The 1913 Liberty Nickel is one of the most famous and valuable coins in U.S. history. With only five known examples in existence, its rarity and mysterious backstory have made it a prized possession for collectors.
Some of these coins have sold for over $5 million at auctions, making the 1913 Liberty Nickel a “holy grail” of coin collecting.
The History Behind the 1913 Liberty Nickel
The Liberty Head Nickel was minted between 1883 and 1912, after which the U.S. Mint switched to the Buffalo Nickel. However, a few Liberty Nickels were produced in 1913, without any official approval.
These five nickels were struck by an unknown U.S. Mint employee during the transition period between 1912 and 1913, leading to their legendary status.
Why Is the 1913 Liberty Nickel So Valuable?
The main reason for the 1913 Liberty Nickel’s high value is its extreme rarity. Only five coins are known to exist, and their unauthorized production adds an intriguing historical element.
Over the years, the mystery surrounding these coins has captured the attention of numismatists, and their prices have soared at auctions, with some selling for more than $5 million.
Factors That Contribute to Its Value:
- Rarity: Only five coins exist.
- Historical Significance: The unauthorized production makes these coins unique.
- Auction Prices: The coins have consistently broken auction records.
- Condition: The grade or condition of each coin impacts its value.
The Five Known 1913 Liberty Nickels
Each of the five known 1913 Liberty Nickels has a unique story and history, often referred to by the names of their collectors or owners.
- The Eliasberg Specimen
The Eliasberg Specimen is considered the finest example of the 1913 Liberty Nickel, graded Proof 66. It was sold for $5 million in 2007. - The Olsen Specimen
The Olsen Specimen is famous for being featured in television shows like Hawaii Five-O. It is graded Proof 64 and was sold for $3.7 million in 2010. - The Walton Specimen
After being lost for decades, the Walton Specimen resurfaced in 2003. It is graded Proof 63 and valued at over $3 million. - The Norweb Specimen
Named after the Norweb family, this nickel is graded Proof 63. Though not sold recently, its estimated value is between $3 million and $4 million. - The McDermott Specimen
Graded at Proof 55, the McDermott Specimen is the lowest-graded of the five but still sold for $1.35 million in 2003.
Estimated Values of the 1913 Liberty Nickel
| Coin Specimen | Grade | Sale Price (Most Recent) | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eliasberg | Proof 66 | $5 million (2007) | Over $5 million |
| Olsen | Proof 64 | $3.7 million (2010) | $3.7M – $4.5M |
| Walton | Proof 63 | Not recently sold | $3M – $4M |
| Norweb | Proof 63 | Not recently sold | $3M – $4M |
| McDermott | Proof 55 | $1.35 million (2003) | $1.35M – $2M |
The 1913 Liberty Nickel stands out as one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history. With only five known coins, their unauthorized minting adds to the allure and mystery.
Over time, these coins have fetched record-breaking prices at auctions and remain a dream for any collector. The combination of rarity, historical significance, and high value makes the 1913 Liberty Nickel a true gem in the world of numismatics.
Why is the 1913 Liberty Nickel so valuable?
Its extreme rarity (only five coins exist) and the unauthorized minting process contribute to its high value.
How many 1913 Liberty Nickels are there?
There are only five known examples of the 1913 Liberty Nickel.
What is the most expensive 1913 Liberty Nickel?
The Eliasberg Specimen, which sold for $5 million in 2007, is the most expensive.
What is the condition of the 1913 Liberty Nickels?
The condition varies, with the highest grade being Proof 66 (Eliasberg Specimen) and the lowest being Proof 55 (McDermott Specimen).
Where can I see a 1913 Liberty Nickel?
These coins are held in private collections, but they occasionally appear in exhibitions or auctions.
