Famous Coins 1913 Liberty Nickel

Famous Coins 1913 Liberty Nickel

An American five-cent piece produced in very limited quantities, it was a well known and highly coveted coin. It is interesting to note that this coin was not produced under the guidance or agreement of the United States Mint, which was a particular sore point with them later on. In later years, this rare coin would not only be the first coin to earn an asking value of $100,000 U.S., but thirty years later would also be the first U.S. coin to hit $3 million U.S.

Known sometimes as the Indian Head, or Buffalo, nickel, it was first introduced back in 1913 to replace the aging Liberty Head coin. There are only five of the coins known to exist, and at one time were in the hands of Samuel Brown, who was a well known collector. It is believed by some that as Brown was originally an employee of the Mint it is possible he struck the coins himself and then took them from the Mint. However, others disagree with this possible urban legend and instead insist it could have been printed in the Mint but had never been meant to leave the building.

However, regardless of why or who made the coins, they are now one of the most highly sought after coins which exist in the world. In 1924, Brown sold his nickels and they stayed a set until 1936 when they were purchased yet again and split by two separate collectors/dealers. Currently, the five coins consist of the Eliasberg, Olsen, Norweb, Walton, and the McDermott specimens. The Walton specimen is currently unknown as to its whereabouts and many believe it has been lost. However, other copies including the Olsen which is the best preserved is currently either owned by private collectors or in museums.