RICHMOND, Va. (January 29, 2013)--A 1913 Liberty Head nickel that’s one of only five known to exist could sell for $2.5 million or more when it goes up for auction in the spring.
The design is unique because the U.S. officially switched to the Buffalo Head nickel that year, but a U.S. Mint worker is suspected of making a handful of the old design with the new year.
But it's also the coin's rich back-story that could boost its value.
It was made illegally and later found in a car wreck that killed its owner.
Then it was declared a fake and forgotten in a closet for decades before it was rediscovered.
Four Virginia siblings will split the proceeds from the April 25 auction.