The $5 Million Nickel That Shocked the World – Do You Have One?

Certain coins are not only money—they’re a significant piece of history, valued at millions of dollars. One such coin is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, which has been estimated at almost $5 million. This coin is renowned not only for its scarcity but also for its extraordinary tale.

So let’s learn the entire story of this enigmatic and illegally minted coin, which has puzzled collectors across the globe.

Mystery of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

Liberty Head Nickel design was employed from 1883 to 1912 in US coins. But in **1913 the US Mint released the “Buffalo Nickel” and officially ceased Liberty Head Nickel production.

Five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels, however, were secretly produced, making them one of the most enigmatic and priceless coins ever.

Why were these coins made?

There is an interesting story behind the existence of these coins:

• It is believed that an employee working at the US Mint **secretly made these coins using leftover dies (molds).
• These coins never officially entered circulation and were probably kept safe by that employee for his collection.
• In the 1920s, when these coins were first displayed publicly, their popularity increased rapidly.

Why is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel worth $5 million?

There are several important reasons behind this coin’s extreme value:

1. Its extreme rarity

• Only 5 coins were made, making it one of the rarest coins in the world.
• All five coins are now safe and exist in private collections or museums.

2. Excellent Condition

1. A coin of PR-66 grade (Eliasberg Specimen) is in near perfect condition, which makes it even more valuable.

3. Historical Significance

• The unauthorized production of these coins and their interesting story have made them even more attractive to collectors.

4. Record-Breaking Auction

• In 2018, a **1913 Liberty Head Nickel sold for $4.56 million, the highest recorded price for this coin.

Coin	Year	Minute Number	Estimated Value	Key Features
Liberty Head Nickel	1913	5	$5 Million	Unauthorized creation, extremely rare

Where are these coins today?

All the five coins known so far are kept safe in the following locations:

1. Eliasberg Specimen – This PR-66 grade coin was sold privately for$5 million**.
2. Walton Specimen – This coin was found in the estate of a deceased collector and later sold for $3.1 million.
3. Smithsonian Specimen – This coin is on display at the Smithsonian Museum and is considered a national treasure.
4. Norweb Specimen – This coin is part of a private collection.
5. McDermott Specimen – This coin is known for its poor condition and is now kept in a museum**.

Why Does This Coin Appeal to Collectors?

There are a few main reasons for the popularity of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel:

• Mysterious Origin – This coin was never officially supposed to be minted, but it came into existence anyway.
• Rarity and Preciousness – The existence of only 5 coins and their increasing value make it extremely special to collectors.
• Connection – Owning it is not just about its monetary value, but it is about being part of a historical legacy.

Conclusion

1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a miraculous piece of history of American coins. Rarities, mysterious tale and historic value make it one of the most sought-after coins in the world.

This iconic coin, although owned by only five individuals or institutions, is still inspiring collectors and treasure hunters globally.

Who knows—maybe the next time you notice an old coin lying around, it too may turn out to be a rare gem that could sell for millions of dollars!

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