Liberty Nickel Sells for $6.4 Million: A tiny nickel just sold for a jaw-dropping $6.4 million in July 2025, making it one of the priciest coins ever! The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, with only five known to exist, is a collector’s dream, and this sale of the Eliasberg specimen has folks buzzing on X about its wild history. Minted in secret at the Philadelphia Mint, these coins were never meant to circulate, yet they’ve become the holy grail of coin collecting. With a sale price beating gold’s value ($2,350/oz in 2025), this nickel’s story is gripping. Here’s why it’s worth millions and how to spot one, just in case!
A Coin That Shouldn’t Exist
The Liberty Head Nickel, showing Lady Liberty on the front and a “V” for five cents on the back, ran from 1883 to 1912. In 1913, the U.S. Mint switched to the Buffalo Nickel, but five Liberty Nickels were struck in secret, possibly by Mint worker Samuel W. Brown. He revealed them in 1920, sparking rumors of an inside job. The 1913 coins, never meant for circulation, are super rare, with two in museums (Smithsonian and ANA Money Museum) and three in private hands. The Eliasberg coin, graded PR66 by PCGS, is the finest, fetching $4.56 million in 2018 before hitting $6.4 million in 2025, though some experts call this price unverified.
Why It’s a Collector’s Dream
This nickel’s value comes from its rarity and epic story. Only five were made, and each has a famous name: Eliasberg, Olsen, Norweb, McDermott, and Walton. The Eliasberg coin, once owned by legendary collector Louis Eliasberg, is nearly perfect, with a shiny, proof-like finish and crisp details in Liberty’s hair. Past sales include $1.48 million in 1996 and $5 million in 2007, showing its skyrocketing worth. Its 75% copper, 25% nickel makeup is worth just pennies, but its scarcity drives the price. X users share tales of hunting for fakes, as counterfeits often mimic the 1913 date, adding to the mystery.
|
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Year |
1913 (75% Copper, 25% Nickel) |
|
Value (Reported) |
$6.4 Million (2025, Unverified) |
|
Weight |
5 grams |
|
Mint Mark |
None (Philadelphia) |
|
Key Feature |
Proof-like finish, sharp details |
|
Rarity |
Only 5 known |
How to Spot a Real One
Finding a 1913 Liberty Nickel is like winning the lottery, but fakes are common, so be sharp! Check for a 1913 date with no mint mark (Philadelphia only). The coin has a mirror-like, proof finish and clear details in Liberty’s coronet or the wreath on the back. Use a magnifying glass to inspect for altered dates (like a 1903 changed to 1913). Don’t clean it—wear lowers value! If you think you’ve got one, take it to a grader like PCGS or NGC for authentication. X users warn that most “1913” nickels are counterfeits, so professional grading is a must.
Where It Might Hide
All five 1913 Liberty Nickels are accounted for, so finding one in change is nearly impossible, but collectors still dream. The Walton coin was lost for decades, mistaken for a fake after a 1962 car crash, until it resurfaced in 2003, selling for $3.17 million in 2013. Stories like this fuel hope, though experts say any new find would likely be a counterfeit. Check old collections, estate sales, or family heirlooms for odd nickels. Coin shops are swamped with appraisals since the $6.4 million sale hit news. Store any suspect coin in a plastic holder to keep it safe.
Is $6.4 Million Legit?
The $6.4 million sale is unverified, with no public auction record, but it aligns with PCGS’s $6.25 million estimate for a PR66 coin. Past sales hit $4.2 million (Walton, 2022) and $4.56 million (Eliasberg, 2018), so $6.4 million isn’t far-fetched for a top specimen. Regular Liberty Nickels from 1883–1912 are worth $1–$400, but 1913 coins are in a league of their own. Experts urge grading by PCGS or NGC to avoid fakes. With only five real ones, this nickel’s value keeps climbing, making it a legend in coin collecting.
Join the Treasure Hunt
The $6.4 million sale of a 1913 Liberty Nickel in 2025 has collectors and dreamers checking old coins everywhere. This mysterious nickel, struck in secret and worth more than gold, is a piece of American history that captivates. Grab a magnifying glass and inspect any Liberty Nickels for a 1913 date and proof-like shine, but beware of fakes. Book an appraisal at a coin shop or online at pcgs.com. With only five known, your odds are slim, but the thrill of the hunt is real. Don’t toss that nickel—your change could hold a multi-million-dollar secret!