$4.56 Million For This 1913 Liberty Nickel: In the world of rare coin collecting, few items stir up as much fascination and feverish excitement as the 1913 Liberty Head nickel. This seemingly ordinary coin, crafted over a century ago, is anything but common. With only five confirmed examples in existence, it’s not only an extraordinary piece of numismatic history but also one of the most expensive coins ever sold. One of these nickels, the famous Eliasberg specimen, fetched an astonishing $4.56 million at auction in 2018.
Whether you’re a long-time collector, a curious beginner, or someone who just found an old coin in their junk drawer, this article is your ultimate guide to understanding the value, history, and allure of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel. We’ll cover everything from its mysterious origins and what makes it so valuable, to practical steps on how to determine if you might be holding one in your own collection.
$4.56 Million For This 1913 Liberty Nickel
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1913 Liberty Head Nickel |
| Value at Auction | Up to $4.56 million (Eliasberg specimen, 2018) |
| Number Known | Only 5 in existence |
| Minted By | Allegedly by a Mint employee, not officially authorized |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Weight | 5 grams |
| Official Info | U.S. Mint History |
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is not just a coin — it’s a legend. With its clandestine origin, jaw-dropping auction prices, and the allure of owning a piece of forbidden U.S. Mint history, it remains one of the most desirable collectibles in the world. Whether you’re an avid numismatist or just someone with a curious eye on your spare change, the story of this nickel offers a thrilling glimpse into the hidden corners of American history.
Though the chances of stumbling upon one are incredibly slim, they’re not impossible. So check your old jars, revisit inherited coin collections, and always stay informed. The next great discovery might just be in your hands.
The History Behind the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
To grasp why the 1913 Liberty Head nickel is so coveted, we need to dive into its fascinating origin story. The Liberty Head design was intended to be phased out in 1913, replaced by the newly designed Buffalo nickel. According to official records from the United States Mint, no Liberty Head nickels were authorized for production that year.
However, against all odds, five Liberty Head nickels dated 1913 somehow emerged. The widely accepted theory is that Samuel W. Brown, a Mint employee at the time, covertly struck these coins without formal authorization. Brown later revealed them at a 1920 coin convention, launching their legendary status in the collecting world.
Each of the five known coins has its own storied journey, with some even disappearing and reappearing decades later. These nickels have graced museum exhibits, starred in television shows, and exchanged hands for jaw-dropping sums at elite auctions.
Why Is the 1913 Liberty Nickel So Valuable?
Rarity
Scarcity drives value in collectibles, and this coin defines rare. With only five known to exist, the 1913 Liberty nickel holds a top-tier position in numismatic circles.
Intrigue and Mystery
Unlike most coins, the 1913 Liberty Head nickel has a murky and unofficial origin. Its existence challenges what we thought we knew about U.S. Mint operations, creating an air of mystery that inflates its appeal.
Historical Significance
These nickels encapsulate a pivotal transition in U.S. coinage. They act as a bridge between the 19th-century Liberty design and the more modern Buffalo nickel. Their backstory also reveals how individual actions within bureaucracies can lead to lasting historical impact.
Record-Breaking Auctions
The prices these coins fetch are proof of their unmatched status:
- Eliasberg Specimen: Sold for $4.56 million in 2018.
- Walton Specimen: Thought to be lost for over 40 years after a tragic car crash in 1962, rediscovered in 2003, and sold for $4.2 million in 2022. (GreatCollections)
How to Identify a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
If you believe you might have found one of these priceless coins, it’s critical to verify its authenticity. Here’s how to do that:
Step 1: Examine the Date
Look closely at the date. The coin should be clearly marked with 1913. If the numbers look altered or tampered with, it’s likely a fake.
Step 2: Check Design Features
- Obverse (Front): Lady Liberty’s profile faces left, adorned with a coronet that reads “LIBERTY.”
- Reverse (Back): A large Roman numeral “V” (indicating five cents) appears in the center, surrounded by the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Step 3: Test Weight and Composition
A genuine 1913 Liberty Head nickel weighs around 5 grams and is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Step 4: Get Professional Certification
Even if all the above elements check out, the most reliable method is professional evaluation. Contact top-tier coin grading services like:
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
- Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)
These organizations use state-of-the-art tools and decades of expertise to confirm a coin’s legitimacy.
What to Do If You Think You Have One
Think you’ve stumbled upon a 1913 Liberty Head nickel? Here’s what you should do next:
- Do NOT clean the coin — Cleaning can scratch the surface and diminish its value significantly.
- Store securely in a non-reactive coin holder to prevent further wear or oxidation.
- Contact a professional appraiser for an initial opinion.
- Submit it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for full authentication.
- Join collector forums and communities online for additional feedback.
- Consult auction houses if your coin appears authentic, to determine its market value and potential sale channels.
Famous 1913 Liberty Nickel Sales
Each of the five known 1913 Liberty nickels has its own incredible story:
- Eliasberg Specimen: Sold for $4.56 million in 2018, part of the most complete U.S. coin collection ever assembled.
- Walton Specimen: Lost for decades, returned to the family of collector George Walton and authenticated in 2003.
- Olsen Specimen: Once owned by King Farouk of Egypt, it appeared on a 1973 episode of “Hawaii Five-O.”
- Norweb Specimen: Donated to the Smithsonian Institution and held in the National Numismatic Collection.
- McDermott Specimen: On public display at the American Numismatic Association Money Museum.
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FAQs about $4.56 Million For This 1913 Liberty Nickel
How many 1913 Liberty Head nickels are there?
Only five authentic examples are known to exist. All are accounted for in museums or private collections.
What makes this coin so rare?
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel was never officially produced. Its creation was likely unauthorized, adding intrigue and rarity.
Can I find one in circulation?
It is extremely unlikely. All known specimens are either in museums or held by private collectors.
What should I do if I think I have one?
Immediately consult a trusted coin grading service such as PCGS or NGC to authenticate it.
Are there replicas?
Yes. Many replicas exist for educational or novelty purposes. A professional grader can distinguish between a fake and the real deal.
