plate or table mat for one lucky friend or family member to find. The store also cautioned that many shop-bought Christmas puddings were being heated in a microwave oven, and leaving metal coins in the mix could be dangerous. 

United States

Closer to home, one time in the mid-60s an attempt was made to classify coin collector albums and folders as a health hazard because of the danger of children removing and swallowing the coins. Fortunately, production of such products was never halted, and few if any warnings were ever included on these collector items.

Russia

During the Russian occupation of China in the 1930s, an edict condemned and punished anyone not using their special Soviet currency. And similarly in Nicaragua, the bandit General Augusto César Sandino punished anyone not accepting his lead coins that he proclaimed to be gold, when he purchased supplies for his rebel army.

Rome

Ancient Roman coins known as damnatio memoriae issues were intended to denigrate their political opponents or enemies. The action involved damaging or destroying coins, statues, and inscriptions of a rival emperor by condemnation of their memory from the Senate. Accepting such coins by political opponents was apt to be extremely dangerous.

Bacteria & Germs

Far greater hazards are some coins and currency that are used worldwide in everyday transactions. Scientific study has consistently verified that circulating money is the source of a multitude of germs and related diseases. You never know where bills and coins have been or what kind of germs might be lurking on those contaminated with narcotics or other drugs. 

As it turns out, everything from benign bacteria to dangerous superbugs are constantly hiding on currency. A large portion of money has been shown to contain cocaine. Handling any sort of currency can be dangerous, especially if you do not wash your hands after eating in a restaurant where pathogens like Escherichia coli (E. coli), salmonella, and staphylococcusaureus can lead to serious illness.  

Other Considerations

At one time it was an offense to collect coins in Soviet Russia because the hobby was considered to be nonproductive and a detriment to their socialistic society. Today, many countries around the world consider their ancient or obsolete coins to be national treasures and have strict laws against them being sold to collectors, or require that they be repatriated and returned to their place of origin. This has forced collectors to provide proof of the provenance of each of those coins to a specific date or place of purchase and has added yet another reason to consider collecting coins a hazardous endeavor. 

In addition to these many obstacles to enjoying the pure pleasure of collecting, owning, and appreciating the beauty and historical aspects of coins and paper currency, one must also be constantly on guard against running afoul by inadvertently buying anything that is counterfeit or stolen.

Conclusion

Yes, we live in dangerous times that can affect even the placid and enjoyable hobby of coin collecting. Yet, if we do it cautiously and are vigilant, it has untold rewards.