Imagine rummaging through a box of old coins and pulling out a nickel that could make you a millionaire. Sounds impossible, right? But it has actually happened—all because of one of the rarest and most mysterious coins in U.S. history: the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel.
This unassuming five-cent piece has sparked bidding wars, been lost and found, and today sells for millions of dollars. Here’s everything you need to know about this legendary coin and how you might recognize one.
A Coin That Was Never Supposed to Exist
The Liberty Head design, which features a profile of Lady Liberty, was officially discontinued in 1912. In 1913, the Buffalo Nickel took its place.
So, how do five nickels from 1913 with the Liberty design exist?
That’s where the mystery begins.
Experts believe that a U.S. Mint employee secretly struck the coins in 1913, possibly to profit by selling them to collectors. Because these coins were never authorized, they don’t appear in official records—making them unofficial rarities with an air of mystery and mischief.
Meet the “Famous Five” Liberty Nickels
Only five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels are known to exist today, and each one has a dramatic story. They are so famous in the coin world that collectors even gave them names based on their past owners.
Let’s take a quick tour of these legendary coins:
1. Eliasberg Specimen
Sold for $5 million in 2007, this coin was once part of the only complete collection of U.S. coins ever assembled by collector Louis Eliasberg.
2. Olsen Specimen
Once appeared on a 1970s episode of Hawaii Five-O. It fetched $3.7 million in 2010 and has changed hands among celebrities and collectors.
3. Norweb Specimen
Part of the prestigious Norweb family collection, this coin is considered priceless and rarely appears at public auctions.
4. Walton Specimen
Declared lost for decades, this coin was rediscovered in 2013, verifying its authenticity and worth millions today.
5. McDermott Specimen
This coin was on public display for years. Sold for $3 million in 1996, it now resides in a museum collection.
What Makes This Nickel Worth Millions?
So what turns a 5-cent coin into a $5 million dollar treasure?
Here’s why the 1913 Liberty Nickel is so valuable:
- Only five exist. Scarcity alone skyrockets its value.
- They weren’t supposed to be made, giving them a fascinating backstory.
- High demand from serious collectors keeps driving prices up.
- Condition matters—coins in excellent (uncirculated) condition can fetch higher prices, especially if certified by PCGS or NGC.
Think of it as the holy grail of American coins—rare, mysterious, and wildly expensive.
Could You Find One in Your Change?
It’s incredibly unlikely—but not impossible. Valuable coins have shown up in estate sales, old piggy banks, and junk drawers before.
If you come across a Liberty Head Nickel with a 1913 date, don’t spend it—get it evaluated immediately. Even though most are fakes, the real ones are worth life-changing money.
Here’s what to look for:
- The date “1913” on a Liberty Head design.
- Sharp details and no obvious wear (real coins were never circulated).
- Professional grading from services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company).
But beware—counterfeit versions are everywhere, so authentication is key.
Liberty Head Nickels: Not All Are Created Equal
While only the 1913 version is worth millions, other Liberty Head Nickels (1883–1912) can also be valuable—especially if they’re in mint condition or feature rare die errors.
For example:
- 1885 and 1886 nickels are hard to find and can be worth hundreds.
- The 1883 “No Cents” variety confused people into using them as gold coins, adding historical appeal.
If you’ve got a collection of old nickels, it’s worth checking dates and getting a professional appraisal.
Coin Collecting: A Hobby That Could Pay Off Big
The story of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a reminder that collecting coins isn’t just a hobby—it’s a treasure hunt.
You don’t need to be a millionaire to start. Look in your own home—old jars, coin rolls, or inherited collections. Learn what makes coins valuable: rarity, age, minting errors, and condition.
And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll stumble on a coin worth more than your house.
FAQs
Q1: What is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
A: It’s a coin that was secretly made without permission in 1913. Only five are known to exist, and they are worth millions because of their rarity and mysterious history.
Q2: Why is it worth so much money?
A: The coin is extremely rare, has a fascinating backstory, and is highly sought after by collectors. Some have sold for over $5 million at auction.
Q3: How can I tell if I have a real one?
A: Check for the 1913 date on a Liberty Head design. If you think it might be real, get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC. Most are fakes, but it’s worth checking.
Q4: Are other Liberty Head Nickels valuable?
A: Yes, especially those from 1885 and 1886, or rare varieties in excellent condition. They can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on rarity and grade.