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The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, one of the rarest and most enigmatic U.S. coins, recently fetched over $3 million at auction—continuing its legacy as a numismatic legend.
With only five known specimens, this coin is shrouded in mystery, historical intrigue, and staggering value.
Historical Background
Origin & Rarity
Although officially replaced by the Buffalo nickel in February 1913, five unauthorized Liberty Head nickels bearing the 1913 date were somehow produced—likely by Samuel W. Brown, a former Philadelphia Mint employee
These coins surfaced between 1919 and 1920, when Brown advertised for specimens and publicly displayed them. Subsequently, two became museum pieces, while three remain in private hands
Auction Highlights
| Specimen | Date of Sale | Grading | Sale Price | Buyer / Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walton specimen | April 2013 | PR‑63 (PCGS) | $3,172,500 | Heritage Auctions for George Walton |
| Hawaii Five‑O (Olsen) | Jan 2014 | PR‑64 (PCGS/CAC) | $3,290,000 | Heritage Auctions |
| Eliasberg specimen | Aug 2018 | PR‑66 (PCGS/CAC) | $4,560,000 | Stack’s Bowers at ANA Auction |
| Walton specimen | Oct 2022 | (Not graded) | $4,200,000 | GreatCollections Auction |
Latest sale: In October 2022, the Walton specimen sold for $4.2 million through GreatCollections .
Spotlight on the Latest Sale
The Walton specimen, once lost in a closet after its owner died in a 1962 crash, achieved a remarkable resurgence. Rediscovered and authenticated in early 2013, it was sold in April 2013 at Heritage Auctions for $3,172,500, far exceeding its pre‑sale estimate
Later, in October 2022, GreatCollections acquired it for $4.2 million, reaffirming its status as a top-tier rarity
Why So Valuable?
- Total Mintage Unofficial & Ultra‑Limited
- Only five 1913 Liberty Head nickels exist—no official minting occurred
- Legendary Provenance
- Once owned by notable collectors including Colonel Green, Louis Eliasberg, King Farouk, and the Walton family
- High Grading & Condition
- Recent specimens graded between PR‑63 and PR‑66 (PCGS/CAC), indicating near‑perfect mint condition
- Numismatic Fame & Pop Culture
- The Olsen specimen featured in the 1973 episode of Hawaii Five‑O, boosting public recognition
- Historical Mystery
- Unofficial minting theories continue to intrigue collectors and historians alike
Specimen Breakdown
- Eliasberg: Finest known; PR‑66; purchased by Legend Numismatics in 2005 for $4,150,000, then sold privately in 2007 for $5,000,000
- Olsen (“Hawaii Five‑O”): PR‑64 CAC; sold publicly for $3.737M in 2010 and again for $3.29M in 2014
- Walton: PR‑63; rediscovered 2013; sold for $3.17M, then $4.2M in private sale .
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel remains an unrivaled legend in numismatics. With only five in existence, extraordinary provenance, and auction prices that exceed $3–$4 million, it continues to captivate collectors and historians alike.
FAQs
Why are there only five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels?
They weren’t officially minted—the Buffalo nickel replaced them. Numismatists believe they were produced surreptitiously by Samuel Brown at the Mint
Which specimen sold most recently, and for how much?
The Walton specimen sold in October 2022 for $4.2 million at GreatCollections
Are any of the five coins publicly displayed?
Yes—two are held by museums: the Norweb specimen at the Smithsonian and the McDermott specimen at the ANA Money Museum