1913 Liberty Head Nickel Sells for $3M

Thursday, May 20, 2004

(5:47 PM ET)

By Mary Foster

Associated Press Writer

``The innocent view is that it was the test of a handful of coins,'' Smith of Blanchard and Co. said. ``The less innocent view is that Samuel Brown knew he would have a valuable investment down the road.''

This is a photograph of a 1913 Liberty Head V nickel released by Blanchard & Co. at the company's offices in New Orleans Thursday, May 20, 2004. The $3 million transaction is believed to be the largest ever of a U.S. coin by a retail brokerage house to a buyer. Citing security and privacy concerns, Bruce L. Smith, with Blanchard & Co., declined to reveal who sold the $3 million Liberty Head nickel or who bought it.

Image Credit: Ron Calamia -- AP and Blanchard & Co.

NEW ORLEANS -- AP
A 1913 Liberty Head nickel that was minted under mysterious circumstances, owned by royalty and celebrated in an episode of TV's ``Hawaii Five-O'' was sold Thursday for $3 million.

``Many argue this is the most important coin in our history,'' said Bruce L. Smith of Blanchard and Co., which brokered the sale. ``I think it's the most beautiful.''

Neither the buyer, described as both a collector and investor, nor the seller was identified.

At least two other coins have sold for more, both at auction. In 1999, an 1804 silver dollar sold for $4.14 million. Two years ago, a 1933 $20 gold piece went for $7.59 million.

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2004 © The Associated Press.

Dan