The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: The Rarest U.S. Coin You've Never Heard Of
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is considered one of the rarest and most sought-after U.S. coins, yet it remains relatively unknown to the average collector.
Minted as part of a transition from the older Liberty Head design to the more familiar Buffalo Nickel, only five specimens of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel are known to exist.
The coin is most famous for its mysterious creation, as it was never officially released by the U.S. Mint. Instead, it was struck in secret, possibly by an employee of the Mint, making it a piece of history shrouded in intrigue.
For years, it was thought to be a counterfeit or a novelty coin, but its authenticity was eventually confirmed.
Today, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a true gem for numismatists and collectors, valued for its rarity, mystery, and historical significance.
In fact, the coin’s allure has made it one of the most valuable coins in the world, with one selling at auction for over $3 million.
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel’s design features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, with stars surrounding her head and the inscription “Liberty” above. On the reverse, there is the numeral “5” in the center, flanked by “CENTS” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
While its minting process and the identity of the Mint employee responsible remain a topic of speculation, there is no doubt that this coin holds a special place in American numismatic history.