The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the 1913 V Nickel, is one of the rarest and most coveted U.S. coins ever produced.
Created under mysterious circumstances and with only five confirmed examples, these coins have fetched prices well into the multi-million dollar range.
With each piece steeped in history and mystique, collectors and historians continue to be fascinated by their story and escalating value.
History & Mystery Behind the Minting
Official End of Liberty Head Design
The Liberty Head nickel was minted from 1883 to 1912 and designed by Charles Barber. It was officially replaced by the Buffalo nickel in 1913. However, despite the change in design, five Liberty Head nickels dated 1913 mysteriously surfaced.
Unauthorized Minting
No official records exist of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel ever being authorized or produced by the U.S. Mint. The first known public appearance of these coins was in 1920, when former mint employee Samuel W. Brown displayed them at a coin convention.
It is widely believed that Brown, who had access to Mint equipment and dies, was involved in their unauthorized creation.
While some experts argue they might have been trial pieces, the prevailing theory is that they were clandestinely struck at the Philadelphia Mint without official permission.
The Five Known Specimens
Each of the five surviving 1913 Liberty Head nickels has a unique story and has changed hands among some of the most prominent names in numismatics. Here’s a summary of their provenance and current status:
| Specimen Name | Ownership History | Current Location |
|---|---|---|
| Eliasberg | Louis Eliasberg → Jay Parrino → Legend Numismatics → Private Owner | Privately held; finest known (graded MS66) |
| Olsen | Fred Olsen → King Farouk → Bruce Morelan → Private Collectors | Private; PR64; sold for $3.7 million in 2010 |
| Norweb | King Farouk → Norweb Family → U.S. Government | On display at the Smithsonian Institution |
| McDermott | J.V. McDermott → Aubrey Bebee → ANA Museum | Displayed at the ANA Money Museum in Colorado |
| Walton | George Walton (lost for decades) → Reverified in 2003 → Auctioned | Sold for $4.2 million in 2022; privately owned |
Valuation Over Time
Notable Auction Sales
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel has consistently set records:
- 1972: The Olsen specimen became the first U.S. five-cent coin to sell for over $100,000.
- 1996: The Eliasberg coin crossed the $1 million mark.
- 2010: The Olsen specimen sold at auction for $3.737 million.
- 2013: The Walton specimen sold for $3.172 million.
- 2018: The Eliasberg specimen sold for $4.5 million, the highest recorded public auction at that time.
- 2022: The Walton specimen resold for $4.2 million through a private auction.
Current Valuation
Experts from coin grading and auction firms estimate that each of the five known coins is now worth between $5 million and $6.5 million, depending on condition, pedigree, and market interest.
If a sixth specimen were to surface—something often speculated—it could be valued at over $9 million.
Why Is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel So Valuable?
1. Extreme Rarity
Only five known specimens exist, and no official mint records verify their production. This alone makes them one of the rarest U.S. coins in history.
2. Historical Significance
The mystery surrounding their creation adds immense value. Unlike most rare coins, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel’s existence challenges official records and numismatic norms.
3. Pristine Condition
Most of the five coins are graded between Proof 64 (PR64) and Mint State 66 (MS66), making them especially appealing to top-tier collectors.
4. High Demand Among Collectors
These coins attract worldwide attention whenever they come to market, with major institutions and elite collectors bidding millions to acquire them.
5. Celebrity Appeal & Pop Culture
The Olsen specimen famously appeared on an episode of Hawaii Five-O, adding to its public mystique and desirability.
Authentication and Grading
Due to their high value, authentication is paramount. All five specimens have been certified by either PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). Grading considers:
- Strike quality
- Surface condition
- Luster
- Historical documentation of provenance
The highest graded is the Eliasberg specimen, which received an MS66 rating, indicating near-perfect condition.
Public Display and Accessibility
Out of the five coins:
- Two are in public institutions (Smithsonian and ANA Museum).
- Three remain in private hands, occasionally appearing in exhibits or major auctions.
For those wanting a closer look, the Norweb and McDermott specimens are periodically displayed at numismatic events and exhibitions
Key Facts Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1913 |
| Design | Liberty Head (V Nickel) |
| Official Mint Record | None |
| Total Known Specimens | 5 |
| Designer | Charles E. Barber |
| Metal Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Weight | 5 grams |
| Highest Sale Price | $4.5 million (Eliasberg specimen, 2018) |
| Estimated Current Value | $5M–$6.5M per coin |
| Displayed in Museums | 2 specimens (Smithsonian, ANA Museum) |
Cultural and Numismatic Impact
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel stands as a symbol of rarity, secrecy, and prestige in the world of numismatics. Its unusual origin, combined with jaw-dropping auction sales and pop culture references, has elevated it beyond just a collector’s item—it is now a piece of American history.
Collectors dream of owning one. Investors watch them like fine art. And institutions regard them as treasures.
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a once-in-a-lifetime collectible. With only five known to exist, each worth well over $3 million, these coins represent the pinnacle of rarity, controversy, and value in the coin world.
Whether you’re a numismatist, investor, or casual enthusiast, the story of these nickels continues to captivate and inspire.
FAQs
1. How many 1913 Liberty Head Nickels are there?
Only five authenticated specimens exist today. Two are housed in public institutions, while three are privately owned.
2. Why are these nickels so valuable?
Their value stems from their rarity, mysterious origins, high grades, and collector demand. No official records show they were ever authorized, which adds to their allure.
3. Where can I see one in person?
Two specimens are available for public viewing: one at the Smithsonian Institution and the other at the ANA Money Museum in Colorado.