The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of the most famous and mysterious coins in American history. It is not just rare, it is legendary. Only five examples of this coin are known to exist in the entire world, and each one is worth millions of dollars today. What makes this coin even more interesting is that it was never officially meant to exist. Yet, over the years, it has become one of the most desired collector coins ever. In this article, we will explain the full story of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel in very simple English, why it is so valuable, how it was created, and what makes it worth millions.
What Is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The Liberty Head nickel was a U.S. five-cent coin produced from 1883 to 1912. It shows Lady Liberty wearing a crown on the front and a large Roman numeral “V” on the back.
In 1913, the U.S. Mint officially replaced the Liberty Head nickel with the Buffalo nickel. This means Liberty Head nickels were not supposed to be made in 1913. However, somehow, five Liberty Head nickels dated 1913 were created.
This mystery is the main reason behind the coin’s massive value.
Why the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel Is So Rare
The rarity of this coin is unmatched.
Key reasons for its rarity:
- Only five coins are known to exist
- No official mint records confirm their production
- They were never released into circulation
- All five are already accounted for
Because collectors know exactly how many exist, competition to own one is extremely high.
The Mystery Behind Its Creation
No one knows exactly how the 1913 Liberty Head nickels were made. However, most experts believe they were struck secretly by a Mint employee near the end of 1912 or early 1913.
Possible explanations include:
- A mint worker made them unofficially
- They were struck as pattern or trial coins
- They were created illegally but later accepted as genuine
Despite the mystery, all five coins have been confirmed as real by top grading authorities.
The Five Known 1913 Liberty Head Nickels
Each of the five coins has its own name and story.
| Coin Name | Nickname / History |
|---|---|
| Eliasberg Nickel | Finest known example |
| Olsen Nickel | Featured in TV shows |
| Walton Nickel | Found after decades |
| McDermott Nickel | Only circulated example |
| Norweb Nickel | Museum-quality coin |
All five are extremely valuable, but condition plays a big role in price.
How Much Is a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel Worth
Over the years, these nickels have broken record after record at auctions.
Approximate values:
- Lower condition examples: $3 million+
- High-grade examples: $5 million to $7 million+
- Finest known example: Sold for over $4.5 million
- Private sales today: Can exceed $10 million
Prices keep rising because collectors know no new examples will ever be found.
Why Collectors Pay Millions for This Coin
Collectors are willing to pay huge money for this nickel for several reasons.
Main value factors:
- Extreme rarity (only five exist)
- Strong mystery and history
- High demand from wealthy collectors
- Media attention and fame
- Proven authenticity
This coin is often called the “King of U.S. Coins”.
How to Identify a Real 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
It is important to know that finding one in circulation is nearly impossible. Still, knowing its features helps understand its value.
Key identification features:
- Date reads 1913
- Liberty Head design on the front
- Roman numeral “V” on the back
- No buffalo design (that came later)
- Weight and metal match official nickels
Any real example would already be graded and documented.
Common Fakes and Myths
Because the coin is so valuable, many fake stories exist.
Common myths:
- Finding one in pocket change
- Hidden rolls still exist
- Unrecorded examples remain
In reality:
- All five coins are known
- All are graded and tracked
- Any new claim is almost certainly fake
Why Condition Still Matters
Even though all five are rare, condition affects value.
| Condition | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Circulated example | Lower end of millions |
| Light wear | Higher value |
| Near-perfect | Top auction prices |
The Eliasberg nickel is considered the best preserved and most valuable.
Importance of Professional Grading
All genuine 1913 Liberty Head nickels are graded by top agencies.
Benefits of grading:
- Confirms authenticity
- Protects the coin
- Records ownership history
- Boosts auction value
Top grading companies include PCGS and NGC.
Famous Appearances in Media
This coin has appeared in:
- Television shows
- Museums
- Coin exhibitions
- News headlines
One example was even used as a prop in old TV shows, adding to its fame.
Can You Still Own One Today
Yes, but only if you are extremely wealthy.
Ways to own one:
- Major coin auctions
- Private collector sales
- Institutional transfers
Most collectors will never own one, but studying it is part of coin history.
Investment Value of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
This coin is considered a blue-chip investment.
Reasons:
- Fixed supply
- Growing demand
- Strong historical importance
- Proven long-term price growth
It often outperforms traditional investments during strong collector markets.
Lessons for Coin Collectors
Even if you never find this nickel, it teaches important lessons:
- Rarity matters more than age
- Condition is critical
- History adds value
- Authentication is essential
Collectors use this coin as a benchmark for rarity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these errors:
- Believing fake online listings
- Paying without authentication
- Trusting unverified sellers
- Expecting to find one casually
Education protects collectors.
Conclusion
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is more than just a rare coin, it is a piece of American mystery and history. With only five known examples, it stands as one of the most valuable U.S. coins ever created, regularly selling for millions of dollars. Its strange origin, combined with extreme rarity and strong collector demand, has turned it into a true legend in the coin world. While most people will never see one in person, understanding its story helps us see how powerful rarity and history can be. The 1913 Liberty Head nickel reminds collectors that sometimes the most valuable treasures are born from mistakes, secrecy, and time.
FAQ
What makes the 1913 Liberty Head nickel so rare
Only five coins exist, and they were never officially released.
Can I find a 1913 Liberty Head nickel in circulation
No, all known examples are already documented and owned.
Who owns the 1913 Liberty Head nickels today
They are owned by private collectors and institutions.
Is the 1913 Liberty Head nickel legal to own
Yes, it is fully legal and recognised as a genuine U.S. coin.
What is the highest price paid for this coin
Some examples have sold for over $5 million, with private sales even higher.