1913 Liberty Head Nickel: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hold a coin worth millions in your hands? I recently learned about the extraordinary 1913 Liberty Head Nickel that has broken auction records and sent the numismatic world into a frenzy. This incredibly rare coin, with only five known specimens in existence, continues to captivate collectors and investors alike. The recent public display of one of these nickels created such excitement that collectors from across the country scrambled to get a glimpse of this numismatic treasure. What makes this particular nickel so special isn’t just its age, but its fascinating and somewhat mysterious origin story.
What Makes the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel So Valuable?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel stands as one of the most coveted coins in American numismatics for several compelling reasons. First, its extreme rarity cannot be overstated – only five examples are known to exist, making it among the scarcest U.S. coins ever produced. Second, these nickels were never meant to be minted at all. By 1913, the U.S. Mint had officially transitioned to the Buffalo Nickel design, yet somehow these Liberty Head versions were struck under mysterious circumstances. Many numismatists believe they were created clandestinely by a mint employee named Samuel Brown, who later revealed their existence. The combination of their unauthorized production, extreme scarcity, and the intrigue surrounding their creation has elevated the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel to legendary status among rare coins.
Why Collectors Are Scrambling to See This Coin
The recent public exhibition of one of the five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels has created unprecedented excitement in the collecting community. I’ve noticed that even casual coin enthusiasts are drawn to this nickel’s remarkable history and value. When a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel appears at auction or goes on display, it becomes a genuine numismatic event. Collectors are scrambling to see this coin because it represents the pinnacle of American coin collecting – a true “holy grail” piece that most will never have the opportunity to own. The coin’s value has consistently broken records, with specimens selling for millions of dollars. Beyond monetary worth, seeing this nickel in person connects viewers to an intriguing chapter in American minting history, offering a tangible link to both official production practices and the shadowy world of unauthorized coin creation.
How to Authenticate a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Authentication of a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel requires extensive expertise and specialized equipment. If you believe you’ve discovered the mythical “sixth specimen” (which experts doubt exists), you should know that proper authentication involves multiple steps. The coin must be examined by professional numismatists who specialize in early 20th century American coinage. They’ll analyze the metal composition, strike characteristics, and die markers that distinguish genuine examples. Weight and measurements must precisely match known specimens. Additionally, the coin’s provenance (ownership history) is crucial, as all five known examples have thoroughly documented histories. Most importantly, any potential 1913 Liberty Head Nickel should be submitted to a major third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC, which have extensive reference materials on the known examples.
When and Where You Can View This Historic Coin
If you’re hoping to see a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel in person, you’ll need to track its appearances carefully. These five coins occasionally rotate through public exhibitions at major museums, numismatic conventions, and special events. The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. permanently houses one specimen in its National Numismatic Collection, making it the most consistently viewable example. Another is displayed at the ANA Money Museum in Colorado Springs. The three privately owned specimens occasionally appear at major coin shows like the ANA World’s Fair of Money or the FUN Convention. I recommend following announcements from major auction houses like Stack’s Bowers and Heritage Auctions, as they typically showcase these nickels before they change hands. Museum exhibitions featuring these coins are usually heavily promoted, so subscribing to numismatic publications will help you stay informed about viewing opportunities.
The Record-Breaking Eliasberg Specimen
The most famous of the five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels is undoubtedly the Eliasberg specimen, named after legendary collector Louis E. Eliasberg Sr., who completed the only collection of every U.S. coin ever minted. This particular example is considered the finest of the five, graded PR-66 by PCGS. In 2018, it shattered records when it sold for $4.56 million at auction. What makes this specimen especially noteworthy is not just its superior condition but its illustrious ownership history. Before Eliasberg acquired it in 1948, it belonged to the Clapp family and later to the Norweb collection. Each time this particular nickel has changed hands, it has set new price records for American coins, demonstrating the enduring fascination with the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel among serious collectors and investors alike.
