Imagine finding a single coin in your spare change that could buy you a mansion, a luxury car, and still leave millions in the bank. That dream is what fuels the legend of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel — a five-cent piece so rare that only five known specimens exist. Valued at up to $8.1 million, this iconic coin has captured the imagination of collectors, historians, and hopeful treasure hunters for over a century.
But could one really still be in circulation? Here’s what you need to know about this legendary nickel — and whether you should start checking every coin you come across.
A Coin Born in Mystery
The Liberty Head Nickel design was officially discontinued in 1912, replaced by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913. So how did five coins dated 1913 with the older Liberty design get made?
That’s where the mystery lies. These coins were never authorized by the U.S. Mint. It’s widely believed that a mint employee — possibly Samuel W. Brown — struck them unofficially, using leftover dies or in preparation for the new design’s rollout.
Brown later surfaced with all five nickels at a coin convention in 1920, launching them into numismatic legend. Whether created with official intent or as a quiet sidestep of minting regulations, their existence is undeniable — and their value has only skyrocketed.
Only 5 Known in the World
Unlike other rare coins that may exist in small batches or turn up unexpectedly, the 1913 Liberty Nickel has a well-documented history:
- Eliasberg Specimen – The finest known, sold for $5 million in 2007, now insured for over $8 million.
- Olsen Specimen – Featured on Hawaii Five-O, sold for $3.7 million in 2010.
- Norweb Specimen – Held in the Smithsonian’s collection, not for sale.
- Walton Specimen – Lost for decades, found in a Virginia family’s collection in 2003.
- McDermott Specimen – In the American Numismatic Association Museum.
With all five accounted for, the idea that one could still be in circulation seems impossible. But as history shows, even priceless coins can go missing or be misidentified.
A Famous Coin Once “Lost”
The Walton specimen proves just how easily rare coins can slip through the cracks. George Walton, a North Carolina collector, owned one of the five 1913 Liberty Nickels. After his death in a car crash in 1962, the coin was declared a fake by appraisers and tucked away in a family envelope for decades.
In 2003, it was rediscovered and authenticated — confirming it was indeed the missing fifth specimen. That mistake cost the family millions for over 40 years.
This rediscovery only added fuel to the idea that other specimens might exist — or that a sixth “unverified” coin could one day emerge.
Could There Be Another?
While the official answer is “no”, some coin experts believe a sixth 1913 Liberty Nickel could have been struck and remains unaccounted for. After all, the original five were created under shady circumstances — and we only know what Brown revealed to the public.
It’s not outside the realm of possibility that another piece was created and never came to light. If it’s out there, it could be sitting in a jar of coins, mislabeled in a collector’s box, or even unknowingly spent into circulation long ago.
This “what if” keeps the legend alive and inspires collectors to keep hunting.
What Makes It Worth $8.1 Million?
Several factors drive the coin’s enormous value:
- Extremely low mintage – Only 5 known.
- Mystery and lore – Shrouded in controversy and history.
- Condition – The Eliasberg specimen is nearly flawless.
- Cultural significance – Appeared in TV shows, books, and headlines.
- Collector demand – Every major coin collector dreams of owning one.
Each sale of a 1913 Liberty Nickel has broken records. The value continues to climb — especially since no new examples have surfaced in decades.
How to Identify a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Even if the odds are slim, here’s how to check if your nickel could be one of the five:
- Date: 1913 (Liberty Head design, not Buffalo)
- Reverse design: “V” for 5 cents surrounded by wreath
- No CENTS version: Watch out — the 1913s have the word “CENTS” on the reverse, unlike some earlier errors
- Weight: About 5 grams
- Material: Copper-nickel
If you think you’ve found one, do not clean it. Contact a reputable coin grading service like PCGS or NGC for verification.
Final Thoughts
The 1913 Liberty Nickel valued at $8.1 million is more than just a coin — it’s a symbol of history, rarity, and intrigue. While all five are accounted for today, stories like the Walton specimen prove that priceless treasures can sit hidden for decades before anyone realizes their worth.
Is one still in circulation? Realistically, no. But that tiny sliver of possibility — the lost sixth coin, the misjudged fake, the overlooked family heirloom — is what makes this hobby so thrilling.
So go ahead, check your change. You never know what piece of history might be hiding in plain sight.
