In a remarkable event that has captivated the numismatic world, a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel recently sold for an astounding $7.7 million in a private transaction.
This coin, one of only five known to exist, continues to intrigue collectors and historians alike with its mysterious origins and storied past.
The Enigmatic Origins of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The Liberty Head Nickel, designed by Charles E. Barber, was officially minted from 1883 to 1912. However, in 1913, five unauthorized specimens bearing the Liberty Head design were clandestinely produced, despite the official transition to the Buffalo Nickel that year.
The exact circumstances of their creation remain a subject of debate, but it is widely believed that Samuel W. Brown, a former Mint employee, was instrumental in their production.
In 1919, Brown advertised his desire to purchase any 1913 Liberty Head Nickels, and by 1920, he showcased five such coins at the American Numismatic Association convention, claiming to have acquired them.
These coins, lacking official mint records, have since become legendary in the coin collecting community.
The Five Known Specimens
The five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels are distinguished by their unique histories and current locations:
| Specimen | Current Status | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Eliasberg | Private Collection | Finest known example, graded PCGS PR66, part of a $13.35 million transaction in 2021. |
| Olsen | Private Collection | Featured on an episode of “Hawaii Five-O” in 1973. |
| Walton | Private Collection | Misidentified as counterfeit for decades; authenticated in 2003. |
| McDermott | ANA Money Museum | Only specimen with circulation marks; donated in 1989. |
| Norweb | Smithsonian Institution | Permanently housed in the National Numismatic Collection. |
The Record-Breaking Sale
The recent sale of the Eliasberg specimen for $7.7 million sets a new benchmark in the numismatic market.
This transaction underscores the coin’s unparalleled rarity and the enduring fascination it holds for collectors.
The Eliasberg specimen’s pristine condition and well-documented provenance contribute significantly to its value.
The Walton Specimen’s Remarkable Journey
The Walton specimen’s story is particularly compelling. After George O. Walton’s death in a car accident in 1962, the coin was mistakenly deemed a counterfeit and stored away by his family.
In 2003, during a nationwide search for the missing fifth specimen, Walton’s heirs presented the coin for authentication.
Experts confirmed its authenticity, and it was subsequently sold in 2013 for $3,172,500. In 2022, it changed hands again, fetching $4.2 million.
The Enduring Legacy of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel’s allure lies not only in its scarcity but also in the mysteries surrounding its creation.
Its journey from unauthorized minting to becoming one of the most coveted coins exemplifies the rich narratives that rare collectibles can embody.
As these coins continue to surface in auctions and private sales, they offer a tangible connection to a bygone era and the enduring intrigue of numismatic history.
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel stands as a testament to the captivating stories that rare coins can tell. Its recent sale for $7.7 million not only highlights its monetary value but also its significance as a piece of American history.
As collectors and enthusiasts continue to seek out such treasures, the legacy of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel endures, symbolizing the enduring allure of numismatics.
FAQs
Why were the 1913 Liberty Head Nickels never officially minted?
The Liberty Head design was officially discontinued in 1912, replaced by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913. The five known 1913 Liberty Head Nickels were produced unofficially, likely by a Mint employee, and were never authorized for circulation.
How many 1913 Liberty Head Nickels exist today?
Only five specimens are known to exist. Two are housed in museums—the Smithsonian Institution and the ANA Money Museum—while the remaining three are in private collections.
What factors contribute to the high value of these nickels?
Their value is driven by extreme rarity, historical significance, condition, and the intrigue surrounding their unauthorized production. Each coin’s unique provenance also adds to its desirability among collectors.