1913 Shield & Liberty Nickels (1866-1912)

Intriguing History

The Liberty Head nickel design was officially retired at the end of 1912, replaced by the new Buffalo nickel, yet five nickels dated 1913 mysteriously exist. Numismatists have long suspected Philadelphia Mint employee Samuel Brown of quietly striking them without authorization before later "discovering" and selling them himself. Only five are known today, and their ownership history reads like a thriller, passing through carnival sideshows, wealthy collectors, and even a fatal car crash before landing in museums and private hands worth millions each.