The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: A $5 Million Rarity Still Shrouded in Mystery
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most mysterious and coveted coins in U.S. history. With only five known specimens, this coin has become legendary among collectors for its intrigue, rarity, and staggering auction prices. Despite its face value of just five cents, this coin has fetched multi-million-dollar sums and is often referred to as the “Mona Lisa of Coins.”
The Origins of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
In 1913, the U.S. Mint transitioned from the Liberty Head design to the Buffalo Nickel. However, for reasons still debated among historians, five Liberty Head nickels dated 1913 were struck, even though no official production records exist for that year.
It is believed that these coins were unofficially struck at the Philadelphia Mint by a rogue employee—possibly Samuel W. Brown, who later publicly displayed one of them. Despite this irregular origin, the coins are legally owned and are prized possessions in the numismatic world.
Rarity and Auction Performance
Only five examples of the 1913 Liberty Nickel exist, each with unique provenance and condition. Here’s a breakdown of their known locations and values:
| Nickname / Owner | Condition (Grade) | Last Known Sale Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eliasberg Specimen | PR66 | $5 million+ | Private Collector |
| Olsen Specimen | PR64 | Featured on Hawaii Five-O | Private Collector |
| Walton Specimen | PR63 | $3.1 million (2013) | ANA Museum Loan |
| Norweb Specimen | PR64 | Private Collection | Unknown |
| McDermott Specimen | PR55 | Smithsonian Institution | Public Display |
Key Features of the 1913 Liberty Nickel
Collectors looking to verify or learn more about the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel should note these details:
- Obverse: Lady Liberty facing left, surrounded by 13 stars.
- Reverse: V (Roman numeral for 5) surrounded by “United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum.”
- Metal Content: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
- Mint: Likely Philadelphia, though unofficially struck
Authentication Is Essential
Due to its extreme value and fame, the 1913 Liberty Nickel has been a frequent target for counterfeiters. Any potential specimen should be authenticated and graded by reputable services like NGC or PCGS. Even well-made replicas are common, making professional evaluation critical.
Why It’s So Valuable
There are several reasons this coin is worth millions:
- Extremely low mintage (only 5 confirmed)
- Mysterious origin story
- Historical design that was discontinued
- Record-breaking auction history
- Cult-like following among coin collectors
Additionally, its connection to pop culture (like its appearance in Hawaii Five-O) has only fueled public fascination.
The Role of the Mint
While the U.S. Mint has never officially confirmed the 1913 Liberty Nickel’s origin, the coin continues to be one of the most valuable and intriguing errors in American coinage history. You can learn more about official mints and history from the U.S. Mint website.
FAQs
Why is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so rare?
Only five were ever struck, likely unofficially, making it one of the lowest-mintage U.S. coins known.
Can I still find a 1913 Liberty Nickel in circulation?
No. All five specimens are accounted for and none have ever surfaced in change or collections unexpectedly in recent history.
What should I do if I think I found one?
Have it evaluated by a reputable coin grading service. Most are replicas, but professional appraisal will confirm.
Conclusion
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is more than just a coin—it’s a piece of American legend. Its undocumented origins, stunning design, and astonishing value make it a numismatic treasure beyond compare. For any serious coin collector, even glimpsing one of these coins is a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
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