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The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is worth anywhere from $3 million to over $4.5 million in any condition. Because only five authentic specimens are known to exist, this coin is the “Holy Grail” of American numismatics, representing one of the rarest and most legendary treasures in the history of the United States Mint.
| Condition / Specimen | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Olsen Specimen (Proof-64) | $3,700,000 – $4,500,000+ |
| Walton Specimen (Proof-63) | $3,100,000 – $4,000,000 |
| Eliasberg Specimen (Proof-66) | $4,500,000 – $5,000,000+ |
| Common 1913 Buffalo Nickel | $15 – $50 (Circulated) |
The Mystery and Rarity of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The story of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. In 1913, the U.S. Mint officially switched from the “Liberty Head” (or “V” Nickel) design to the “Buffalo Nickel” (Indian Head) design. According to official records, no Liberty Head nickels were supposed to be produced that year. However, five specimens surfaced in 1920, held by a former Mint employee named Samuel Brown.
Because these coins were struck without official authorization, they have become the ultimate prize for collectors. If you think you’ve found one in an old jar, the first step is to use a top coin identifier app to see if your coin matches the specific design traits of a genuine V-Nickel. While most 1913 nickels found in pocket change are Buffalo nickels, a genuine Liberty Head version is a life-changing discovery.
Many people use CoinKnow to differentiate between common dates and rare varieties. When dealing with a coin that could be worth millions, precision is everything. The five known 1913 Liberty Nickels are all accounted for in museums or private collections, but the “Missing Six” theory keeps the dream alive for every amateur treasure hunter in America.
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1913 Liberty Nickel vs. 1913 Buffalo Nickel Value
It is crucial to understand that there are two very different types of nickels dated 1913. The common version is the Buffalo Nickel, which features a Native American profile on the front and a bison on the back. These were minted in the millions and are generally worth between $10 and $100 depending on their condition. You can check the latest 1913 Buffalo nickel price guide data to see what those common variations are worth.
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The 1913 Liberty Nickel, on the other hand, features the head of Lady Liberty surrounded by stars on the obverse and a large Roman numeral “V” inside a wreath on the reverse. If your 1913 nickel has a “V” on the back, you are looking at a coin of immense historical significance. Below is a comparison to help you distinguish between the two types.
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| Design Element | Liberty Head Nickel (Rare) | Buffalo Nickel (Common) |
|---|---|---|
| Obverse Design | Lady Liberty Profile | Native American Profile |
| Reverse Design | “V” in Wreath | American Buffalo (Bison) |
| Known Quantity | 5 Pieces | Millions |
How to Spot a Fake 1913 Liberty Nickel
Because the 1913 Liberty Nickel is so valuable, many counterfeits exist. The most common way fakes are created is by “doctoring” a 1903, 1910, or 1912 Liberty Nickel. Scammers will carefully shave off the last digit of the date and solder on a “3” from another coin. To the naked eye, these can look convincing, but under a microscope, the seams are usually visible.
Using an app like CoinKnow can help you magnify the details of the date to check for alterations. If the “3” looks crooked or if there are scratch marks around the date area, it is likely a modified 1912 coin. Real 1913 Liberty nickels have a very specific strike quality because they were likely produced as “Proof” coins, meaning they have sharper details and a mirror-like finish.
Before getting too excited, it is wise to consult a 1913 Liberty Head nickel value chart to understand the authentication process. Most genuine specimens have been certified by professional services like PCGS or NGC. If your coin is not in a plastic slab with a serial number, the odds of it being genuine are extremely low, but not zero.
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The History of the Five Known Specimens
The “Five Giants” of the nickel world each have their own nickname and history. The Eliasberg Specimen is the finest known, graded as a Proof-66. It was once part of the only complete collection of United States coins every assembled. This specific coin has reached prices north of $4.5 million in public auctions.
The Walton Specimen has perhaps the most famous story. For decades, it was considered a fake and kept in a closet by the heirs of George O. Walton. In 2003, at a major coin convention, a team of experts examined it and declared it the long-lost fifth 1913 Liberty Nickel. It eventually sold for over $3 million. Stories like this are why CoinKnow users keep scanning their old coins—you truly never know what might be hiding in an old collection.
| Specimen Name | Condition Grade | Last Known Sale |
|---|---|---|
| Eliasberg | PR-66 | $4,560,000 |
| Olsen | PR-64 | $3,737,500 |
| Walton | PR-63 | $3,172,500 |
| McDermott | PR-55 | $3,100,000 |
What to Do if You Find a 1913 Nickel
If you find a nickel dated 1913 in your change or an inheritance, don’t clean it! Cleaning a rare coin can strip away its “patina” and reduce its value by 50% or more. The first step is to identify whether it is a Buffalo Nickel or a Liberty Head Nickel. Even if it is a Buffalo Nickel, it may still have value if it is in “Mint State” (uncirculated) condition.
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If you have a Liberty Head version, you need to handle it by the edges only. Place it in a soft PVC-free coin flip or a small plastic bag. Next, take high-resolution photos of both the front and the back. You can use CoinKnow to compare your coin’s features with high-resolution images of the known authentic specimens.
Finally, seek professional authentication. Organizations like the American Numismatic Association (ANA) or professional grading services like PCGS are the only ones who can officially verify a coin of this magnitude. While the chances are astronomical, the Walton discovery proves that “impossible” coins can still be found in the most ordinary places.
FAQ
Q: Why is the 1913 Liberty Nickel so expensive?
A: It is expensive because it is both a great rarity and a “forbidden” coin. Since the U.S. Mint didn’t officially authorize its production, the mystery of how they were made—combined with the fact that only five exist—drives collectors to pay millions to own a piece of that history.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Can I find a 1913 Liberty Nickel in my pocket change?
A: It is extremely unlikely. All five known specimens are accounted for. However, millions of 1913 Buffalo Nickels are still in circulation or stored in attics. While those aren’t worth millions, they are still cool pieces of history worth more than five cents.
Q: How can I tell if my 1913 nickel is a Buffalo or a Liberty?
A: Look at the back. If you see a large “V,” it’s a Liberty Head. If you see a large buffalo (bison), it’s a Buffalo Nickel. The Buffalo version was the official design released to the public in 1913.
Q: Is there a sixth 1913 Liberty Nickel?
A: For over 100 years, rumors have circulated about a sixth coin. While there is no physical evidence yet, the possibility keeps the numismatic world on high alert. If a sixth coin were ever found and authenticated, it would be the find of the century.