The 1913 Liberty Nickel Valued at $7.7 Million, Still in Circulation

April 21, 2025April 21, 2025 by Jeffrey T. Poss

In an astonishing twist that seems more like a scene from a treasure hunt adventure than real life, a 1913 Liberty Head nickel—valued at an eye-popping $7.7 million—might still be out there, passed around in everyday transactions, unnoticed.

Yes, you read that correctly. One of the rarest and most coveted coins in U.S. history could still be lurking in the shadows of someone’s coin jar, tucked away in an old piggy bank, or even mixed in with pocket change.

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The Coin Shrouded in Enigma

Only five verified examples of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel are known to exist, but the coin wasn’t even meant to be minted. The U.S. Mint had officially ceased production of Liberty nickels in 1912, switching to the Buffalo nickel design in 1913. Yet, somehow, a handful of Liberty nickels, stamped with the 1913 date, made it into circulation.

Some experts believe these may have been minted unofficially—possibly struck covertly by a Mint employee. Regardless of how they came to be, these coins are now the holy grail for coin collectors.

The Jaw-Dropping $7.7 Million Value

A staggering $7.7 million was the price achieved at an auction where one of these rare coins changed hands. This particular nickel had an impeccable provenance and had passed through several prestigious collections over the course of its existence.

But what if there’s still one missing from the known five? The mystery deepens with whispers of a potential sixth coin that has never been publicly revealed. Could it be out there, hidden in plain sight, still circulating somewhere?

The Legend of the Sixth Coin

Though only five coins have been officially authenticated, persistent rumors suggest that there may be a sixth, unverified specimen. Some believe this coin may have been spent unknowingly many years ago and could still be in circulation today.

If true, it means someone might be holding onto a multimillion-dollar coin—perhaps while paying for their coffee or groceries, oblivious to its incredible worth.

Key Features to Identify

Collectors and treasure hunters nationwide are on the lookout for this elusive coin. A genuine 1913 Liberty Head nickel has several distinct features:

The profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse, with the date “1913” displayed below.
A simple, unadorned reverse side featuring a “V” (representing 5 cents), with the inscriptions “United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum.”
A composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Due to its extreme rarity and high value, many replicas and counterfeits are in circulation. Serious collectors rely on metal analysis, weight, and expert-grade services to confirm authenticity.

Could It Still Be in Circulation?

While finding a 1913 Liberty nickel in your pocket change is extremely unlikely, stories of rare coin discoveries continue to surface. Just in recent years, several valuable coins have been found in unexpected places—at garage sales, in old coin jars, or even wedged between floorboards during home renovations.

These discoveries keep the dream alive that the elusive 1913 Liberty nickel could still be out there, forgotten in an old box or dropped accidentally into a vending machine.

Final Thought

For collectors, the 1913 Liberty Head nickel isn’t just about its worth—it’s about its history, the mystery surrounding it, and the excitement of the hunt. The notion that a $7.7 million treasure could still be out there makes every handful of spare change an opportunity to uncover something extraordinary.

So, next time you receive a nickel, take a moment to look closely. It could very well be the rarest coin in America—hiding right in front of you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many 1913 Liberty Head nickels are known to exist?

Only five 1913 Liberty Head nickels are officially known to exist, making them one of the rarest coins in U.S. history.

Why was the 1913 Liberty Head nickel never supposed to be minted?

The U.S. Mint officially stopped producing Liberty nickels in 1912, transitioning to the Buffalo nickel design in 1913. However, some believe a few of these nickels were struck unofficially.

How much is a 1913 Liberty Head nickel worth?

A 1913 Liberty Head nickel has been valued at as much as $7.7 million, based on recent auction sales.

Could a 1913 Liberty Head nickel still be in circulation?

While highly unlikely, rumors persist that one of the five known coins could be unaccounted for and potentially still circulating in everyday transactions.