Whitman Expo
1913-S Buffalo Nickel, Type 1 MS Values
Details
The San Francisco Mint pumped out 2,105,000 examples of the 1913 Type 1 Buffalo nickel, depicting an American bison standing upon a mound. While 1913-S Type 1 Buffalo nickels may boast a decent seven-figure mintage, the issue has a relatively small number of survivors, with perhaps only 10,000 extant across all grades. Examples are tough across the grading spectrum, though perhaps 10% of known specimens are available in Gem Uncirculated grades or better. Presently, the highest-grading specimens come in at MS68, though PCGS has certified just two at this level. That means many registry set collectors clamor for the few dozen or so MS67 specimens that trade in the marketplace from time to time.
Obverse: James Earle Fraser's famous and simple design depicts a Native American chief with the word LIBERTY from 1-2 o'clock. The date is placed on the lower left of the chieftain's bust.
Reverse: A full portrait of the bison, Black Diamond, with the words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA at the top periphery with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM just underneath. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out at the bottom. For the Type 1, the denomination is embossed on raised ground.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mintage:
2,105,000
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Mint Mark:
S
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Buffalo, Type 1
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Weight:
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.2 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1913
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE CENTS
Reverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
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