Discover the secret detail that could make your nickel fetch $3.2 million at auction!
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In the fascinating world of coin collecting, every so often, a piece emerges that captures the imagination of numismatists and history buffs alike.
Such is the case with a particular nickel, a coin that not only bears the marks of history but also carries a secret that could see it fetch a staggering $3.2 million at auction.
Here at The GrayVine, we're excited to delve into the story behind this extraordinary nickel and the rare “mint” detail that adds to its immense value.
The 1913 “Liberty” Head nickel is a coin shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
With only five specimens known to exist, it stands as one of the most coveted treasures in the numismatic community. But what makes this nickel so special, and why does it command such an astronomical price?
The tale begins over a century ago when the United States Mint made a significant design change, transitioning from the “Liberty” Head to the “Buffalo” on the obverse side of the nickel.
However, in a twist of fate, five “Liberty” Head nickels were minted in 1913—a year when none should have been produced at all.
The American Numismatic Association confirms the rarity of these coins, and their existence remains one of the great enigmas of US minting history.
The whispers of speculation often point to a former US Mint employee, Samuel W. Brown, who, in 1919, placed an advertisement seeking these very nickels.
His subsequent claim of acquiring all five has led many to believe that he may have had a hand in their creation, though the full story remains elusive.
Each of the five 1913 “Liberty” Head nickels has a storied past, passing through the hands of various collectors and leaving a trail of historical breadcrumbs.
Also read: Discover the surprising coin detail that could turn your loose change into millions overnight!
One such coin, known as the “Hawaii Five-0 Coin” due to its cameo in the eponymous television series, has been offered at auction more times than its counterparts.
Its provenance includes a previous sale for $3.7 million in 2010 and a more recent transaction through Heritage Auctions in 2014 for $3.2 million.
This particular nickel's value is further bolstered by its condition. Graded PR64 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), it is considered the second finest of the five.
The PCGS uses a grading scale from 1 (extremely low quality) to 70 (perfect condition), and a PR64 rating indicates that the coin is in very good shape, with 'pristine' surfaces and no visible marks.
The “Liberty” nickel's value places it in good company, ranking as the fifth-highest price ever paid for a United States coin.
It sits among the ranks of other legendary pieces such as the 1794 silver dollar, the 1933 double eagle coin, and two 1804 Class I silver dollars.
Source: BBCOINSINC / Youtube.
Another of the 1913 “Liberty” Head Nickels fetched $3.1 million in 2013, further cementing its status as a numismatic heavyweight.
For those inspired to start their own coin collection, it's worth noting that while the “Liberty” nickel represents the pinnacle of rarity, there are other valuable coins that might be lurking in your pocket change.
Some dimes still in circulation could bring in a hefty sum, and other rare coins have been known to sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Want to start coin collecting? Unlock the secret to wealth with these 5 currencies set to explode in value by 2025!
Have you ever come across a rare find? Do you have a prized possession in your collection with its own fascinating backstory? Or perhaps you're curious about starting a collection and seeking advice on where to begin? Join the conversation below and let's exchange tales of numismatic discoveries and the joys of preserving pieces of history!
Such is the case with a particular nickel, a coin that not only bears the marks of history but also carries a secret that could see it fetch a staggering $3.2 million at auction.
Here at The GrayVine, we're excited to delve into the story behind this extraordinary nickel and the rare “mint” detail that adds to its immense value.
The 1913 “Liberty” Head nickel is a coin shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
With only five specimens known to exist, it stands as one of the most coveted treasures in the numismatic community. But what makes this nickel so special, and why does it command such an astronomical price?
The tale begins over a century ago when the United States Mint made a significant design change, transitioning from the “Liberty” Head to the “Buffalo” on the obverse side of the nickel.
However, in a twist of fate, five “Liberty” Head nickels were minted in 1913—a year when none should have been produced at all.
A rare 1913 Liberty Head nickel sold for a striking $3.2 million at auction, highlighting its enormous value among collectors. Image source: BBCOINSINC / Youtube.
The American Numismatic Association confirms the rarity of these coins, and their existence remains one of the great enigmas of US minting history.
The whispers of speculation often point to a former US Mint employee, Samuel W. Brown, who, in 1919, placed an advertisement seeking these very nickels.
His subsequent claim of acquiring all five has led many to believe that he may have had a hand in their creation, though the full story remains elusive.
Each of the five 1913 “Liberty” Head nickels has a storied past, passing through the hands of various collectors and leaving a trail of historical breadcrumbs.
Also read: Discover the surprising coin detail that could turn your loose change into millions overnight!
One such coin, known as the “Hawaii Five-0 Coin” due to its cameo in the eponymous television series, has been offered at auction more times than its counterparts.
Its provenance includes a previous sale for $3.7 million in 2010 and a more recent transaction through Heritage Auctions in 2014 for $3.2 million.
This particular nickel's value is further bolstered by its condition. Graded PR64 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), it is considered the second finest of the five.
The PCGS uses a grading scale from 1 (extremely low quality) to 70 (perfect condition), and a PR64 rating indicates that the coin is in very good shape, with 'pristine' surfaces and no visible marks.
The “Liberty” nickel's value places it in good company, ranking as the fifth-highest price ever paid for a United States coin.
It sits among the ranks of other legendary pieces such as the 1794 silver dollar, the 1933 double eagle coin, and two 1804 Class I silver dollars.
Source: BBCOINSINC / Youtube.
Another of the 1913 “Liberty” Head Nickels fetched $3.1 million in 2013, further cementing its status as a numismatic heavyweight.
For those inspired to start their own coin collection, it's worth noting that while the “Liberty” nickel represents the pinnacle of rarity, there are other valuable coins that might be lurking in your pocket change.
Some dimes still in circulation could bring in a hefty sum, and other rare coins have been known to sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Want to start coin collecting? Unlock the secret to wealth with these 5 currencies set to explode in value by 2025!
Have you ever come across a rare find? Do you have a prized possession in your collection with its own fascinating backstory? Or perhaps you're curious about starting a collection and seeking advice on where to begin? Join the conversation below and let's exchange tales of numismatic discoveries and the joys of preserving pieces of history!
