Coin collecting is an exciting hobby that has captured the interest of people around the world. For some collectors, the hunt for rare and valuable coins is more than just a pastime—it’s an opportunity to own a piece of history that can be worth millions. One such coin is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. With only five known to exist, this rare nickel is valued at over $3 million. It even appeared in the famous TV show Hawaii Five-O, adding to its legendary status. Let’s dive into what makes the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so special and how you can identify valuable coins.
What Is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history. Minted illegally at the Philadelphia Mint, only five of these coins were ever made. It features Lady Liberty’s head on the front and the Roman numeral “V” on the back, representing five cents. Since it was not authorized for production, the coin has a mysterious and unique history, making it a treasure for collectors.
Why Is It So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the enormous value of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this coin worth millions:
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Rarity | With only five coins in existence, it’s one of the rarest U.S. coins ever minted. |
| Historical Significance | The coin’s illegal production adds an element of mystery and intrigue to its history. |
| Condition | Coins in mint condition are valued much higher than those in used condition. |
| Pop Culture Fame | The coin appeared in Hawaii Five-O, increasing its popularity and demand. |
| Auction Prices | These coins have fetched millions at auctions, further driving their value among collectors. |
The Story Behind the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The story of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel begins at the Philadelphia Mint in 1913. The U.S. Mint had switched to the Buffalo Nickel that year, but a mint worker named Samuel Brown secretly produced five Liberty Head Nickels. These coins were never supposed to be made, but Brown managed to keep them in his personal collection. After leaving the Mint, he started selling them to collectors, making a small fortune.
In 1920, Brown revealed the coins to the public and sold them to a coin dealer. Over the years, these rare nickels have changed hands multiple times, with each sale increasing the coin’s fame and value.
Pop Culture Fame: Hawaii Five-O and the Liberty Head Nickel
One of the reasons the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel gained so much attention was its appearance in an episode of the popular TV show Hawaii Five-O. In the 1973 episode titled “The $100,000 Nickel,” the rare coin plays a major role, with characters going to extreme lengths to get their hands on it. The coin featured in the episode was a genuine 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, which only added to its legendary status.
Value of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Today, the value of a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel can exceed $3 million, depending on its condition. The coin has been sold in several high-profile auctions, with each sale breaking previous records. Below are some notable auction prices for this coin:
| Auction Year | Price | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | $100,000 | Used in Hawaii Five-O episode |
| 1996 | $1.485 million | Finest known example |
| 2010 | $3.7 million | PCGS PR66 |
| 2018 | $4.5 million | Graded PR64 |
Who Owns the 1913 Liberty Head Nickels?
There are only five known 1913 Liberty Head Nickels in the world. Three are held in museums, and two are in private collections. Below is a breakdown of where these coins are currently located:
| Coin Name | Owner | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Olsen Specimen | Private Collection | Used in Hawaii Five-O, sold at multiple auctions |
| Norweb Specimen | Smithsonian Institution | Washington, D.C. |
| Eliasberg Specimen | Private Collection | Sold for $4.5 million in 2018 |
| Walton Specimen | Private Collection | Rediscovered in 1962 after being lost for decades |
| McDermott Specimen | American Numismatic Assoc. | Colorado Springs, CO |
How to Identify a Rare Coin
While finding a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel in your collection is unlikely, there are still many valuable coins out there. Here are some tips for identifying rare coins:
- Look for Rare Dates: Coins minted in low numbers, especially during economic downturns, tend to be more valuable.
- Check for Minting Errors: Coins with minting errors like double dies or missing marks are worth more.
- Condition Matters: The better the condition of the coin, the higher its value. Coins in Mint State (MS-65 or higher) are especially valuable.
- Get Your Coins Graded: Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can give your coin an official value based on its condition and rarity.
Is Coin Collecting a Good Investment?
Many people wonder if collecting coins is a good financial investment. While some coins, like the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, have seen their value skyrocket, coin collecting should first and foremost be a hobby you enjoy. Here are the pros and cons of coin collecting as an investment:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rare coins appreciate significantly over time. | Coin values can fluctuate based on market demand and economy. |
| Coins are tangible assets that you can hold and store. | Finding valuable coins can require significant upfront investment. |
| Coins have both historical and financial value. | Proper care is necessary to maintain a coin’s condition and value. |
Conclusion
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most fascinating and valuable coins in American history. With its mysterious origins, pop culture fame, and staggering price of over $3 million, it continues to inspire coin collectors around the world. Whether you’re just starting out or have been collecting coins for years, the joy of coin collecting comes from discovering history, appreciating craftsmanship, and possibly uncovering a valuable treasure. Keep an eye on your pocket change—you never know what rare find you might stumble upon.
FAQs
What makes the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so rare?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is extremely rare because only five coins are known to exist. It was minted illegally, making it a significant piece of numismatic history.
How did the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel gain its pop culture fame?
The coin gained fame after appearing in a 1973 episode of the TV show Hawaii Five-O, where it played a central role in the plot, further increasing its desirability among collectors.
What factors contribute to the value of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
Its value is determined by several factors, including rarity, historical significance, condition, pop culture fame, and auction prices, with coins in mint condition fetching the highest prices.
Who currently owns the five known 1913 Liberty Head Nickels?
Of the five known coins, three are held in museums (including the Smithsonian), while two are in private collections, including the coin featured in Hawaii Five-O.