In a surprising turn of events, a long-lost 1913 Liberty Head Nickel—now appraised at $2.2 million—was recently uncovered inside a weathered tackle box at a garage sale in a quiet Michigan town. This unexpected discovery has taken the numismatic community by storm and reignited interest in one of America’s most intriguing and elusive coins.
A Quiet Day Turns Into a Fortune
What began as a relaxed Saturday outing turned into a life-changing event for retired teacher James Morgan from Flint. While exploring a neighborhood yard sale in search of fishing gear, he noticed a worn-out metal tackle box marked at just $25. Seeing potential for tool storage, he purchased it without hesitation.
Later that evening, while going through its contents, Morgan noticed an unfamiliar nickel dated 1913, featuring the image of Lady Liberty—something not found on U.S. nickels since 1912. His curiosity led to some online research, eventually prompting professional assessments. Experts confirmed the coin to be one of the ultra-rare 1913 Liberty Head Nickels, of which only five are believed to exist.
The Rarity Behind the Liberty Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel stands among the rarest and most mysterious coins in American history. With only five verified examples, these coins were never officially sanctioned by the U.S. Mint. Experts suggest a rogue mint employee struck them secretly, adding an air of intrigue and massive value.
Over the years, these nickels have headlined major auctions, fetching millions. One sold for over $4.5 million in 2018. This newly uncovered coin is believed to be the fifth piece that many thought had been lost or destroyed—and its exceptional condition could make it even more valuable.
Coin Community Reacts
Word of the discovery quickly made its way through coin enthusiast groups, social media threads, and collector circles. “You always hear about finds like this, but never think they’re real,” said Laura Mitchell, a seasoned collector based in New York. “It’s like winning the lottery in the numismatic world.”
There’s ongoing debate about how the coin ended up in the tackle box. One popular theory is that it was inherited by someone unaware of its true value. The individual who held the yard sale has chosen to stay anonymous and hasn’t made any public comment.
What Happens Next?
Morgan has submitted the coin to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) for certification and secure encapsulation. Initial evaluations place the coin’s value at approximately $2.2 million, with the potential to rise depending on the auction outcome.
Major auction houses have already shown interest in handling the sale. Should Morgan decide to part with the coin, the auction is expected to be one of the most talked-about events in the numismatic calendar this year.
A Reminder to Check Your Change
This incredible story is a timely reminder that valuable coins could be hiding in plain sight—in jars, drawers, or forgotten boxes. Although million-dollar finds are extremely rare, many old coins still carry significant worth due to their age, rarity, and historical importance.
For now, Morgan has placed the nickel in a secure bank deposit box and remains modest about his newfound wealth. “I just thought it’d be handy for my screwdrivers,” he laughed. “Now I might be at the center of a coin collectors’ bidding war.”
Final Thoughts
The discovery of a $2.2 million Liberty Head Nickel tucked inside a $25 tackle box has reignited a national fascination with coin collecting. It’s a powerful example of how forgotten relics can emerge in the most unexpected places—bringing history, mystery, and fortune all at once.
Patricia is a dedicated finance content writer specializing in personal finance, budgeting, investing, and financial planning. With a passion for making money matters easy to understand, she crafts well-researched, reader-friendly content that helps individuals take control of their financial future.