In the field of numismatics (coin collecting), few coins are more valuable and scarce than the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Relying on only five known specimens, the coin has long intrigued collectors and historians. Its worth has approached more than $5 million and ranks as one of the world’s most valuable coins.
The Cryptic Origins of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The Liberty Head nickel was created by Charles E. Barber and was struck between 1883 and 1912. In 1913, the U.S. Mint chose to discontinue the Liberty Head design and implement the Buffalo Nickel design. Five Liberty Head nickels were clandestinely struck with the 1913 date that were not officially sanctioned.
The cause of this enigma remains unclear, but most specialists think that these coins were produced by a retired Mint worker called Samuel W. Brown. Brown put out an ad in 1919 stating that he would purchase each 1913 Liberty Head nickel for $500. He later confessed that he already possessed all five coins.
The Five Known Specimens and Their Story
Today, these five coins belong to different collectors and institutions:
| Name | Current Location | Famous Owner | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eliasberg Specimen | Private Collection | Louis E. Eliasberg, Legend Numismatics | In finest condition, got PCGS PR66 grade |
| Olson Specimen | Private Collection | King Farouk (Egypt), Dr. Jerry Buss | Featured on the “Hawaii Five-O” show in 1973 |
| Walton Specimen | Private Collection | George O. Walton, Walton Family | Believed to be a forgery for decades, verified in 2003 |
| McDermott Specimen | American Numismatic Association Money Museum | J.V. McDermott, Obry and Adeline Beeby | The sole specimen with circulation marks |
| Norweb Specimen | Smithsonian Institution | Samuel W. Brown, Edward Howland Greene | Part of the National Numismatic Collection |
Record-Breaking Sales
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel has generated so much interest among collectors that it has sold for record prices more than once:
- Eliasberg Specimen: Private sale for $5 million in 2007.
- Olson Specimen: Sold at $3.7 million in 2010.
- Walton Specimen: Sold at $3.1 million in 2013.
Coin Design
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel’s design further contributes to its popularity:
- Obverse: A left-facing Lady Liberty is holding a crown on which the words “LIBERTY” are inscribed. On the obverse are thirteen stars, symbolizing the original thirteen colonies of the United States.
- Reverse: The Roman numeral “V” (five cents) encircled in a wreath. Below the Roman numeral is the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.
Impact of the coin on popular culture
The scarcity and legend of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel also popularized it in popular culture:
- Television: The Olson specimen also appeared in the 1973 episode “The $100,000 Nickel” of the television show “Hawaii Five-O”.
- Literature: Many articles and research papers have been written about this coin, thus making it even more fascinating to collectors.
Reasons Behind This Coin’s Value
There are a number of reasons why the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is so expensive:
- Rarity: With only five known specimens, it is highly sought after.
- Historical Significance: It was illegally produced at a time of crucial transition, which makes it even more historically significant.
- Condition (Grading): Its preservation status and grading have a direct effect on its price.
- Provenance: This coin has had a number of high-profile names among its owners, adding more to its standing and worth.
Conclusion
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a rare, historical, and highly valuable coin. Its illegal origin, high scarcity, and cultural popularity have turned it into an iconic collector’s item. If you are a coin collector, the coin could well be on your wish list—if only you have the ability to bid a million dollars!
FAQs
Q1. Why is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so valuable?
The coin is extremely rare, with only five known specimens. Its mysterious origin, historical significance, and demand among collectors contribute to its multi-million-dollar value.
Q2. Who was responsible for minting the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
While the exact details remain unclear, many believe that Samuel W. Brown, a former U.S. Mint employee, was involved in their unauthorized creation.
Q3. How much is a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel worth today?
The coin has sold for over $5 million in private transactions, with other specimens fetching between $3 million and $5 million at auctions.
Q4. Where can I see a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
Two specimens are publicly displayed:
Smithsonian Institution (Norweb Specimen)
American Numismatic Association Money Museum (McDermott Specimen)
Q5. Has the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel appeared in pop culture?
Yes! The Olsen Specimen was featured in a 1973 episode of Hawaii Five-O titled “The $100,000 Nickel.”