What can you get for a nickel? Try $3 million

By Mary Foster
Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS — A 1913 Liberty Head nickel that was minted under mysterious circumstances was sold yesterday 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.

The coin sold yesterday is one of only five Liberty Head nickels minted in 1913. The design had been discontinued in 1912 and the mint was switching over to the Indian Head nickel.

The U.S. Mint sometimes ran off coins as tests, and the coins may have been struck that way, Smith said. They surfaced in 1920 in the possession of Samuel Brown, a former mint employee, and have soared in value ever since.

The coin sold by Blanchard was the subject of a 1973 episode of "Hawaii Five-0" titled "The $100,000 Nickel."