1913 Liberty Head Nickel: The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most captivating coins in American numismatic history. Known for its extraordinary rarity and mysterious origins, this five-cent coin has become the Holy Grail for coin collectors worldwide. With only five known specimens in existence, its allure goes far beyond its monetary value, capturing imaginations and commanding millions at auctions.
In this article, we’ll explore the history, design, auction records, and the story behind the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. From its secretive minting to becoming a record-breaking treasure, every detail about this coin is a fascinating tale of rarity, ambition, and history.
Quick Facts About the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
| Attribute | Details |
| Year of Minting | 1913 (Unofficially Produced) |
| Number of Known Coins | 5 |
| Designer | Charles E. Barber |
| Material | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel |
| First Public Appearance | 1920 |
| Record Auction Price | $4,560,000 (2018) |
| Reason for Rarity | Unauthorized Production |
The History of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The Liberty Head Nickel series, designed by Charles E. Barber, was officially minted from 1883 to 1912. However, in 1913, the U.S. Mint transitioned to the Buffalo Nickel design, marking the end of the Liberty Head series.
Curiously, despite no official records authorizing their minting, five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels surfaced in the possession of Samuel Brown, a former Mint employee. Brown first displayed these coins at an American Numismatic Association (ANA) convention in 1920, leaving collectors and historians puzzled about their origins.
Many theories suggest these coins were struck illegally by Mint insiders, possibly Brown himself, and secretly removed from the facility. The lack of concrete evidence has kept the story shrouded in mystery, further adding to the coin’s legend.
Why is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel So Valuable?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel isn’t just valuable because of its scarcity—it’s also a symbol of mystery and intrigue. Here are the key reasons behind its astronomical value:
- Unauthorized Production: The coin was never supposed to exist, adding an element of secrecy.
- Extremely Limited Mintage: Only five specimens are known to exist today.
- Historical Significance: These coins represent a pivotal moment in U.S. coin history.
- Condition and Provenance: Each surviving coin has been carefully preserved, with impeccable documentation of ownership over the years.
Together, these factors have turned the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel into one of the most valuable coins in the world.
The Five Known Specimens and Their Stories
Each of the five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels has a unique story and provenance:
- The Eliasberg Specimen: Known as the finest example, this coin is considered nearly flawless and has fetched record prices at auctions.
- The Olsen Specimen: This coin gained fame after appearing on television and passing through the hands of numerous high-profile collectors.
- The Walton Specimen: Once thought lost, it was rediscovered in 2003 after decades in obscurity.
- The Norweb Specimen: This coin has remained in prestigious collections and is admired for its outstanding condition.
- The McDermott Specimen: The most worn of the five, yet still highly valuable due to its unique backstory.
Each coin has a distinct journey through auctions, private collections, and historical events, making them even more intriguing to collectors.
Auction Records: How Much is a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel Worth?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel consistently breaks records whenever it appears at auction. Here are some notable sales:
- 2010: A specimen sold for $3,737,500 at Heritage Auctions.
- 2013: Another example fetched $3,172,500.
- 2018: The finest specimen achieved a record-breaking sale of $4,560,000 at Stack’s Bowers.
- 2022: Another specimen was auctioned for $4,200,000.
Experts believe that the value of these coins will only continue to rise, given their rarity and iconic status in the world of numismatics.
The Design of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The design of the Liberty Head Nickel, crafted by Charles Barber, captures the elegance of late 19th-century American coinage:
- Obverse Side: The profile of Lady Liberty, adorned with a crown inscribed with the word “LIBERTY”, surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies.
- Reverse Side: A large Roman numeral “V” symbolizing five cents, encircled by a wreath.
This design, while stunning, was eventually replaced by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913, making these final five specimens even more significant.
Key Dates in the Liberty Head Nickel Series
While the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel stands as the rarest, other key dates in the Liberty Head series are also highly prized:
- 1885: Known for its low mintage and scarcity.
- 1886: Another rare year with limited surviving examples.
- 1912-S: The final official year of production, minted in San Francisco.
These dates are considered essential by collectors building a complete set of Liberty Head Nickels.
FAQs About the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Why is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so rare?
It was never officially authorized for production, and only five coins were secretly minted and smuggled out of the U.S. Mint.
How many 1913 Liberty Head Nickels are there?
Only five known specimens exist today.
Who owned the first 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
The coins were first publicly displayed by Samuel Brown at a convention in 1920.
What is the highest price paid for a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
The highest recorded sale was $4,560,000 in 2018.
Why is it called the “Holy Grail” of coin collecting?
Its combination of rarity, mystery, and value makes it one of the most coveted coins in the world.
Final Thoughts on the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is far more than just a five-cent coin—it’s a symbol of history, rarity, and mystery. From its unauthorized creation to its record-breaking auction prices, it continues to fascinate and inspire collectors worldwide.
As coin enthusiasts, we may never fully uncover all the secrets behind this coin, but one thing is certain—the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel will forever remain one of the most iconic treasures in American numismatics.
Do you have a favorite coin in your collection? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation about one of history’s most fascinating coins!