The Enigmatic 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: In the world of rare coins, few are as legendary or shrouded in mystery as the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. With only five known specimens in existence, this coin is a numismatic enigma that has captivated collectors, historians, and treasure hunters for over a century. Its story is one of intrigue, rarity, and astronomical value, making it one of the most sought-after coins in history.
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| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1913 Liberty Head Nickel |
| Designer | Charles E. Barber |
| Mintage | Only 5 known specimens (unauthorized minting) |
| Why It Shouldn’t Exist | The Liberty Head Nickel series ended in 1912, replaced by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913, yet five were mysteriously struck. |
| Discovery | First appeared in 1920 when Samuel Brown, a former mint employee, exhibited one at a coin convention. |
| The Five Known Specimens | Eliasberg Specimen – Finest condition, part of the only complete U.S. coin collection. Olsen Specimen – Owned by King Farouk of Egypt, featured in Hawaii Five-O. Norweb Specimen – Housed in the Smithsonian Institution. Walton Specimen – Rediscovered in 2003 after being thought lost. McDermott Specimen – Well-worn due to time in circulation. |
| Auction Records | – Eliasberg Specimen sold for $4.56 million in 2018. – Olsen Specimen sold for $3.7 million in 2010. – Walton Specimen sold for $3.1 million in 2022. |
| Significance | – One of the most legendary and valuable U.S. coins. – Symbol of mystery, wealth, and the allure of rare coin collecting. |
| Legacy | – Remains a numismatic enigma, continuing to captivate collectors and historians alike. – Represents the possibility of hidden treasures still waiting to be discovered. |
Table of Contents
A Coin That Shouldn’t Exist
The Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the V Nickel, was designed by Charles E. Barber and minted from 1883 to 1912. In 1913, the United States Mint officially switched to the Buffalo Nickel design, making the Liberty Head Nickel obsolete. However, for reasons still unknown, five Liberty Head Nickels were struck in 1913. These coins were never officially authorized, and their creation remains a mystery. Some speculate that they were produced as test pieces or as a clandestine project by a mint employee, but no definitive records have ever been found to explain their existence.
The Discovery of the 1913 Nickels
The first public appearance of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel occurred in 1920, when Samuel Brown, a former mint employee, exhibited one at the American Numismatic Association’s annual convention. Brown claimed to have acquired the coins years earlier, but how he came into possession of them remains unclear. Over time, all five nickels surfaced, each with its own unique provenance and journey through the hands of collectors.
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The Five Known Specimens
The five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels are named after their most famous owners or the collections they were part of:
- The Eliasberg Specimen: Considered the finest of the five, this coin is part of the Louis E. Eliasberg Collection, the only complete collection of U.S. coins ever assembled.
- The Olsen Specimen: This coin gained fame when it was owned by King Farouk of Egypt and later by collector Fred Olsen. It even made a cameo in a 1973 episode of Hawaii Five-O.
- The Norweb Specimen: Once owned by the prominent Norweb family, this nickel is now housed in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.
- The Walton Specimen: Long thought to be lost, this coin was rediscovered in 2003 and authenticated, completing the set of five.
- The McDermott Specimen: Owned by Colonel E.H.R. Green and later by collector J.V. McDermott, this nickel is known for its well-worn condition, a testament to its time in circulation.
Record-Breaking Auctions
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is not just rare; it’s also incredibly valuable. In 2018, the Eliasberg Specimen sold at auction for a staggering $4.56 million, setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a nickel. The Olsen Specimen fetched $3.7 million in 2010, while the Walton Specimen sold for $3.1 million in 2022. These astronomical prices reflect the coin’s rarity, historical significance, and the allure of owning a piece of numismatic history.
A Symbol of Mystery and Wealth
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is more than just a coin; it’s a symbol of mystery and wealth. Its unauthorized creation, limited mintage, and fascinating provenance have made it a legend in the world of coin collecting. For those lucky enough to own one, it represents the pinnacle of numismatic achievement. For the rest of us, it remains a tantalizing reminder of the hidden treasures that still exist, waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, the story of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a testament to the enduring allure of rare coins and the stories they carry. It’s a piece of history that continues to inspire wonder and fascination, more than a century after it was mysteriously struck.
