Did you know a single nickel could be worth $5 million? The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world. Only five were ever made, and if you happen to find one, you could become an instant millionaire! Let’s dive into the fascinating story behind this legendary coin.
What Makes the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel So Special?
This nickel wasn’t even supposed to exist! The U.S. Mint switched to the Buffalo Nickel in 1913, but somehow, five Liberty Head Nickels were mysteriously produced. Nobody knows exactly how they were made, which makes them incredibly rare.
Key Facts About the 1913 Liberty Nickel
Only 5 were ever made (and all are accounted for).
Last one sold for $4.5 million in 2018 (could be worth $5M+ today).
No new ones have been found in over 100 years.
How Much Is a 1913 Liberty Nickel Worth?
The value depends on condition and history, but here’s what we know:
| Coin Owner | Last Known Sale Price |
|---|---|
| The Walton Specimen | $3 million+ (auction estimate) |
| The Eliasberg Specimen | $4.5 million (2018 sale) |
| The Olsen Specimen | $3.7 million (2010 sale) |
If a sixth one were discovered today, it could easily sell for $5 million or more at auction.
Where Are the Five Known Coins Now?
All five nickels are in private collections or museums:
- Smithsonian Institution (Washington, D.C.)
- American Numismatic Association Museum (Colorado)
- Three in private collections (last sold for millions)
Could You Have One? (How to Check)
The chances are extremely low, but here’s what to look for:
Date: Must say “1913” under Liberty’s profile.
Design: Features Lady Liberty on the front (not a buffalo).
Mint Mark: None (these were secretly made in Philadelphia).
If you think you have one, get it checked by a coin expert immediately!
The Most Famous 1913 Nickel Story
One of these nickels was once used as a car keychain by its owner! Later, it sold for millions. That’s how rare and unexpected these coins are.
Should You Start Checking Your Change?
While finding a 1913 Liberty Nickel is almost impossible, it’s still fun to look! Many valuable coins are still out there—some worth thousands. If you collect coins, always check dates and errors. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find the next million-dollar treasure in your pocket!
FAQs
- Why is this nickel so valuable?
Only 5 were ever made illegally when the design was discontinued. - How much is it worth today?
Last one sold for $4.5M in 2018 – could be worth $5M+ now. - Where are the known coins located?
3 in private collections, 2 in museums (Smithsonian & ANA). - Could there be a 6th one?
Extremely unlikely – none found in over 100 years. - How to identify a real one?
Must say “1913” with Liberty head (no buffalo) and no mint mark. - What’s the most famous story?
One was used as a keychain before selling for millions!
