The Coin Mistaken for Junk That Turned Out to Be Worth $5.3 Million

A Hidden Treasure in Loose Change

A coin tossed into a junk drawer could have been a $5.3 million mistake. That’s what happened when someone almost threw out a rare 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, now valued at a staggering $5.3 million. This coin, one of only five known to exist, was recently rediscovered in a pile of old change. Collectors say these ultra-rare coins could still be out there, hiding in coin jars or forgotten collections, waiting to change someone’s life.

Why This Nickel Is So Special

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a legend in the coin world. Only five were ever made, and they weren’t supposed to exist. The U.S. Mint had switched to the Buffalo Nickel design in 1913, but a few Liberty Head coins were secretly struck. Their mysterious origin and extreme rarity make them a collector’s holy grail. According to auction records from 2025, one sold for $5.3 million, as reported by the Professional Coin Grading Service. Even a worn version could fetch hundreds of thousands.

How to Spot the Rare Nickel

Identifying a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is straightforward if you know what to look for. Here’s a quick guide:

Check the date: It should clearly read “1913” on the front.
Look for the Liberty Head: The front shows a woman’s profile, not a buffalo.
Examine the back: It should have a Roman numeral “V” surrounded by stars.
Check condition: Sharp details and minimal scratches boost its value.
If your nickel matches these features, it could be one of the rarest coins ever made. Condition is key, as collectors pay more for coins that look nearly new.

Where These Coins Might Turn Up

This valuable nickel was found in a box of old coins, but others could be hiding anywhere. Some have been discovered in family heirlooms, bank rolls, or even pawn shops. Since nickels are still legal tender, they can circulate unnoticed. Check your change from small stores, vending machines, or old piggy banks. One of the five known 1913 nickels was found in a car wreck in the 1960s, showing how these treasures can surface in unexpected places.

What to Do If You Find One

If you think you’ve found a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, take these steps to protect it:

Step	Action
1. Store Carefully	Place the coin in a protective holder to avoid damage.
2. Get It Verified	Take it to a coin dealer or grading service for authentication.

Don’t clean the coin, as that can lower its value. A professional can confirm if it’s real and estimate its worth.

The Excitement of Coin Hunting

The $5.3 million nickel has sparked a frenzy among coin collectors. Other rare coins, like certain pennies or dimes, have also sold for millions due to their scarcity or unique history. The thrill of finding a valuable coin keeps people checking their change or sorting through old collections. Whether you’re digging through a drawer or paying at a gas station, that nickel in your pocket could be a life-changing discovery. Stay curious, and you might uncover a piece of history.