NNP

(c. 1920) Leather Coin Holder for the Original 1913 Liberty Nickels. For the better part of three decades after their mysterious striking, the five famous, original 1913 Liberty Head nickels traded hands as a set through a chain of ownership that is nearly as intriguing as the nickels themselves. During most of that time, they were housed in this fine leather eight-coin holder, purchased intact from the ""Col."" E.H.R. Green estate - the legendary nickels in place - by the partnership of Eric P. Newman and B.G. Johnson. Five of the openings were occupied by the original 1913 Liberty nickels, leaving places for three additional nickels. One was a pattern Type One style Buffalo nickel proof described by Eric P. Newman as from the ""regular type,"" but with broader rims and shorter feathers on the headdress, probably unique. Another Buffalo nickel was an Uncirculated Type Two of regular mintage. The third Buffalo nickel was also a Type Two piece, described as ""in copper, Unc., probably unique."" This historic and splendid leather case offered now (without any of the nickels) is inextricably linked to the most celebrated coins of all numismatic lore, carefully preserved and virtually as it was when acquired in 1942. It is made from soft leather over hard paperboard stiffeners, with flaps lined with fine quality satiny fabric, all in black. The case shows only minimal wear on the snap closure and no signs of damage other than a bit of faint edge wear. This authentic case is housed in an NGC archival plastic sleeve. Ex: Possibly Samuel Brown, before 1919; more likely August Wagner or Stephen K. Nagy, circa 1924; Wayte Raymond, circa 1924; ""Colonel"" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman/B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp and Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15073, realized $10800. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.