Obverse of 1913 Buffalo Nickel - Type 1

Coin Collecting

Reverse of 1913 Buffalo Nickel - Type 1


Buffalo Nickels
1913 - 1938
Click here for Buffalo Nickel Pricing Guide


Weight: 5 grams
Diameter: 21.2 mm
Edge: Plain
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
Designer: James Earl Frasier

Mint Mark Location: Reverse, below "FIVE CENTS"

History: The Buffalo Nickel was first introduced in 1913 and was made every year through 1938 except for the years 1922, 1932 and 1933. Coins were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints and before the series ended over 1.2 billion pieces were made. These coins, also called Indian head nickels, had two distinct varieties in their first year of issue. The first showed the buffalo on a mound, on the second, the base was redesigned to a thin line.

James Earl Frasier designed this piece employing three different Indians as models. His initial, "F," is beneath the date. The buffalo was modeled after Black Diamond" in the New York Zoological Gardens.

Memo: Matte proof specimens were made for collectors from 1913 to 1917.

Buffalo varieties include the 18 over 17-D Buffalo Nickel and the famous 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel.



© 1992-2023 DC2NET™, Inc. All Rights Reserved