It’s hard to believe that a nickel—just five cents—could be worth over $4.5 million, but one rare coin has done exactly that. If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these shiny Liberty Nickels, you could be holding a true national treasure.
The Coin That Stunned Collectors
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of the most famous and mysterious coins in U.S. history. Only five of them exist, and one of them—the Eliasberg specimen—sold for an eye-popping $4.56 million at a Philadelphia auction in 2018.
So, what makes this tiny coin so special? It all comes down to its rare history, mirror-like shine, and the fact that it was never supposed to exist.
What to Look For: A “Glittering” Surface
The Eliasberg Liberty nickel is graded Proof 66, meaning it’s in almost perfect condition. What sets it apart is its “glittering mirror surface”—a shiny, reflective look that adds even more value.
According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), this is the only 1913 Liberty Head nickel with that type of surface. Because of its rarity and beauty, it’s been called a “national treasure” and has appeared in more exhibitions than any other U.S. coin.
A Mysterious Backstory
Here’s where it gets interesting: in 1913, the U.S. Mint stopped making Liberty Head nickels and replaced them with the Buffalo nickel. But somehow, five Liberty nickels from that year still appeared.
Many believe they were secretly made by Samuel W. Brown, a collector who worked at the Mint in Philadelphia. No one knows for sure how he did it, but those five nickels quickly became a hot topic in the collecting world.
Each of the five coins has a nickname based on early owners:
- Eliasberg – The $4.56 million specimen
- Olsen
- Norweb
- Walton
- McDermott
Two are in museums, while the other three are in private collections.
Other Coins Worth a Fortune
The Liberty nickel isn’t the only coin that sold for way more than its face value. Here are two other coins that fetched jaw-dropping prices:
| Coin | Face Value | Auction Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel (Eliasberg) | $0.05 | $4.56 million | Glittering surface, rare history |
| 1796 B-2 Quarter Dollar | $0.25 | $1.74 million | First year of issue, rare die pairing |
The 1796 quarter is special because it was the first-ever U.S. quarter, and only about 6,000 were made. The design also changed the next year, which adds to its rarity.
Final Thoughts
Most of us don’t expect to find a million-dollar coin in our pocket—but it’s not impossible. If you come across a coin with an unusual shine or a strange design, it could be worth checking out.
Who knows? Your next nickel or quarter might just change your life.
FAQ’s
Q1: Why is the 1913 Liberty Head nickel so valuable?
A: It’s extremely rare—only five were made—and it has a mysterious history and a stunning mirror-like surface.
Q2: Can I find one of these nickels today?
A: It’s very unlikely, but not impossible. Most are in private collections or museums.
Q3: How do I know if my coin is valuable?
A: Look for unusual features like errors, rare dates, or high shine. Then, get it checked by a coin expert or grading service like PCGS or NGC.
