1913 Liberty Nickel: You Might Be Holding a $4.56M Coin: Have you ever checked the change in your pocket and wondered if any of it could be worth more than face value? If so, you’re not alone—and you might be stunned to learn that one coin, the 1913 Liberty Head nickel, has sold for as much as $4.56 million. Yes, you read that right. Only five of these mysterious coins are known to exist, and each has a story as intriguing as a Hollywood thriller.
In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the 1913 Liberty Head nickel: its history, record-breaking auction sales, how to spot counterfeits, and whether you might be one of the lucky few to come across one.
The Hunt for the 1913 Liberty Nickel
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1913 Liberty Head Nickel |
| Known Specimens | 5 |
| Highest Sale Price | $4.56 million (Eliasberg specimen, 2018) |
| Owner History | Private collectors, museums (Smithsonian, ANA) |
| Authentication Services | PCGS and NGC |
| Main Suspect Behind the Coin | Samuel W. Brown (former U.S. Mint employee) |
| Official Mint Production Year End | 1912 |
| Official Website for Reference | Smithsonian Institution |
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel remains one of the most iconic and valuable coins in American history. With just five known specimens, each telling a different story, these nickels aren’t just coins—they’re legends in metal. While the odds of finding one are astronomically low, the excitement of the search still captures imaginations worldwide.
The Strange Origins of the 1913 Liberty Nickel
To truly appreciate this coin’s mystique, you need to understand the odd circumstances under which it came to be.
The U.S. Mint officially stopped producing Liberty Head nickels in 1912, making way for the newly designed Buffalo nickel in 1913. But somehow, five Liberty nickels dated 1913 surfaced—coins that were never officially authorized or recorded in Mint logs.
The Brown Connection
Enter Samuel W. Brown, a former Mint employee. In 1919, Brown placed an ad in a coin magazine offering to buy 1913 Liberty nickels—despite their nonexistence. The next year, he presented five of them at an American Numismatic Association (ANA) convention. Coincidence? Most experts think not.
It’s widely believed that Brown used his position at the Mint to strike the coins himself before leaving his post. While this has never been officially confirmed, the theory is supported by strong circumstantial evidence.
Record-Breaking Auctions: The Coins That Made Headlines
These coins are so rare and valuable that each known specimen has a unique nickname and colorful history.
1. The Eliasberg Specimen – $4.56 Million
Named after legendary collector Louis Eliasberg, this is considered the finest known example. It sold for a whopping $4.56 million in 2018 through Stack’s Bowers Galleries, setting a benchmark for rare coin auctions. Source
2. The Walton Specimen – $4.2 Million
This coin was once lost for decades after its owner was tragically killed in a car accident. It was thought to be a counterfeit until it was authenticated in 2003. It sold in 2022 for $4.2 million. Source
3. The Hawaii Five-O Specimen – Over $4 Million
Famously featured in a 1973 episode of Hawaii Five-O, this coin gained pop culture fame in addition to numismatic value. It sold for over $4 million in 2021. Source
4 & 5. Museum-Owned Specimens
The remaining two coins are not for sale—they are part of the permanent collections of the Smithsonian Institution and the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum. Source
1913 Liberty Nickel: How to Identify a Real 1913 Liberty Nickel?
Here’s the twist: every real 1913 Liberty nickel is already accounted for. So if you find one in a drawer, chances are it’s a counterfeit. But that doesn’t stop hopefuls and collectors from searching.
Common Counterfeit Methods
- Date Alteration: Some counterfeiters alter 1912 nickels by modifying the last digit to “3”.
- Cast Copies: Fakes may be produced by casting or low-grade metal replicas.
Authentication is Key
If you genuinely think you have something special, get it checked by professionals like:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
Both services offer expert evaluation and certification, which is essential before you can sell or insure the coin.
Could You Be Holding One? Here’s What to Do
- Inspect Your Collection: Look through old coins you inherited or bought at flea markets.
- Check the Date: If it says “1913” and it’s a Liberty Head, don’t assume it’s real—but do get it checked.
- Contact an Appraiser: Seek out a certified numismatist or a local coin dealer for a first opinion.
- Send to PCGS/NGC: If it seems promising, ship it securely for professional authentication.
Why the 1913 Nickel Still Captures Attention
Beyond its monetary value, the story behind the 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of secrecy, drama, and intrigue. It’s a tale that resonates with everyone—from kids starting a coin collection to professional numismatists.
And in today’s world, where treasure-hunting shows and antique roadshows are popular, coins like this offer a real-world thrill that’s hard to replicate.
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FAQs on 1913 Liberty Nickel
Q1. Are there really only five 1913 Liberty Head nickels?
Yes. All five specimens are known and accounted for. Any other versions are likely counterfeit.
Q2. How can I tell if my 1913 nickel is fake?
Look for signs like weak lettering, mismatched edges, or altered dates. Always consult a professional.
Q3. Can I legally own a 1913 Liberty nickel?
Absolutely. Three are privately owned and have changed hands at auctions.
Q4. How can I get my coin authenticated?
Submit your coin to PCGS or NGC, the two top-tier coin grading services.
Q5. What’s the value of a regular Liberty Head nickel?
Depending on condition and year, common Liberty Head nickels (1883–1912) range from a few dollars to a few hundred.
