Earn Upto $6 Million, If You Own This Coin, Still In Circulation
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous, mysterious, and valuable coins in U.S. history. Market value estimated between $4 million to $6.5 million+ depending on condition. What makes it so special?
The U.S. Mint officially stopped producing Liberty Head nickels in 1912 and switched to the Buffalo Nickel design in 1913. Yet, five Liberty Head nickels dated 1913 mysteriously came into existence — even though they were never authorized. This bizarre twist made the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel one of the most talked-about and expensive coins in the world.
Why the 1913 Liberty Nickel Is So Rare
No Official Records
- The U.S. Mint records show zero production of Liberty Head nickels in 1913.
- However, five coins surfaced years later, all dated 1913 — defying all official records.
Secretly Made?
Most experts believe these coins were illegally or unofficially struck at the Philadelphia Mint — possibly by a Mint employee named Samuel W. Brown, who later exhibited one at a coin show in 1920.
Only Five Known Examples
To this day, only five authentic 1913 Liberty Head nickels have ever been found. All have been thoroughly authenticated by professional numismatists.
The 5 Known 1913 Liberty Head Nickels – Names and Current Status
These five coins are known by the names of their past or current owners and remain carefully documented.
| Name | Grade | Notable Facts | Current Whereabouts |
| Olsen Specimen | PF64 (Proof) | Featured on TV’s Hawaii Five-O in 1973 | In private collection |
| Walton Specimen | VF35 | Believed lost for decades; found in 2003 by heirs | On loan at a museum or private hands |
| Eliasberg Specimen | PF66 | Highest-graded example; sold for over $5 million | In private hands |
| Norweb Specimen | PF65 | Donated to the Smithsonian Institution | On public display |
| McDermott Specimen | PF55 | Only circulated one; worn edges from handling | On display at the ANA Museum |
Auction History and Current Value
These coins have changed hands for record-breaking prices over the years.
| Coin Name | Auction Price | Year Sold | Details |
| Eliasberg Specimen | $5 million+ | Private sale (2018) | Finest known; nearly flawless |
| Walton Specimen | $3.1 million | 2013 | Rediscovered at family estate |
| Olsen Specimen | $3.7 million | Private sale | Shown on national television |
| McDermott Specimen | N/A | Not for sale | Donated and displayed in Colorado |
| Norweb Specimen | N/A | Not for sale | Permanent Smithsonian collection |
Estimated Value in 2025
Depending on condition and buyer interest, a 1913 Liberty Nickel in today’s market can sell for $3 million to over $6 million.
What Makes It So Valuable?
- Extreme Rarity – Only five known coins exist.
- Mystery – The story behind their creation adds to the intrigue.
- Historical Importance – A symbol of early 20th-century U.S. Mint history.
- Legal to Own – Not seized or banned by the U.S. government.
- Condition – Several examples are in stunning proof condition.
- Fame – Some specimens have appeared in museums, movies, and on television.
Summary – All You Need to Know
| Feature | Detail |
| Coin Name | 1913 Liberty Head Nickel |
| Mint Location | Philadelphia (Unofficial) |
| Number of Coins | Only 5 known |
| Material | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Rarity | Extremely rare – all accounted for |
| Value (2025) | $3 million to $6.5+ million |
| Still Exists? | Yes – all 5 coins are known and preserved |
| Famous Owners | King Farouk, Fred Olsen, Louis Eliasberg |
| Public Display? | Yes – Smithsonian and ANA Museum |
Final Words
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is more than just a piece of metal — it’s a story of mystery, rarity, and historical intrigue. As of 2025, all five coins are still in existence, making them some of the most carefully documented and desired numismatic treasures in the world. If you’re lucky enough to see one, you’re looking at a piece of living American history.
