Introduction Coins made of nickel or containing nickel (copper-nickel, nickel-plated, etc.) have a special appeal among collectors, because they often represent transitional phases in minting technology, responses to economic pressures (like the rising cost of silver), or aesthetic and metallurgical experimentation. In the Netherlands, while many older coins were silver or copper based, the mid-20th century onward saw increasing use of nickel (or nickel alloys) for durability, cost, and modernization. Rarity in these coins may arise from low mintage, withdrawal before general circulation, errors, proof issues, or wartime constraints. This article explores the Dutch context: what coins qualify, which are rare, and what makes them valuable to collectors, along with broader historical context. 2. His...
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: The Most Expensive Nickel Coin in the United States #coins #collectablescoins #goldcoins #silvercoins #subscribe
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: The Most Expensive Nickel Coin in the United States
Introduction
When people think about valuable American coins, gold dollars or silver dollars usually come to mind. However, one of the most famous and expensive coins in the entire world isn’t gold or silver at all—it’s made of nickel and copper. This legendary coin is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, one of the rarest and most mysterious coins in U.S. history.
Only five known examples of this coin exist, and each one has its own unique history, colorful set of owners, and multimillion-dollar auction record. For collectors, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel isn’t just a coin—it’s a legend, a dream, and the very definition of rarity in numismatics.
In this article, we will explore in depth why this small piece of nickel has captured the imagination of collectors worldwide, selling for record-breaking sums of money.
Chapter 1: The Birth of the Liberty Head Nickel
The Liberty Head Nickel, also called the “V Nickel” because of the Roman numeral “V” on the reverse side, was first minted in 1883. Designed by Charles E. Barber, the coin featured Lady Liberty on the obverse (front) and a wreath encircling the Roman numeral “V” on the reverse (back).
The Liberty Head Nickel was minted from 1883 to 1912 and circulated widely in the United States. In 1913, however, the U.S. Mint officially transitioned to a new design—the Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser.
That should have been the end of the Liberty Head series. But somehow, five mysterious Liberty Head Nickels dated 1913 were struck, despite no official records authorizing them.
Chapter 2: The Mystery of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
One of the greatest mysteries in American coinage is how the 1913 Liberty Head Nickels came to exist. The U.S. Mint had already stopped producing Liberty Head Nickels in 1912. In 1913, the Buffalo Nickel was introduced.
So how did these five coins get minted?
Theories include:
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Mint Employee Strikes – A Mint employee, possibly Samuel W. Brown, secretly struck the coins without authorization.
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Pattern Coins – Some believe the coins may have been experimental pieces or “patterns” created before the Buffalo Nickel went into full production.
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Unauthorized After-Hours Minting – Others suggest they were struck privately after hours, perhaps as part of a deal with collectors.
Regardless of their origin, the coins first appeared publicly in 1920, when Samuel Brown, a former Mint employee, displayed them at the American Numismatic Association (ANA) convention. Since then, these five coins have been among the most coveted treasures in numismatic history.
Chapter 3: The Famous Five – Known 1913 Liberty Nickels
Only five specimens are known today, each with a fascinating history.
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The Eliasberg Specimen
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The finest known example.
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Once part of Louis Eliasberg’s legendary complete U.S. coin collection.
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Sold in 2007 for $5 million.
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The Olsen Specimen
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Famously appeared in an episode of the TV show Hawaii Five-O.
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Owned by King Farouk of Egypt.
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Sold in 2010 for $3.7 million.
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The Norweb Specimen
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Donated to the Smithsonian Institution, making it priceless.
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One of the two coins never available to private collectors.
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The Walton Specimen
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Believed lost for over 40 years until rediscovered in 2003.
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Authenticated and now one of the most famous coins in the world.
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The McDermott Specimen
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Once displayed publicly at banks and coin shows.
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Currently part of the ANA Money Museum collection.
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Chapter 4: Auction Records and Prices
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel has shattered auction records repeatedly. Here are some highlights:
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1972: Olsen specimen sells for $100,000 (a record at the time).
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1996: Eliasberg specimen fetches $1,485,000.
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2007: Olsen specimen sells for $3.7 million.
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2010: Another specimen sells privately for nearly $4 million.
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2018: Eliasberg specimen sells again for $4.56 million.
These numbers prove that this nickel, despite being a “small” denomination coin, has achieved prices on par with rare gold coins and other legendary treasures.
Chapter 5: Why Is the 1913 Liberty Nickel So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to its immense value:
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Extreme Rarity – Only 5 exist, making it rarer than most U.S. gold coins.
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Mysterious Origin – The story behind its creation adds intrigue.
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Public Fascination – Featured in pop culture, magazines, and even TV shows.
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Prestige of Ownership – Having one of the five nickels means joining an elite group of collectors.
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Auction Competition – Wealthy collectors drive the price higher at every sale.
Chapter 6: The Role of the 1913 Nickel in Numismatic History
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel has become a symbol of American numismatics. For coin collectors, it represents the pinnacle of achievement—the kind of coin that makes headlines and draws crowds at exhibits.
It is also one of the few coins whose fame extends beyond numismatics, appearing in popular media, museums, and even inspiring books.
Chapter 7: Lessons for Collectors
For beginner and experienced collectors alike, the 1913 Liberty Nickel offers important lessons:
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Provenance matters – The history of a coin’s ownership adds to its value.
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Rarity outweighs metal content – Despite being made of base metals, the nickel is worth millions.
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Mystery sells – Coins with intriguing backstories capture collectors’ imaginations.
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Condition is key – The Eliasberg specimen’s superb preservation made it the most valuable.
Chapter 8: Could There Be More?
For decades, rumors have circulated that more than five 1913 Liberty Nickels exist, hidden away in private hands. However, no credible evidence has surfaced to support these claims.
It seems almost certain that only five were struck, and they remain among the most famous coins in the world.
Conclusion
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is more than just a five-cent piece. It is a work of art, a piece of mystery, and a symbol of ultimate rarity in American coin collecting. From its secretive creation to its multimillion-dollar sales, this coin proves that numismatics is about far more than metal value—it’s about history, intrigue, and the stories coins carry through time.
For collectors, the dream of owning one of the “Famous Five” may never be possible, but the inspiration they provide continues to fuel the passion of numismatics.
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