A Rare Coin Found Hidden in a Door Hinge
While fixing up an old farmhouse in upstate New York, James Whitman stumbled upon something amazing. As he was repairing a wooden door, he noticed a strange object stuck in the hinge. At first, he thought it was just junk—but it turned out to be a rare 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, a coin so uncommon that only five were officially known to exist.
A Coin Worth Millions
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is famous among coin collectors. These coins were never meant to be released to the public, which makes any real one incredibly valuable. The last one sold for over $4 million. Whitman’s find could possibly be the sixth real coin ever discovered—making it an incredible piece of history and possibly worth a fortune.
How Did It Get There?
No one knows exactly how the coin ended up inside the door hinge, but there are a few guesses:
- A builder might have put it there for good luck, a common custom in the early 1900s.
- A child could have hidden it while playing and never came back for it.
- A former owner may have used it as a secret hiding spot, not realizing how valuable it was.
Ironically, being stuck in the hinge kept the coin in great shape for many years.
Experts Begin to Investigate
Now, coin experts are carefully testing the nickel to see if it’s real. They’re using:
- Microscopes to check tiny details
- Tools to measure its weight and metal content
- Comparisons with the five other known coins
Whitman says he feels honored to find it. “It’s not just about the money,” he said. “It feels like holding a piece of history.”
A Spark of Excitement Across the Country
This surprising find has inspired people across the U.S. Many are now checking their old homes, attics, and toolboxes for hidden treasures. It’s a reminder that amazing pieces of history can sometimes be hiding in the most unexpected places.
A Hidden Treasure With a Big Story
While experts continue to confirm if the coin is real, the story has already made headlines. It shows that sometimes, even during routine chores, you might come across something priceless. You never know what secrets your home—or your old door hinges—might be hiding.
