The 1913 Liberty Head nickel isn’t just rare—it’s legendary. With only five known to exist, this tiny five-cent piece has made a huge impact in the world of rare coins. It’s worth millions, has a mysterious past, and continues to set records with every appearance at auction.
A Coin Shrouded in Mystery
Here’s where things get really interesting—this coin wasn’t supposed to exist.
In 1913, the U.S. Mint officially switched from the Liberty Head design to the Buffalo nickel. So, no Liberty Head nickels were meant to be produced that year. But somehow, five with the 1913 date showed up years later.
How did that happen?
Most experts believe a Mint employee secretly created them. There’s no official record of their production, which gives this coin an almost mythical status. It’s like the coin world’s version of a ghost story—except worth millions.
Only 5 Coins in the World
Out of the billions of coins ever made, just five of these 1913 nickels exist. That’s it. Two are in museums, and the other three are privately owned. That makes them crazy rare, and collectors go wild for the chance to own one.
Each coin has a rich backstory and has passed through the hands of top collectors and even appeared in museums like the Smithsonian.
Auction Records That Made Headlines
This nickel has been breaking records for over a decade:
- 2010: One sold for $3.74 million
- 2013: Another went for $3.17 million
- 2018: The best preserved one—graded PR66 by PCGS—fetched $4.56 million
- 2025: That same PR66 coin was part of a $13.35 million deal involving three ultra-rare coins
Even the lower-graded versions don’t dip below $1 million at auction. Today, experts believe this nickel could fetch over $10 million—especially as it continues to capture attention worldwide.
Why Is This Coin So Valuable?
Let’s break it down:
- Ultra-Rare: Only five in the world, and only three can be privately owned.
- Mysterious History: The fact that it wasn’t supposed to exist adds major intrigue.
- Top Quality: One of the five is in near-perfect condition (PR66 grade).
- Famous Provenance: It’s been part of legendary collections like the Eliasberg Collection.
- Pop Culture Fame: It’s been featured in books, TV shows, and exhibits.
All of this makes the 1913 Liberty Head nickel the “holy grail” of U.S. coins.
A True Icon in the Coin World
This isn’t just a piece of metal—it’s a piece of American history. The 1913 Liberty Head nickel has a wild backstory, extreme rarity, and continues to stir up excitement every time one shows up at auction.
Whether you’re a serious collector or just fascinated by rare treasures, this nickel stands as a shining example of what makes coin collecting so thrilling. And for those lucky enough to own one? It’s not just a coin. It’s a legacy.
FAQs
Q1. Why is the 1913 Liberty Head nickel so rare?
Only five were secretly produced and none were officially authorized, making it one of the rarest coins ever.
Q2. How much is a 1913 Liberty Head nickel worth today?
Depending on the condition, it can be worth over $10 million—even lower-grade ones sell for more than $1 million.
Q3. Where are the five nickels now?
Two are in museums like the Smithsonian, and three are owned by private collectors.
