The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel stands as one of the rarest and most intriguing coins in numismatic history. With only five known specimens, this extraordinary piece has fascinated collectors and historians alike. Its origins remain shrouded in mystery, adding to its legendary status. Since its discovery in 1920, this elusive coin has consistently broken auction records, including a staggering $5 million private sale in 2007.
What makes this nickel so special? From its shadowy beginnings to its status as the “holy grail” of coin collecting, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel continues to captivate experts and enthusiasts worldwide. This article delves into its history, notable specimens, and the factors contributing to its unparalleled value.
A Closer Look at the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
| Specimen Name | Current Location | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Eliasberg Specimen | Private Collection | Graded Proof-66; sold for $5 million in 2007, the highest price for any of the five. |
| Olsen Specimen | Private Collection | Featured in Hawaii Five-O; sold for $3.7 million in 2010. |
| Walton Specimen | Private Collection | Missing for decades and rediscovered in 2003, confirming its authenticity. |
| Norweb Specimen | Smithsonian Institution | Part of the National Numismatic Collection, publicly displayed. |
| McDermott Specimen | American Numismatic Association Museum | Only specimen showing wear, indicating brief circulation. |
The Mysterious Origins of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The story behind the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel remains an enigma. Officially, the U.S. Mint transitioned from the Liberty Head design to the Buffalo Nickel in 1913. However, five Liberty Head Nickels bearing that year’s date were somehow produced in secrecy.
There are no official records of their minting, leading many to believe that a Mint employee, possibly for personal gain or as an unauthorized experiment, struck them in secret. Former Mint employee Samuel W. Brown was the first to reveal their existence in 1920, igniting a century-long fascination with these mysterious coins.
The Five Famous Specimens
Each of the five known 1913 Liberty Head Nickels has a unique history that adds to its desirability:
1. The Eliasberg Specimen
This is the finest of the five, graded Proof-66 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Its pristine condition and prestigious ownership history—once belonging to legendary collector Louis E. Eliasberg—make it the most valuable. It set a record with its $5 million sale in 2007.
2. The Olsen Specimen
This specimen gained pop culture fame after appearing in a 1973 episode of Hawaii Five-O. It fetched $3.7 million at auction in 2010 and remains one of the most widely recognized examples.
3. The Walton Specimen
After a fatal car accident in 1962, this specimen was thought to be lost. However, it was rediscovered in 2003, authenticated, and returned to its rightful place among the legendary five.
4. The Norweb Specimen
This particular coin is housed in the Smithsonian Institution as part of the National Numismatic Collection. It remains one of the few publicly viewable examples of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel.
5. The McDermott Specimen
Unlike the others, this specimen shows signs of wear, suggesting it may have briefly entered circulation. It is currently displayed at the American Numismatic Association Museum.
Why Is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the astonishing value of this rare nickel:
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1. Extreme Rarity
With only five known specimens, this coin is among the rarest in existence, making it a top-tier collectible.
2. A Fascinating Mystery
The unanswered questions surrounding its creation only add to its allure. Coins with mysterious origins often attract high levels of interest from collectors.
3. Historical Significance
Each specimen has an impressive lineage, having been owned by some of the most renowned collectors, including Eliasberg, Norweb, and McDermott.
4. Exceptional Craftsmanship
The finest specimens, such as the Eliasberg Specimen, are preserved in near-perfect condition, adding to their desirability and worth.
5. Cultural Impact
Beyond numismatics, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel has entered popular culture, appearing in television shows and making headlines in auction records.
Record-Breaking Auction Sales
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel has continuously set benchmarks in the numismatic world:
- 1996: The Eliasberg Specimen became the first coin to sell for over $1 million at auction.
- 2005: Sold for $4.15 million to collector Bruce Morelan and Legend Numismatics.
- 2007: A private collector purchased the Eliasberg Specimen for $5 million.
- 2010: The Olsen Specimen sold for $3.7 million at auction.
These sales illustrate the continued fascination and investment potential of this legendary coin.
The Lasting Legacy of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
This rare nickel is more than just a valuable collectible—it represents a significant piece of American history. Its blend of mystery, scarcity, and craftsmanship ensures its status as one of the most iconic coins ever produced. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel continues to captivate numismatists and history enthusiasts, symbolizing the excitement of discovering hidden treasures in the world of coin collecting.
Even if you may never own one, the story of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of numismatics. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer, this legendary coin is a reminder that history can be held in the palm of your hand.