Rare cash are shrouded in mystery, and none greater so than the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, well worth greater than $5 million. With just five regarded specimens, its enigmatic records and incredible fee make it one of the maximum suitable objects inside the records of numismatics. But it is only one of many coin enigmas. Here’s how the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel came to be and five other coins with amazing secrets.
$5 Million 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The Liberty Head Nickel collection became formally terminated in 1912, with the Buffalo Nickel taking its place. Yet, in 1913, 5 Liberty Head Nickels have been clandestinely struck at the Philadelphia Mint, even though there aren’t any reputable statistics of their minting.
Why It’s Worth Millions:
- Only five known examples exist.
- Thought to have been secretly produced by a Mint employee.
- Each has sold for millions, with one fetching $5 million at auction.

How to Identify It:
- Features Lady Liberty on the obverse.
- The date reads “1913” (official production ended in 1912).
- No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint issue).
5 More Coin Mysteries That Baffle Collectors
1. 1943 Copper Penny
Peanies were steel instead of copper during World War II. Yet, a handful of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck with copper and are some of the most elusive U.S. coins.
Why It’s a Mystery:
- How these copper pennies were produced remains unknown.
- Only about 20 exist, making them highly valuable.
- One recently sold for $250,000.
2. 1804 Silver Dollar
Despite being dated 1804, these famous silver dollars were actually struck in the 1830s as diplomatic gifts.
Why It’s a Mystery:
- The U.S. Mint never officially released 1804 Silver Dollars for circulation.
- Only 15 known examples exist.
- Some versions are classified as “Class I,” “Class II,” and “Class III”, each with unique history.

3. 1974 Aluminum Penny
The U.S. Mint tested making pennies out of aluminum to save money in 1974. They never officially released them, and nearly all of them were destroyed—except for some that managed to get into the public’s hands.
Why It’s a Mystery:
- Only one verified example remains in private hands.
- The government has attempted to reclaim these coins.
- A high-grade aluminum penny is valued at $250,000 or more.
4. 1959-D Lincoln Penny with Wheat Reverse
The Lincoln Cent design was altered in 1959, when the Wheat reverse was replaced by the Lincoln Memorial. But a few 1959-D Wheat Pennies have appeared, causing controversy.
Why It’s a Mystery:
- The U.S. Mint claims it was never produced.
- Some believe it was an inside job or a minting error.
- One example sold for $50,000.
5. 1964-D Peace Dollar
The U.S. Mint planned to reintroduce the Peace Dollar in 1964 but melted down almost all of them before release. However, rumors persist that a few escaped destruction.

Why It’s a Mystery:
- Officially, no 1964-D Peace Dollars exist.
- Some collectors believe a few coins survived and are hidden in private collections.
- If one were to appear, it could be worth over $1 million.
Final Thought
The Liberty Head Nickel produced in 1913 is considered one of the greatest coin mysteries, worth $5 million, but it isn’t the lone numismatic puzzle. Wartime pennies, missing silver dollars, all of these and more are out there waiting for you to collect them. You might be incredibly lucky and possess one of these extremely rare coins. You may be holding onto a treasure.
FAQ’s
What makes a coin valuable?
Acceptance via collectors, historical importance, circumstance (grade), and scarcity decide the value of a coin. Please observe that prices tend to differ regularly because of marketplace forces.
How do I know whether or not I possess a worthwhile coin?
Inspect your coins for special characteristics like minting mistakes, off-dates, or special markings. A professional opinion from a recognized coin grading service can be obtained by consulting with them.
Where do I sell rare cash?
You are able to promote your numismatic cash via expert auction homes, coin stores, or online auction web sites that deal in numismatics. Get professionally appraised earlier than selling.