Rare $100,000 Liberty Head Nickel Unearthed at Garage Sale- A Collector’s Dream Come True

In a remarkable turn of events, a rare 1913 Liberty Head nickel, one of only five known to exist, was discovered in a garage sale coin box.

This unexpected find has sent ripples through the numismatic community, highlighting the enduring allure of rare coins and the potential treasures hidden in everyday places.

The Discovery

The coin was found by a collector browsing through a garage sale in the United States. Amidst a box of assorted coins, the collector identified the distinctive features of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel, a coin shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

Upon further examination and authentication, it was confirmed to be one of the elusive five specimens known to exist.

Historical Significance of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

The Liberty Head nickel was minted from 1883 to 1912. However, in 1913, the U.S. Mint officially transitioned to the Buffalo nickel design.

Despite this, five Liberty Head nickels bearing the 1913 date were clandestinely produced, likely without official authorization. The circumstances surrounding their creation remain a topic of debate among historians and collectors.

These five coins surfaced when Samuel W. Brown, a former Mint employee, showcased them at the 1920 American Numismatic Association convention.

Since then, each coin has developed its own storied provenance, passing through the hands of prominent collectors and institutions.

Notable Sales and Valuations

Over the years, the 1913 Liberty Head nickel has achieved legendary status in the numismatic world, fetching astronomical sums at auctions:

Specimen	Notable Owners	Sale Price	Year	Notes
Eliasberg	Louis Eliasberg	$5 million	2007	Finest known specimen, graded PR66.
Olsen	King Farouk, Jerry Buss	$3.7 million	2010	Featured in a 1973 episode of Hawaii Five-O titled “The $100,000 Nickel”.
Walton	George O. Walton	$3.2 million	2013	Misidentified as a fake for decades before authentication.

Authentication and Grading

Authentication of such a rare coin involves meticulous examination by experts, including analysis of die marks, weight, and composition.

Grading agencies like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) assess the coin’s condition, with grades like PR64 and PR66 indicating proof quality and exceptional preservation.

Impact on the Numismatic Community

The discovery of a 1913 Liberty Head nickel in a garage sale underscores the importance of vigilance among collectors and enthusiasts.

It serves as a reminder that numismatic treasures can be hidden in the most unassuming places, awaiting discovery.

The serendipitous discovery of a $100,000 Liberty Head nickel at a garage sale is a testament to the enduring allure of coin collecting and the mysteries that still lie hidden in everyday places.

For collectors and enthusiasts, it reinforces the thrill of the hunt and the possibility that numismatic history can be found in the most unexpected corners.

FAQs

How many 1913 Liberty Head nickels are known to exist?

Only five specimens are known, each with a unique history and provenance.

Why were these coins produced if the design was discontinued in 1912?

The exact reasons remain unclear, but it’s believed they were struck clandestinely, possibly by Mint employees, without official authorization.

How can I authenticate a rare coin find?

Consult reputable grading services like PCGS or NGC, and seek evaluations from experienced numismatists or coin dealers.