Buffalo Nickel : Imagine digging through your pocket for some spare change, tossing a few coins on the counter, and unknowingly handing over a small fortune. It sounds like a fantasy, but for some lucky (or unlucky) individuals, it’s reality. One such overlooked treasure is the 1913 Liberty Head “Buffalo” Nickel, a coin so rare and valuable that one specimen sold for $925,000—yet others may still be circulating in the wild, mistaken for ordinary pocket change.
A Coin Born of Controversy
To understand why this nickel is so special, we need to go back to 1913, a year of change for American coinage. The U.S. Mint was preparing to retire the Liberty Head nickel design and replace it with the now-iconic Buffalo nickel (also known as the Indian Head nickel), featuring a Native American profile and a majestic buffalo.
But here’s the twist: five Liberty Head nickels were somehow minted in 1913, even though official records say they were never supposed to be made that year. These coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, likely as the result of an insider’s actions—perhaps a Mint employee looking to create a rarity.
Whether by accident or design, those five coins made it into private hands, and today, they’re among the most legendary rarities in U.S. numismatics.
Why It’s Worth Nearly a Million Dollars
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of the rarest coins in the world, with only five confirmed examples in existence. Their values range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on condition, provenance, and market demand.
In 2018, one of the five known nickels sold for $925,000 at auction, and others have fetched even more—one topping $4.5 million in a private sale. The story, rarity, and mystery surrounding this coin continue to captivate collectors and historians alike.
Could One Still Be Out There?
Here’s where it gets exciting. While five have been accounted for, rumors persist that a sixth 1913 Liberty Head nickel may exist—or that someone might unknowingly have one in a change jar, an old collection, or a box of inherited coins. Even if it’s not a true 1913 Liberty Head, early Buffalo nickels from the 1910s and 1920s can still fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on their date and condition.
How to Spot a Valuable Buffalo or Liberty Nickel
If you’re a casual coin collector—or just curious—here’s what to look for:
- Check the Date: A Liberty Head nickel dated 1913 is an immediate red flag (in a good way). Most Buffalo nickels also start from 1913, so any Liberty Head nickel with that date is suspiciously rare.
- Condition: While wear is expected, sharper detail and fewer scratches increase value dramatically.
- Mint Mark: Located under the words “Five Cents” on the reverse (for Buffalo nickels), the mint mark can also affect value.
- Errors: Look for doubled images, missing letters, or unusual die strikes—these mint errors can also command high prices.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Found One
If you come across a 1913 Liberty Head nickel—or any old coin that seems unusual—do not spend it or clean it. Instead:
- Handle it carefully, preferably with gloves.
- Take clear photos of both sides.
- Contact a professional numismatist or coin grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Consider having it authenticated and graded. A legitimate 1913 Liberty Head nickel could change your life.
A Million-Dollar Coin in Your Pocket?
It’s hard to believe that such a small, unassuming coin could be worth nearly a million dollars, but it’s a testament to the strange and wonderful world of numismatics. So the next time you’re counting your change or going through old belongings, take a second look at that nickel—you just might be holding a fortune in your fingertips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs.)
Q1: What makes the 1913 Liberty Head nickel so rare and valuable?
A: Only five Liberty Head nickels were minted in 1913, even though that design was officially retired the year before. Their unauthorized creation, extreme rarity, and historical intrigue make them some of the most valuable coins in U.S. history—one sold for $925,000, and another for over $4.5 million.
Q2: How can I tell if I have a 1913 Liberty Head nickel?
A: Check for the following:
- Date: It must read 1913.
- Design: The front (obverse) shows Lady Liberty’s profile, not a Native American (that’s the Buffalo nickel).
- Back (Reverse): It features “V” for five cents, not a buffalo.
If you have a Liberty Head nickel with a 1913 date, it’s potentially a million-dollar coin—get it authenticated immediately.
Q3: Are Buffalo nickels from 1913 also valuable?
A: Yes! The 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo nickel is a key rarity. While not in the million-dollar range, it can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on its condition and mint mark.
Q4: What’s the difference between a Liberty Head and a Buffalo nickel?
A:
- Liberty Head nickels (1883–1913) feature Lady Liberty on the front.
- Buffalo nickels (1913–1938) feature a Native American profile on the front and a buffalo on the back.
Both types can be valuable, but only Liberty Head nickels dated 1913 are the ultra-rare million-dollar variety.
Q5: How can a coin from 1913 still be in circulation today?
A: While extremely unlikely, it’s possible that rare coins are unknowingly spent by people unaware of their value—especially if found in old change jars, estate sales, or inherited collections.
