Rare 1913 Liberty Head Nickel made headlines after being sold for a whopping $3.7 million at a public auction. The coin, known as the Olsen-Hawn piece, is one of just five known 1913 Liberty Head nickels. It gained additional fame when it appeared in a 1973 episode of the popular TV show “Hawaii Five-O.” This nickel’s rarity, unique history, and connection to Hollywood have made it one of the most sought-after coins among collectors.
What Is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
The Rare 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is an extremely rare coin, with only five examples known to exist. The nickel was never officially released by the U.S. Mint, making it a mystery as to how they came into circulation. This rarity has made the coins incredibly valuable, with collectors willing to pay millions to own a piece of history. The most recent sale of one of these nickels took place at an auction in Orlando, Florida, where the Olsen-Hawn nickel was purchased for $3.7 million.
The Auction and Its Buyer
The auction, conducted by Heritage Auction Galleries, attracted significant attention from coin collectors worldwide. Todd Imhof, executive vice president of Heritage Auction Galleries, mentioned that the buyer was “a sophisticated East Coast collector,” but further details about the buyer and seller were not disclosed. The Olsen-Hawn nickel is particularly famous due to its appearance in pop culture, which likely contributed to its high sale price.
A Pop Culture Coin: The “Hawaii Five-O” Episode
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel gained a bit of Hollywood fame when it appeared in a 1973 episode of the TV show “Hawaii Five-O.” In the episode, a character played by Victor Buono uses a trick to steal the coin during an auction. He then attempts to hide the coin in a vending machine, but things don’t go as planned. Interestingly, Heritage Auction Galleries mentioned that the actual coin was used only for close-up shots, while a “stunt double” coin was used for other scenes.
History of Ownership
The Olsen-Hawn nickel has a storied history, having passed through the hands of various prominent collectors. Some of its previous owners include King Farouk of Egypt and Jerry Buss, the former owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. Buss purchased the coin for $200,000 in 1978, making it one of his prized possessions. Since then, the coin has changed hands several times, consistently appreciating in value. It crossed the million-dollar mark for the first time in 2003, highlighting its increasing demand among collectors.
Value and Rarity of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The Rare 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a prized possession due to its rarity and historical significance. Its limited production makes it a key target for collectors. In addition to the Olsen-Hawn nickel, the other four known nickels are held in both private collections and museums. Two are part of museum collections, while the remaining three, including the Olsen-Hawn piece, are privately owned. The high auction price of $3.7 million for this coin highlights the allure and value that these rare collectibles hold in the numismatic world.
Key Details About the Olsen-Hawn Nickel
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1913 |
| Type | Liberty Head Nickel |
| Number of Known Coins | 5 |
| Most Recent Auction Price | $3.7 million |
| Auction House | Heritage Auction Galleries |
| Famous Appearance | “Hawaii Five-O” TV episode (1973) |
| Previous Notable Owners | King Farouk, Jerry Buss |
| First Sold for | $200,000 (in 1978 by Jerry Buss) |
| Current Owner | Unnamed East Coast collector |
Why Is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel So Valuable?
The value of the Rare 1913 Liberty Head Nickel comes from its rarity, history, and the story behind how it came into circulation. Here are some reasons for its high value:
- Rarity: Only five of these nickels are known to exist, making them incredibly rare.
- Historical Significance: These coins were never supposed to be minted, adding to their mystery and appeal.
- Pop Culture Appeal: The appearance in “Hawaii Five-O” gives it a unique place in pop culture, adding to its desirability.
- Previous Owners: The coin’s history of being owned by famous figures like King Farouk and Jerry Buss makes it even more attractive to collectors.
The Auction Process and Enthusiasm Among Collectors
The auction of the Olsen-Hawn nickel brought together coin enthusiasts and collectors from across the world. Auctions for rare coins like the Rare 1913 Liberty Head Nickel often see competitive bidding, as collectors recognize the unique opportunity to own a piece of American history. The coin’s fame and historical value undoubtedly drove up the price, with bidders eagerly vying for a chance to add this iconic piece to their collections.
Conclusion
The sale of the Rare 1913 Liberty Head Nickel for $3.7 million shows the enduring value of rare coins in the world of numismatics. With only five known to exist and a rich history that includes a stint in Hollywood, the Olsen-Hawn nickel is more than just a piece of currency; it’s a symbol of rarity and cultural significance. Its story continues to captivate collectors and coin enthusiasts, proving that even a small coin can have a large place in history.
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FAQs
What makes the 1913 Liberty Head nickel so rare?
The coin is extremely rare because only five examples are known to exist, and they were never officially released by the U.S. Mint.
Why did the coin sell for $3.7 million?
Its rarity, historical significance, and fame from appearing in a TV show made it highly valuable, attracting a large sum at the auction.
Who bought the 1913 Liberty Head nickel?
The coin was purchased by an anonymous East Coast collector through Heritage Auction Galleries.
How many 1913 Liberty Head nickels are there?
There are only five known examples of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel, making it highly sought after by collectors.
Why was the 1913 Liberty Head nickel featured in “Hawaii Five-O”?
The coin was featured in a 1973 episode, where it was part of a storyline involving a heist, adding to its pop culture fame.