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1913 Liberty Head Nickel: The $4.2 Million Mystery Behind 5 Forbidden Coins

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1913 Liberty Head Nickel: The $4.2 Million Mystery Behind 5 Forbidden Coins

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel stands as one of the most intriguing and coveted coins in numismatic history.

With only five known specimens in existence, this coin’s origin is enveloped in mystery, making it a focal point for collectors and historians alike.

A Glimpse into History

The Liberty Head design was officially replaced by the Buffalo nickel in 1913. However, five Liberty Head nickels bearing the 1913 date emerged, despite no official records of their minting.

It’s widely believed that Samuel W. Brown, a former Mint employee, clandestinely produced these coins, possibly to create rarities for personal gain.

He later showcased them at the 1920 American Numismatic Association convention, marking their first public appearance.

Distinctive Features of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

While visually similar to earlier Liberty Head nickels, the 1913 version possesses unique characteristics:

  • Obverse: Features Lady Liberty’s profile adorned with a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY,” encircled by thirteen stars representing the original American colonies, and the date “1913” positioned below.
  • Reverse: Showcases a prominent “V” (the Roman numeral for five) encircled by a wreath of corn, cotton, and wheat, symbolizing the nation’s agricultural heritage. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are also present.
  • Specifications:
    • Diameter: 21.2 millimeters
    • Weight: 5 grams
    • Composition: 75% copper and 25% nickel
    • Edge: Smooth

The Five Legendary Specimens

Each of the five known 1913 Liberty Head nickels has a unique provenance:

Specimen NameCurrent Location/OwnerNotable Facts
EliasbergPrivate CollectionGraded PR66, considered the finest of the five. Sold for $4,560,000 in 2018.
Olsen-HydemanPrivate CollectionFeatured in a 1973 episode of “Hawaii Five-O.” Sold for $3,737,500 in 2010.
NorwebSmithsonian InstitutionDonated by the Norweb family in 1978; currently on display at the National Museum of American History.
WaltonPrivate CollectionBelieved lost for decades after a 1962 car accident; authenticated in 2003 and sold for $4,200,000 in 2022.
McDermott-BebeeAmerican Numismatic Association’s Money MuseumThe only specimen with circulation marks; donated to the ANA in 1989.

Valuation Insights

The value of a 1913 Liberty Head nickel is influenced by factors such as provenance, condition, and market demand.

Recent sales have seen these coins fetch between $3 million and $5 million. For instance, the Eliasberg specimen sold for $4,560,000 in 2018.

The 1913 Liberty Head nickel remains a symbol of intrigue and rarity in the numismatic world. Its mysterious origins, combined with the limited number of specimens, continue to captivate collectors and historians, ensuring its place as one of the most sought-after coins in history.

FAQs

Why were the 1913 Liberty Head nickels minted without official authorization?

It’s believed that Samuel W. Brown, a former Mint employee, produced these coins clandestinely, possibly to create rare collectibles for personal profit.

How many 1913 Liberty Head nickels are known to exist?

Only five specimens are known, each with a well-documented provenance.

What factors contribute to the high value of these nickels?

Their rarity, historical significance, condition, and the intrigue surrounding their unauthorized minting contribute to their substantial market value.

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