Its probably every coin collectors dream to own a truly rare coin. A coin that only a few can own, one rich in history and appeal. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one such coin. The story behind this unique coin is also full of mystery. To date no one knows for certain how many were produced or who authorized the production. Only five pieces are know to exist.

The Liberty Head nickel was first minted in 1883 and production was suppose to stop in 1912. A new five cent piece, the Buffalo or Indian Head nickel went into production the following year. However, seven years later collectors were stunned to learn that examples of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel may have surfaced. In September of 1919 Samuel W. Brown, a former U.S. Mint employee and coin collector, placed an ad in The Numismatist offering to pay $500 for one of the coins in proof condition. The first 1913 Liberty Head Nickel appeared at the 1920 American Numismatic Association convention in Chicago and displayed by none other than Samuel W. Brown.

It is known that 1913 Liberty Head Nickel dies were made by the U. S. Mint prior to the decision to change nickel production to James Earle Frasers popular Buffalo Nickel. However, U.S. Mint records does not indicate any production from these dies.

So who made the five coins that are known to exist? Some say Samuel W. Brown either made the pieces or obtained them from a U.S. Mint employee who did. The last 1913 Liberty Head Nickel sold at public auction for $1,840,000 in 2001. Four of the five are accounted for, while one remains missing. One example is in the Smithsonian Institution and another in the American Numismatic Association Money Museum. and the others are in private collections.