In a twist of fate that could rival any Hollywood movie, an ordinary weekend cleaning session led one Ohio family to an extraordinary discovery: a rare coin hidden in plain sight — and possibly worth over $5 million.
A Surprise Behind the Frame
The discovery happened as the family began redecorating their living room. While removing an old wooden picture frame to replace the family photo inside, they spotted something shiny and metallic wedged behind the corner of the frame. At first glance, it looked like a worn-out coin — maybe part of a forgotten craft project. But something about it didn’t sit right.
Driven by curiosity, they carefully pried it loose.
Not Just Pocket Change
What they found was no ordinary coin. Experts quickly identified it as a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, one of the rarest and most mysterious coins in American history. Only five were believed to exist — until now.
This newly found specimen, dubbed the “Lost Sixth,” is sending shockwaves through the numismatic world.
A Coin Born of Mystery
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel was never officially authorized for release by the U.S. Mint. The few existing examples are rumored to have been minted under secretive — possibly even illegal — circumstances by a rogue Mint employee. That backstory, paired with its extreme rarity, has made it a white whale for collectors.
If this sixth coin is verified, it could force historians to rewrite everything we know about the coin’s origin.
Remarkable Condition After Decades
Despite spending decades glued to wood, the nickel remains in surprisingly strong condition. Numismatic experts credit the dry, dark environment inside the frame for preserving the coin’s detail and luster.
According to the lead expert from the Numismatic Historical Society, “It’s a miracle this coin survived in such good shape — it’s almost poetic.”
Value? Possibly Priceless
No official auction has been announced, but early buzz suggests the coin could fetch upwards of $5 million — potentially more, if multiple collectors battle over its significance and provenance. For reference, another 1913 Liberty Head Nickel sold for $4.5 million in 2018.
The family has since turned the coin over to a national numismatic institution for authentication and historical analysis.
From Forgotten to Forever Famous
The irony of the situation isn’t lost on anyone: a multimillion-dollar artifact, likely mistaken as junk, was glued to a frame for decades. Now it may become one of the most talked-about finds in American history.
What’s more, this discovery has sparked a wave of public interest. Coin collectors and everyday folks alike are now examining their old frames, drawers, and piggy banks in hopes of their own hidden treasure.
FAQs About the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel Discovery
Q: What is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
A: It’s an extremely rare coin — only five were believed to exist — produced under mysterious circumstances. It was never officially released by the U.S. Mint.
Q: Why is this newly found coin so significant?
A: This would be the sixth known example, challenging the long-held belief that only five were made. Its discovery could rewrite numismatic history.
Q: How much could the coin be worth?
A: Valuations suggest over $5 million, potentially more depending on collector interest and condition.
Q: How did it end up glued inside a picture frame?
A: The exact reason is unknown. It may have been placed there by a family member decades ago as part of a craft or memory keepsake — and forgotten over time.
Q: Has the coin been authenticated yet?
A: It’s currently undergoing authentication and study by a national numismatic foundation. So far, all early indicators suggest it’s genuine.
Q: Will it be auctioned or displayed?
A: The family hasn’t made a decision. There’s interest from both private collectors and museums.
Q: Could there be more coins like this out there?
A: It’s possible. This discovery suggests there might be other unknown specimens hiding in attics, heirlooms, or old collections.
Final Thoughts
This once-forgotten nickel is more than just a rare coin — it’s a reminder that history often hides in the most unexpected places. What was once a household decoration may now become a centerpiece in the story of American coinage.
So next time you’re dusting off old frames or clearing out the attic, take a closer look — you might be holding a piece of hidden history in your hands.
