When most people think of a nickel, they picture an everyday coin worth five cents something tossed into a change jar or left at the bottom of a drawer. But not all nickels are created equal. One particular coin, the 1913 Liberty Head nickel, has defied expectations and transformed into one of the most coveted and expensive coins in American history. With one example fetching over $4.5 million at auction, this five-cent piece has become a legend in the world of numismatics.
The End of the Liberty Head Design
To understand the rarity of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel, we need to go back to the turn of the 20th century. The Liberty Head design, featuring the profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a Roman numeral V on the reverse, was used on nickels from 1883 until 1912. By 1913, the U.S. Mint had made the decision to retire the Liberty Head in favor of a new design: the Buffalo nickel.
According to official Mint records, no Liberty Head nickels were authorized or struck in 1913. Yet, somehow, five of them exist. That mystery is what elevates the 1913 Liberty Head nickel from a simple coin to a legendary rarity surrounded by intrigue, speculation, and immense value.
The Mysterious Origins
The story of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel begins with Samuel W. Brown, a former U.S. Mint employee. In 1919, Brown displayed a 1913 Liberty Head nickel at a coin convention in Chicago, claiming it was one of only five in existence. The numismatic community was stunned, as no such coin was ever officially documented.
While there is no definitive proof of how these nickels came to be, many experts believe Brown may have used his position at the Mint to have the coins secretly struck either as a favor or for profit. Regardless of their origin, the five nickels quickly became prized items among wealthy collectors.
The Fabulous Five
Only five genuine 1913 Liberty Head nickels are known to exist today, and each has its own unique story. They have passed through the hands of eccentric millionaires, famous collectors, museums, and even a king. The most famous of these is the “Olsen specimen,” which was once owned by Egypt’s King Farouk and later appeared on an episode of Hawaii Five-O.
Another example, known as the “Walton specimen,” was long believed to be lost. It had been involved in a fatal car accident in 1962 and was mistakenly thought to be a fake. It sat in a family safe deposit box for decades until it was re-authenticated in the early 2000s, reigniting interest in the coin and its incredible journey.
Record-Breaking Value
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel isn’t just rare it’s also extraordinarily valuable. Over the years, these coins have sold for astonishing sums. In 2010, one specimen sold for $3.7 million. Then in 2018, another sold for $4.56 million at auction, setting a record for the most ever paid for a nickel.
What drives this value is a perfect storm of rarity, mystery, history, and desire. There are countless collectors around the world, but only five of these nickels. The exclusivity alone fuels a near-mythical status. Combine that with the coin’s controversial past and the prestige of owning one, and it’s easy to understand why wealthy collectors are willing to pay millions.
More Than Just a Coin
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is more than just an unusual five-cent piece it’s a piece of American folklore. It has appeared in movies, inspired books, and drawn global attention at auction houses. For collectors, it represents the pinnacle of numismatic achievement. For historians, it’s a fascinating case of how unofficial actions inside a government institution can create an enduring legend.
Unlike many collectible coins, which derive value from high mintage numbers or production errors, the Liberty Head nickel’s appeal lies in its mystery. Why were these coins made? Who authorized them? How did they escape the Mint’s control? Those questions remain unanswered, and perhaps that’s part of what keeps the fascination alive.
A Dream Find for Any Collector
While the chances of stumbling upon a genuine 1913 Liberty Head nickel in your pocket change are virtually zero, that hasn’t stopped dreamers from searching. Stories of hidden coins in attics, old collections, or forgotten safes occasionally surface, adding a spark of hope to the hunt.
In reality, these nickels are now tightly held by institutions and elite collectors. Most are on display only during rare exhibitions or auction previews. Still, their stories continue to inspire both seasoned numismatists and casual coin enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is a powerful reminder that history can hide in plain sight. What began as an unofficial and possibly unauthorized striking of five coins has grown into one of the most captivating tales in American numismatic history. With only five known examples and a market value in the millions, this little nickel has earned its place among the greatest treasures ever produced by the U.S. Mint.
For collectors and historians, it’s a rare fusion of mystery, legacy, and the enduring human fascination with rarity. Not all nickels are equal and the 1913 Liberty Head proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The historical events, coin values, and ownership stories described are based on public sources and numismatic research. Readers interested in rare coin collecting or investing should seek guidance from professional numismatists or certified grading services before making financial decisions.