The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: A Collector’s Ultimate Prize.
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous and valuable coins in U.S. history, with only five known examples in existence. This legendary nickel has captivated collectors for over a century, with some pieces selling for over $5 million at auction.
The Liberty Head Nickel was officially discontinued in 1912, replaced by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913.
However, five mysterious Liberty Head Nickels dated 1913 were secretly struck at the Philadelphia Mint—possibly by a rogue employee. These unauthorized coins later surfaced in the 1920s and became instant numismatic treasures.
Incredibly Rare – With only five coins known, competition among collectors is fierce.
💰 Mysterious Origins – No official records exist of the U.S. Mint producing these coins, adding to their intrigue.
High Auction Prices – One example, the “Walton Nickel,” sold for $4.5 million in 2018, while another fetched $5 million in a private sale.
The Eliasberg Specimen – Considered the finest example.
2️⃣ The Olsen Specimen – Once owned by King Farouk of Egypt.
The Walton Specimen – Disappeared for decades before being rediscovered in 2003.
4️⃣ The Norweb Specimen – Displayed in museums.
5️⃣ The McDermott Specimen – The only circulated example, showing wear.
Despite decades of searching, no additional 1913 Liberty Nickels have been found—but the possibility fuels numismatic dreams.