| It's probably every coin collector's dream to own | | | | American Numismatic Association convention in |
| a truly rare coin. A coin that only a few can own, | | | | Chicago and displayed by none other than Samuel |
| one rich in history and appeal. The 1913 Liberty | | | | W. Brown. |
| Head Nickel is one such coin. The story behind this | | | | It is known that 1913 Liberty Head Nickel dies |
| unique coin is also full of mystery. To date no one | | | | were made by the U. S. Mint prior to the decision |
| knows for certain how many were produced or | | | | to change nickel production to James Earle |
| who authorized the production. Only five pieces | | | | Fraser's popular Buffalo Nickel. However, U.S. Mint |
| are know to exist. | | | | records does not indicate any production from |
| The Liberty Head nickel was first minted in 1883 | | | | these dies. |
| and production was suppose to stop in 1912. A | | | | So who made the five coins that are known to |
| new five cent piece, the Buffalo or Indian Head | | | | exist? Some say Samuel W. Brown either made |
| nickel went into production the following year. | | | | the pieces or obtained them from a U.S. Mint |
| However, seven years later collectors were | | | | employee who did. The last 1913 Liberty Head |
| stunned to learn that examples of the 1913 | | | | Nickel sold at public auction for $1,840,000 in 2001. |
| Liberty Head Nickel may have surfaced. In | | | | Four of the five are accounted for, while one |
| September of 1919 Samuel W. Brown, a former | | | | remains missing. One example is in the |
| U.S. Mint employee and coin collector, placed an ad | | | | Smithsonian Institution and another in the |
| in The Numismatist offering to pay $500 for one | | | | American Numismatic Association Money Museum. |
| of the coins in proof condition. The first 1913 | | | | and the others are in private collections. |
| Liberty Head Nickel appeared at the 1920 | | | | |