1913 Liberty Head Nickel: Among the rarest and most sought-after coins in American history, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel holds a legendary status in numismatics. With only five known examples, this coin is not just valuable—it is an enigma. Each specimen has a unique story, adding to its mystique and appeal among collectors.

What makes this coin so special? How did it come into existence? And why is it worth millions of dollars today? This article uncovers the fascinating history, notable sales, and the mystery surrounding the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, a true treasure of the numismatic world.

Quick Facts: The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

Here’s an overview of the five known 1913 Liberty Head Nickel specimens, their locations, and their significance:

Specimen	Location	Key Details
Eliasberg Specimen	Private Collection	Graded Proof-66; sold for $5 million in 2007.
Olsen Specimen	Private Collection	Featured on Hawaii Five-O; sold for $3.7 million in 2010.
Walton Specimen	Private Collection	Lost for decades; authenticated in 2003.
Norweb Specimen	Smithsonian Institution	Preserved as part of the National Numismatic Collection.
McDermott Specimen	ANA Museum	Displays wear from circulation; donated in 1989.

A Coin That Wasn’t Supposed to Exist

The Liberty Head Nickel, designed by Charles E. Barber, was produced from 1883 to 1912. However, in 1913, the U.S. Mint officially transitioned to the Buffalo Nickel, making the Liberty Head design obsolete. Despite this, five nickels featuring the 1913 date somehow surfaced—coins that were never supposed to exist.

The first public appearance of these mysterious nickels occurred in 1920, when a former Mint employee, Samuel W. Brown, unveiled them. This raised immediate questions: Were they secretly struck for personal gain? Were they prototypes? To this day, no official records confirm their origin, making the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in coin collecting.

The Five Legendary Specimens

Each of the five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels has an incredible story that adds to its mystique. Let’s take a closer look at these numismatic gems:

1. The Eliasberg Specimen – The Finest Known

Regarded as the best-preserved example, this nickel was once owned by Louis E. Eliasberg, the only collector to ever complete a collection of every known U.S. coin. Graded Proof-66, it shattered records in 2007, selling for a jaw-dropping $5 million.

2. The Olsen Specimen – The TV Star

This nickel gained national fame when it appeared on the hit TV show Hawaii Five-O in 1973. With a history of high-profile owners, including King Farouk of Egypt, it fetched $3.7 million in 2010.

3. The Walton Specimen – Lost for Decades

The Walton Specimen has the most dramatic story. After its owner, George Walton, passed away in 1962, experts mistakenly declared the coin a fake. It remained hidden in a box for over 40 years until it was reauthenticated in 2003, proving to be one of the real 1913 Liberty Head Nickels.

4. The Norweb Specimen – A National Treasure

Unlike the others, the Norweb Specimen was never sold for millions. Instead, it was donated to the Smithsonian Institution, where it remains a centerpiece of the National Numismatic Collection.

5. The McDermott Specimen – The Only One Circulated

This nickel is unique because it shows signs of wear, indicating that it was once in circulation. Owned by collector J.V. McDermott, he carried it around to show off at bars. It was eventually donated to the American Numismatic Association (ANA) Museum.

Why Is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel So Valuable?

Several factors contribute to the astronomical value of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel:

• Extreme Rarity: With only five confirmed examples, it is one of the rarest U.S. coins.
• Mysterious Origins: The unknown circumstances of its creation add to its allure.
• Prestigious Ownership: Famous collectors and even royalty have owned these coins.
• Impeccable Preservation: Some specimens, like the Eliasberg Nickel, are in near-perfect condition.
• Historical Significance: It is regarded as one of the most important coins in U.S. history.

Record-Breaking Sales of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel has consistently set records in the coin market. Here are some of its most notable sales:

• 1996: The Eliasberg Specimen became the first coin to surpass $1 million, selling for $1.485 million.
• 2005: Purchased by Legend Numismatics and Bruce Morelan for $4.15 million.
• 2007: Sold for $5 million, setting a new record.
• 2010: The Olsen Specimen was auctioned for $3.7 million.

These figures prove that demand for the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel continues to grow, making it one of the most valuable rare coins in the world.

The Legacy of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

Beyond its monetary worth, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel has cemented itself as a numismatic icon. Its story has been featured in books, TV shows, and documentaries. Museums proudly display it, and collectors dream of owning one.

For those passionate about rare coins, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel represents the ultimate prize—a mysterious artifact of history that connects collectors to America’s past.

FAQs About the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

Final Thoughts

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is more than just a coin—it’s a piece of American history. Its mystery, rarity, and immense value make it one of the most fascinating collectibles in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply love a great treasure story, this coin remains one of numismatics’ greatest legends.

Would you love to own a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel? Share your thoughts in the comments! 💰✨