1913 Liberty Nickel: The $5 Million Coin That Changed Numismatics Forever

By John

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The 1913 Liberty Nickel is one of the most famous coins among collectors. With only five known to exist, this coin is not only rare but also comes with an intriguing backstory that has captured the interest of many.

Some of these coins have sold for over $5 million at auctions, making the 1913 Liberty Nickel a “holy grail” for coin collectors everywhere. Let’s dive deeper into its history, value, and the stories behind each of the five known specimens.

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The History Behind the 1913 Liberty Nickel

The Liberty Head Nickel was minted from 1883 to 1912, after which the U.S. Mint began producing the Buffalo Nickel. Surprisingly, a few Liberty Nickels were struck in 1913 without any official approval.

These five unique nickels were made by an unknown U.S. Mint employee during the transition between the two types of coins. This unauthorized production led to the legendary status of the 1913 Liberty Nickel in the world of numismatics (the study and collection of coins).

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Why Is the 1913 Liberty Nickel So Valuable?

The 1913 Liberty Nickel is highly valued primarily due to its extreme rarity. With only five coins known to exist, their unauthorized creation adds an exciting historical element. Over the years,

the mystery surrounding these coins has attracted the attention of collectors, known as numismatists, leading to skyrocketing prices at auctions. Some have sold for more than $5 million, breaking records time and again.

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Factors That Contribute to Its Value

  1. Rarity: Only five coins exist.
  2. Historical Significance: The unauthorized production makes these coins unique.
  3. Auction Prices: The coins have consistently broken auction records.
  4. Condition: The grade or condition of each coin impacts its value.

The Five Known 1913 Liberty Nickels

Each of the five known 1913 Liberty Nickels has its own unique story and history, often referred to by the names of their collectors or owners.

1. The Eliasberg Specimen

The Eliasberg Specimen is considered the finest example of the 1913 Liberty Nickel. It was graded Proof 66 and sold for $5 million in 2007.

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2. The Olsen Specimen

The Olsen Specimen gained fame from being featured in television shows like Hawaii Five-O. It is graded Proof 64 and was sold for $3.7 million in 2010.

3. The Walton Specimen

After being lost for decades, the Walton Specimen was found in 2003. It is graded Proof 63 and valued at over $3 million.

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4. The Norweb Specimen

Named after the Norweb family, this nickel is graded Proof 63. While it hasn’t sold recently, its estimated value is between $3 million and $4 million.

5. The McDermott Specimen

The McDermott Specimen is graded Proof 55, making it the lowest-graded of the five. Nevertheless, it sold for $1.35 million in 2003.

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Estimated Values of the 1913 Liberty Nickel

Coin SpecimenGradeSale Price (Most Recent)Estimated Value Range
EliasbergProof 66$5 million (2007)Over $5 million
OlsenProof 64$3.7 million (2010)$3.7M – $4.5M
WaltonProof 63Not recently sold$3M – $4M
NorwebProof 63Not recently sold$3M – $4M
McDermottProof 55$1.35 million (2003)$1.35M – $2M

The 1913 Liberty Nickel is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history. With only five known coins in existence, their unauthorized minting adds to the allure and mystery surrounding them.

Over the years, these coins have fetched record-breaking prices at auctions, making them a dream for any collector. The combination of rarity, historical significance, and high value solidifies the 1913 Liberty Nickel as a true gem in the world of numismatics.

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What makes the 1913 Liberty Nickel so special?

The 1913 Liberty Nickel is special because only five of them are known to exist. They were made without official approval, which adds to their rarity and historical significance, making them very valuable to collectors.

How much is a 1913 Liberty Nickel worth?

The value of a 1913 Liberty Nickel can be over $5 million! The price can vary based on its condition and history, with some coins selling for millions at auctions.

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Who created the 1913 Liberty Nickel?

The 1913 Liberty Nickels were struck by an unknown employee at the U.S. Mint during a transition period between the production of the Liberty Head Nickel and the Buffalo Nickel.

Why did the U.S. Mint stop making Liberty Nickels?

The U.S. Mint stopped making Liberty Nickels in 1912 to introduce the Buffalo Nickel in 1913. However, a few Liberty Nickels were accidentally produced that year.

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Can I find a 1913 Liberty Nickel in my change?

It is highly unlikely to find a 1913 Liberty Nickel in your change because there are only five known to exist. They are very rare and usually kept in private collections or museums.

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