Description
1913 Liberty head nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most legendary and mysterious coins in American numismatic history, widely regarded as the rarest U.S. coin ever struck. Its story is shrouded in intrigue, controversy, and fascination, making it a true icon among collectors.
Officially, Liberty Head nickels were not authorized for production in 1913, as the design had already been replaced by the Buffalo Nickel. Yet, under unexplained circumstances, five specimens bearing the date 1913 were struck clandestinely, likely at the Philadelphia Mint. Their existence remained unknown to the public until 1920, when they appeared in the hands of former Mint insider Samuel Brown — sparking one of the greatest mysteries in U.S. coinage history.
The obverse displays the elegant Liberty Head portrait facing left, crowned with a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by thirteen stars and the date 1913 below. The reverse features the large Roman numeral “V”, denoting five cents, encircled by a wreath and accompanied by the inscriptions United States of America, E Pluribus Unum, and Cents.
Over the decades, each of the five known examples has acquired a legendary provenance, passing through the hands of industrial magnates, kings, museums, and elite collectors. The coin’s fame has extended far beyond numismatics, appearing in books, films, and popular culture as a symbol of ultimate rarity and prestige.
At auction, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel has achieved astonishing prices, with one specimen selling for USD 4.56 million in 2018, reaffirming its status as one of the most valuable and coveted coins ever produced by the United States Mint — a true masterpiece of American numismatic lore.
Description
This modern coin pays tribute to the legendary 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, one of the rarest and most famous coins in American numismatic history.
The obverse features a faithful reproduction of Liberty’s classic profile portrait, surrounded by 13 stars, with the date 1913 below. Around the rim, it bears the inscriptions “Niue Island,” “Five Dollars,” “2026,” “2 oz,” and “Ag 999,” indicating its issuer, face value, year, weight, and silver purity.
The reverse showcases the iconic Roman numeral “V” at the center, framed by a detailed wreath design, with the inscriptions “United States of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” and “Cents.” The outer ring reads “Greatest United States Coins” with a small U.S. flag at the bottom, celebrating this historic classic as a true symbol of American coinage heritage.
