To the rest of us, a nickel is a pesky coin — five cents and easily forgotten in the crevices of a couch or in a piggy bank filled with coins. But what if that small coin is worth millions of rupees?
Today we’re talking approximately the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel — a coin so rare and mysterious that it has made a few fortunate humans millionaires right out of their pockets. If you’ve ever notion there might be a treasure hidden amongst your antique coins, this tale is for you.
Liberty Head Nickel – A Brief History
The Liberty Head Nickel, or the “V Nickel” (with the Roman numeral “V” at the returned), become produced at the Mint among 1883 and 1912. The coin has an image of “Lady Liberty” on the obverse and a “V” in a wreath of leaves at the opposite.
It was supplanted by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913. But it is in which matters get simply thrilling — due to the fact authentic documents do not indicate any Liberty Nickels had been produced in 1913, however 5 of those coins do exist, and those coins are well worth tens of millions of dollars these days.
How much is a 1913 Liberty Nickel worth?
These coins are so valuable because:
- Only five are known to exist — so they’re incredibly rare.
- They were minted secretly by a Mint employee, so they’re not really official — but are nevertheless legally collectable.
- Their secret history and ownership by famous collectors make them all the more special.
- Nowadays, these coins belong to the world’s top collectors.
What have these coins sold for to date?
Over recent years, these coins have commanded enormous sums at auctions:
- In 2010 one coin was sold for $3.7 million (approximately ₹31 crores).
- In 2018 another coin was sold for $4.56 million (approximately ₹38 crores).
- Experts think that these can command a price of $5 to $7 million (₹42 to ₹58 crores) in the next auction.
Even if one 1913 Liberty Nickel has been slightly used, it is still worth crores.
Where are these five coins now?
These five coins are given names based totally on their previous proprietors or nature:
- Olsen Specimen – showcased in the popular TV collection Hawaii Five-O for the duration of the Seventies.
- Eliasberg Specimen – The most nicely-preserved coin to ever exist, was bought for a couple of crores.
- Norweb Specimen – Now stored in the Smithsonian Museum.
- Walton Specimen – Was thought to be lost but was later found in a closet in Virginia in 2003.
- McDermott Specimen – The sole coin with tire tracks, is now in a museum.
Can you find a coin like this?
The probability is extremely small, but not zero. The Walton Specimen could have lain in a regular drawer for years, and the owner had no notion of its worth. There are countless such coins waiting in an old jar, inherited closet, or trash box.
If you’re a coin collector, keep these points in mind:
- Inspect the date thoroughly – If you notice a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, it’s not uncommon.
- Verify authenticity – There are plenty of counterfeit coins accessible. Only legitimate companies like PCGS or NGC can authenticate such coins as real.
- Stay knowledgeable – Learn approximately rare coins, go to coin exhibitions, and keep contact with experienced sellers.
- Handle with care – If you believe that you own a rare coin, do not clean it. This can lower its price.
Pocket Treasure – A Truth
Sometimes we view the old coins that lie in our wallet or drawers as nugatory. But the story of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel teaches us that at times the largest riches are in a small coin.
So the next time you receive an old coin in your hand – have a close look, perhaps you are just one coin away from becoming a millionaire.
FAQs
1. What is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
It’s an extremely rare U.S. five-cent coin secretly minted in 1913, despite official records saying production ended in 1912. Only five authentic coins exist.
2. Why is this nickel so valuable?
Only five coins exist, each with a mysterious backstory. Their rarity, secret minting, and high demand among collectors make them worth crores today.
Shreya Singh is a dedicated financial journalist known for her in-depth coverage of government programs and economic updates. She consistently delivers accurate information on U.S. topics such as Stimulus Checks, IRS announcements, and federal relief efforts. Shreya also reports on UK welfare programs, covering developments in Universal Credit, PIP, and DWP news. Her clarity and commitment to trustworthy reporting have earned her a loyal following among readers seeking insightful financial updates.