$5 Million 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Among the many numismatic treasures that have fetched enormous sums at auctions, some are so rare that they capture the imagination of both collectors and investors.
Among the few available treasures, there is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Its rarity was a factor for this treasure, but more interesting is the stories of its existence.
Let us learn about this unique coin and seven other important coins that have reshaped coin collecting.
The Mysterious 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
In 1913, the U.S. Mint replaced the Liberty Head design with the Buffalo Nickel. Official records indicate that no production of the Liberty Head Nickel was allowed that year.
Yet still, five coins somehow managed to surface, and each has become a treasured gem among coin collectors.
The origin of these coins has yet to be found. According to historians, the person believed to have produced these coins clandestinely was a former Mint employee by the name Samuel W. Brown, since he was the one who first publicized them in 1919.
For several decades, the ownership of these coins shifted among famous collectors. One coin was sold in 2018 for $4.5 million.
Seven More Coins That Transformed Collecting Forever
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle- Actually minted but never released into circulation. In 2021, a specimen sold for $18.9 million at auction, and this is now the most valuable coin ever to have been sold.
1787 Brashear Double Eagle – Created by goldsmith Ephraim Brashear, this coin is one of the first gold coins minted in the United States. An example of it sold for $9.36 million in 2021, setting a world record for a gold coin at a public auction.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – Considered to be one of the first silver dollar coins minted by the US. This coin sold at auction for $10,016,875, which shows its historical significance and rarity.
1804 Silver Dollar – This is called the “King of American Coins”. This coin is extremely rare and one example of it sold for $4.14 million, which shows its important place in numismatic history.
723 Umayyad Gold Dinar – This is an ancient Islamic coin from 723 AD, and the value is high. One of its examples was sold for $4.78 million, which is a testament to its historical and cultural value.
1343 Edward III Florin – Also known as the “Double Leopard”, this is one of the medieval coins coming from England. Only three specimens are known, and it was sold for $6.8 million. It is one of the most expensive coins sold in history.
1849 Double Eagle – This marked the first gold $20 coin for the United States. There is only one known example, which is kept in the Smithsonian Institution. It has an estimate of being worth $20 million due to its unmatched rareness.
Summary of Notable Million-Dollar Coins
| Coin Name | Year | Sale Price | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $4.5 million | Unauthorized minting; only five known |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | $18.9 million | Never officially released; one legal specimen |
| 1787 Brasher Doubloon | 1787 | $9.36 million | One of the first U.S. gold coins |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | $10 million | Among the first U.S. silver dollars |
| 1804 Silver Dollar | 1804 | $4.14 million | Known as the “King of American Coins” |
| 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar | 723 | $4.78 million | Ancient Islamic coin of significant rarity |
| 1343 Edward III Florin | 1343 | $6.8 million | Medieval English coin; only three known |
| 1849 Double Eagle | 1849 | Estimated $20 million | First U.S. $20 gold coin; unique specimen |
For collectors and historians, these coins are the pinnacle of numismatic success, constantly rewriting the book on coin collecting.
Conclusion
These unique coins hold an important place not just in the world of numismatics but also in the global financial landscape. The rarity, historical significance, and unique stories of these coins make them priceless for collectors. Whether it is the $5 million 1913 Liberty Head Nickel or the $20 million 1849 Double Eagle, these coins have given a new dimension to the world of collecting.
FAQS:
Why is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so valuable?
It is highly valued because it was produced illegally and is extremely rare, with only five known examples, which makes it very coveted among collectors.
What makes the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle so special?
Even though it was minted, it was not officially released owing to the Gold Reserve Act and only one piece of it legally exists in private hands, and hence its sale value is also record-breaking.
What are the parameters for determining the value of coins in the numismatic market?
Several factors determine the value of coins, including rarity, historical significance, condition (grading) and provenance. Coins with special stories or limited production generally have higher values.