The 1913 Liberty Nickel is among the most famous and valuable coins in the world. With only five known examples, its rarity and fascinating backstory make it one of the most coveted coins by collectors.
Some of these coins have sold for over $5 million at auctions, making the 1913 Liberty Nickel a “holy grail” of coin collecting.
History of the 1913 Liberty Nickel
The Liberty Head Nickel was officially minted between 1883 and 1912, before the U.S. Mint transitioned to the Buffalo Nickel. However, in 1913, five Liberty Nickels were struck without official approval.
An unknown U.S. Mint employee is believed to have produced these coins during the transition from 1912 to 1913, giving them a legendary status in numismatics.
Why Is the 1913 Liberty Nickel So Valuable?
The extreme rarity of the 1913 Liberty Nickel is the main reason for its high value. Only five of these coins exist, and their unauthorized production adds an intriguing historical aspect.
Over the years, the mysterious origins of these coins have captured the attention of numismatists, driving their prices to millions at auctions.
Factors That Add to Its Value:
- Rarity: Only five of these coins are known to exist.
- Historical Significance: The coins were minted without official approval, adding a unique twist to their story.
- Auction Prices: The coins have broken several auction records, selling for millions.
- Condition: The grade or condition of each coin plays a significant role in its value.
The Five Known 1913 Liberty Nickels
Each of the five known 1913 Liberty Nickels has a unique story and is often referred to by the names of their previous collectors or owners:
- The Eliasberg Specimen: Considered the finest example, graded Proof 66, sold for $5 million in 2007.
- The Olsen Specimen: Famous for being featured in TV shows, graded Proof 64, sold for $3.7 million in 2010.
- The Walton Specimen: Lost for decades and rediscovered in 2003, graded Proof 63, valued at over $3 million.
- The Norweb Specimen: Graded Proof 63, estimated value between $3 million and $4 million.
- The McDermott Specimen: The lowest-graded at Proof 55, sold for $1.35 million in 2003.
Estimated Values of the 1913 Liberty Nickel
| Coin Specimen | Grade | Sale Price (Most Recent) | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eliasberg | Proof 66 | $5 million (2007) | Over $5 million |
| Olsen | Proof 64 | $3.7 million (2010) | $3.7M – $4.5M |
| Walton | Proof 63 | Not recently sold | $3M – $4M |
| Norweb | Proof 63 | Not recently sold | $3M – $4M |
| McDermott | Proof 55 | $1.35 million (2003) | $1.35M – $2M |
The 1913 Liberty Nickel stands as one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history. With only five known examples, their unauthorized minting adds to the mystery and allure of these coins.
Over time, they have fetched record-breaking prices at auctions, making them a dream for any collector. The combination of rarity, historical significance, and immense value has solidified the 1913 Liberty Nickel’s place in the world of numismatics.
1. Why is the 1913 Liberty Nickel so rare?
Only five of these coins were made, and they were produced without official approval, adding to their rarity and mystery.
2. How much is the 1913 Liberty Nickel worth?
The value varies depending on the condition, but some have sold for over $5 million.
3. Who made the 1913 Liberty Nickels?
An unknown U.S. Mint employee is believed to have struck the coins during the transition from the Liberty Head Nickel to the Buffalo Nickel.
4. How many 1913 Liberty Nickels are there?
There are only five known 1913 Liberty Nickels in existence.
5. Which is the most valuable 1913 Liberty Nickel?
The Eliasberg Specimen is considered the finest example and sold for $5 million in 2007.
