In a world where most people overlook the change they receive from the cashier, a tiny piece of American history could be hiding in plain sight—worth far more than its face value. Imagine finding a five-cent coin that turns out to be worth $10 million. It might sound like a fantasy, but for coin collectors and numismatists, it’s a real possibility. The coin in question? The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, one of the rarest and most mysterious coins in the United States.
Could one be hiding in your pocket right now? Let’s dive into the legend, value, and story behind this astonishing nickel.
The World of Rare Coins: Small Change, Big Money
Most of us handle coins every day without a second thought. But in the world of numismatics (the study and collection of coins), a small detail can turn an everyday object into a priceless artifact. Factors such as minting errors, limited production, historical significance, and condition play a massive role in a coin’s value.
Coins with unusual histories or unknown origins often fetch extraordinary prices at auction. And none are quite as enigmatic—or as valuable—as the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel.
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: A Mystery Worth Millions
This nickel is shrouded in intrigue. Official U.S. Mint records show that no Liberty Head nickels were made in 1913. The design was officially retired in 1912, replaced by the Buffalo nickel in 1913. Yet, somehow, five Liberty Head nickels with the 1913 date exist—and their mysterious origin has only added to their mythos.
How Did These Nickels Come to Be?
The five known specimens were never officially authorized or documented. It’s widely believed they were illegally struck at the Philadelphia Mint, possibly by a rogue employee, and quietly smuggled out. The prime suspect is Samuel W. Brown, a former Mint employee who mysteriously exhibited the first known 1913 Liberty Head nickel at a coin show in 1920.
Whether they were created as souvenirs, test strikes, or purely for personal gain, no one knows for sure. But their existence has captivated collectors for over a century—and each sale only fuels the fascination.
Only Five Known: Meet the Famous Five
There are only five 1913 Liberty Head nickels known to exist. All five have nicknames and unique stories:
- The Eliasberg Specimen
- The finest known example, formerly owned by legendary collector Louis Eliasberg.
- Sold for $5 million in a private sale in 2007. Estimated current value: $10+ million.
- The Olsen Specimen
- Once appeared on the TV show Hawaii Five-O.
- Sold at various auctions, most recently for several million dollars.
- The Walton Specimen
- Lost for over 40 years before being rediscovered in a family safe.
- Declared authentic in 2003 after years of speculation.
- The Norweb Specimen
- Owned by the Norweb family, later donated to the Smithsonian Institution.
- The only specimen not in private hands.
- The McDermott Specimen
- The most worn of the five, displayed publicly for decades.
- Now housed at the American Numismatic Association museum.
Each of these coins has its own tale, ownership lineage, and mystery. Together, they form the most elusive club in U.S. coinage.
Why It’s Worth $10 Million (and Growing)
So, what makes this tiny coin worth as much as a mansion or a private jet?
- Rarity: Only five exist, and one is permanently in a museum.
- Mystery: The unauthorized minting adds intrigue and historical curiosity.
- Condition: At least one is in mint state, nearly flawless.
- Collector Demand: High-end collectors, investors, and museums all want a piece of this legend.
- Public Fascination: The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is a media darling, often featured in books, TV shows, and exhibits.
As interest in rare collectibles continues to grow, so does the potential value. Experts believe the best specimens could easily command $10 million or more in the right auction.
Could It Be In Your Pocket?
Let’s be honest—probably not. All five known 1913 Liberty Head nickels are accounted for. However, stranger things have happened in the coin world.
For decades, the Walton specimen was presumed lost. Its owner, George Walton, died in a car crash in 1962, and the coin was thought to be missing. In 2003, a family member brought it to a coin convention—believing it was just a nice collectible. It turned out to be the long-lost fifth coin, authenticated after years of doubt. Its rediscovery shocked the numismatic community.
So while the odds are slim, it’s not impossible. A misidentified coin could still be sitting in a collection, a desk drawer, or even your grandma’s coin jar.
How to Identify a Liberty Head Nicke
If you’re now itching to dig through your loose change, here’s what to look for:
- Design:
- Obverse (front): A profile of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet with “LIBERTY” inscribed.
- Reverse (back): A large Roman numeral “V” for 5 cents, surrounded by “United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum.”
- Date: Look for 1913 on the front under Liberty’s neck.
- Mintmark: There is no mintmark—Liberty Head nickels from Philadelphia didn’t include one.
Warning: Counterfeits Exist
Because of the coin’s fame, there are numerous fakes. Some are made by altering the date on a 1903 or 1910 Liberty Head nickel. Others are replicas or fantasy coins. If you suspect you have a 1913 Liberty Head, do not clean it and get it authenticated immediately by PCGS or NGC.
Other Nickels Worth a Fortune
While the 1913 Liberty Head is the crown jewel, several other nickels can be worth thousands—even millions. Keep an eye out for these:
- 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
- A minting error that erased one of the buffalo’s legs.
- Worth $500 to $5,000+ depending on condition.
- 1916 Doubled Die Buffalo Nickel
- Features doubling on the date and Liberty’s face.
- Can fetch thousands at auction.
- 1942-P Jefferson Nickel (Silver War Nickel)
- Contains 35% silver and a large mintmark above the dome.
- Worth more than face value, especially in uncirculated condition.
- 1950-D Jefferson Nickel
- Low mintage (only 2.6 million made).
- Worth $20–$200+ depending on grade.
The Thrill of the Hunt
One of the best parts of coin collecting is the element of surprise. Even beginners can strike gold—figuratively and sometimes literally—by sifting through pocket change, checking old collections, or scouring garage sales.
Coin roll hunting (going through bank rolls of coins) has become a popular hobby. Collectors report finding rare dates, mint errors, and silver coins, all for face value. It’s a mix of strategy, patience, and luck—and it’s always exciting.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Found Something Valuable
- Don’t Clean It – Cleaning coins can significantly lower their value.
- Take Photos – Capture clear images of both sides.
- Do Your Research – Look for key identifiers like mintmarks, dates, and design details.
- Visit a Professional – Show it to a reputable coin dealer or submit it to a grading service.
- Store It Properly – Keep it in a coin capsule or sleeve to prevent damage.
Final Thoughts: Change Worth Changing Your Life
It’s hard to believe that something as small as a nickel could be worth $10 million, but the story of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel proves it’s possible. Coins like these are more than just currency—they’re windows into history, mystery, and human curiosity.
So the next time you empty your pockets or break open that old piggy bank, take a closer look. You might not find a $10 million nickel—but then again, you just might.
