
$4.569 Million Worth For This Rare Coin: Imagine discovering a coin in your collection that’s worth over $4.5 million. It might sound like a dream, but for the owners of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, it’s a reality. This coin, shrouded in mystery and rarity, is one of the most coveted pieces in American numismatics. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of this coin, its unique features, and how you can determine if you might have one in your possession.
$4.569 Million Worth For This Rare Coin
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a testament to how history, mystery, and rarity can turn a small piece of metal into a multi-million-dollar treasure. Although the odds of finding one are incredibly slim, stories like this highlight the fascinating world of coin collecting and the hidden gems that may lie in your own home. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, learning to identify valuable coins is both fun and potentially rewarding. So check your drawers, search through old jars, and ask your relatives — you never know what might be hiding in plain sight.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Coin Name | 1913 Liberty Head Nickel |
Estimated Value | Up to $4.569 million |
Number in Existence | Only 5 known specimens |
Unique Features | Unauthorized minting, Lady Liberty obverse, Roman numeral “V” reverse |
Historical Significance | Transition from Liberty Head to Buffalo Nickel design |
Notable Sales | Eliasberg specimen sold for $4.56 million in 2018 |
Authentication Tip | Must be authenticated by a certified numismatist |
Official Resource | U.S. Mint Official Site |
The Enigmatic 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is not just a coin; it’s a piece of American history. Official records from the U.S. Mint indicate that no Liberty Head nickels were produced in 1913. That year marked the introduction of the Buffalo Nickel. However, five Liberty Head nickels bearing the 1913 date mysteriously surfaced, leading to widespread intrigue.
Origins and Mystery
The origin of these coins remains a topic of debate among historians. Many believe that Samuel W. Brown, a Mint employee in 1913, clandestinely struck these coins. He later advertised in 1919, offering to buy any 1913 Liberty Head nickels, and subsequently displayed them at the 1920 American Numismatic Association convention. These facts, combined with the coin’s dramatic reappearances and skyrocketing value, have contributed to its legendary status.
Why Is It Worth So Much?
Several factors contribute to the astronomical value of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel:
1. Extreme Rarity
With only five known specimens in existence, this coin is the epitome of scarcity in U.S. coinage.
2. Unauthorized Minting
Because these coins were not officially approved, their origin story adds mystery and allure for collectors.
3. Historical Importance
The coin represents a major shift in U.S. coin design and minting policy. It bridges two iconic eras: Liberty Head and Buffalo Nickels.
4. Collector Prestige
For elite collectors, owning one of these is a status symbol equivalent to owning a Picasso or a Stradivarius violin.
5. Notable Auction Sales
- 2010: Olsen specimen sold for $3.7 million
- 2013: Walton specimen sold for $3.1 million
- 2018: Eliasberg specimen set the record at $4.569 million
Notable Specimens
Each of the five verified specimens has its own backstory and legacy:
- Eliasberg Specimen: Finest known quality, auctioned in 2018 for $4.56 million.
- Olsen Specimen: Once appeared on “Hawaii Five-O”; previously sold for $3.7 million.
- Walton Specimen: Misplaced for decades and rediscovered by family; sold in 2013 for $3.1 million.
- Norweb Specimen: Donated to the Smithsonian; now part of the National Numismatic Collection.
- McDermott Specimen: Permanently displayed at the Money Museum in Colorado Springs.
How to Identify $4.569 Million Worth For This Rare Coin?
Wondering if the coin in your collection could be the one? Here’s how to check:
- Obverse (Front): Lady Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet marked “LIBERTY”.
- Reverse (Back): Large Roman numeral “V” for five cents, surrounded by a wreath.
- Date: 1913 is clearly printed.
- Mint Mark: None. These were struck in Philadelphia.
But beware — because only five are known, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll find one in general circulation. Still, if a coin seems suspiciously similar, professional authentication is a must.
Authentication and Appraisal
To truly confirm a coin’s authenticity and value, follow these steps:
- Do Not Clean It: Cleaning can reduce a coin’s value by thousands.
- Use Professional Grading Services:
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
- Consult Reputable Dealers or Auction Houses:
- Stack’s Bowers
- Heritage Auctions
- Get a Second Opinion: Coin experts can offer insight into the coin’s condition, rarity, and value.
- Consider Insurance: Once authenticated, insure the coin for its appraised value.
Other Rare Coins to Watch For
Even if you don’t have the Liberty Nickel, these coins could also be worth a fortune:
- 1943 Copper Penny – Worth up to $250,000
- 1955 Double Die Penny – Commonly sells for $1,000–$2,500
- 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter – Valued around $1,500
- 2005 Kansas “In God We Rust” Quarter – Up to $100 or more
- 2007 Presidential Dollar Missing Edge Lettering – Up to $1,000
Check old jars, family collections, and estate sales—you never know what you might find.
20 Most Valuable Rare Coins Worth $980M – Do You Own One?
1926-S Buffalo Nickel Valued at $4,200 – Do You Own One?
Rare 1866 Shield Nickel Could Be Worth a Fortune: Check If You Own One!
FAQs About $4.569 Million Worth For This Rare Coin
Q1: How can I verify that my coin is a real 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
Use a coin reference guide and compare key details. But the only reliable method is to send it to a certified grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Q2: Can a regular coin collector find one of these nickels?
It’s highly unlikely. All five are accounted for and well-documented. However, collectors do find other valuable coins, so it’s always worth checking.
Q3: How much does it cost to get a coin authenticated?
Professional authentication usually costs between $25 and $100, depending on the coin’s type and desired turnaround time.
Q4: Is it illegal to own a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
No, it is perfectly legal to own one if it was acquired through legitimate means. These coins are bought and sold publicly in major auctions.
Q5: What should I do if I find an old coin I think is valuable?
Avoid cleaning it. Place it in a protective sleeve, research its design and date, and consult a reputable numismatist or appraiser.