Buffalo Nickel (1913 - 1938)

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Buffalo Nickel (1913–1938): A Timeless American Classic

The Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, is a celebrated icon of American coinage. Featuring a composite portrait of a Native American on the obverse and a bison on the reverse, this coin embodies the rugged spirit of the United States. First minted in 1913, the Buffalo Nickel underwent a notable design change that collectors recognize as two distinct types: Type I (Raised Ground) and Type II (Recessed Ground).

Key Features and Specifications

  • Designer: James Earle Fraser
  • Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
  • Diameter: 21.2 mm
  • Weight: 5.00 grams
  • Edge: Plain
  • Mintage:
    • Type I (Raised Ground): 38,434,270 Business Strikes; 1,250 Proofs
    • Type II (Recessed Ground): 1,174,464,771 Business Strikes; 14,628 Proofs

A Design for the Ages

The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, represents a departure from earlier coin designs, offering a bold and sculptural aesthetic.

  1. Obverse:
    • A profile of a Native American, derived from three different tribal leaders, with LIBERTY inscribed on the upper right and the date below.
  2. Reverse:
    • Features a bison (commonly referred to as a buffalo), modeled after "Black Diamond," a famous bison at the Bronx Zoo.

The initial Type I design placed the bison on a raised mound, but concerns about wear led to the introduction of Type II, where the denomination "FIVE CENTS" was recessed to reduce erosion.

Historical Significance

The Buffalo Nickel was released during an era when coins reflected both utility and artistry. Its design celebrated America’s heritage, and the coin quickly became a part of daily life, circulating heavily due to the significant purchasing power of five cents at the time.

Unfortunately, the high relief of the design, combined with the hardness of the nickel alloy, caused issues with striking. Weak strikes, particularly on coins from the Denver and San Francisco Mints, are common. Additionally, the raised date was prone to wear, resulting in many "dateless" Buffalo nickels that can still be found today.

Rarities and Varieties

The Buffalo Nickel series is rich with collectible rarities and intriguing varieties:

  • 1913 Type I and Type II: Both varieties were struck at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The 1913-S Type II is particularly scarce.
  • 1916 Doubled Die Obverse: Features a sharply doubled date, highly sought after by collectors.
  • 1918/7-D Overdate: A significant rarity across all grades, with Uncirculated examples being extremely valuable.
  • 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo: Created by die polishing that inadvertently removed the buffalo’s foreleg.
  • 1938-D/S Over-Mintmark: A fascinating over-mintmark variety that combines Denver and San Francisco markings.

Proof Issues

  • Matte Proofs (1913–1916): These feature a granular finish and are less popular than later brilliant Proofs.
  • Brilliant Proofs (1936–1937): Display polished surfaces and are more appealing to collectors.

Collecting Buffalo Nickels

Buffalo Nickels are popular among collectors for their historical appeal and design intricacies.

  1. Type Collectors:
    • Secure a Type I and Type II example to complete a basic set.
  2. Date and Mintmark Collectors:
    • Build a complete set from 1913 to 1938, focusing on key dates like 1913-S Type II, 1918/7-D, and 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo.
  3. High-Grade Collectors:
    • Seek well-struck, Uncirculated examples. Be aware that Denver and San Francisco issues from the 1920s are often weakly struck.

Why Collect Buffalo Nickels?

The Buffalo Nickel is more than a coin; it’s a piece of American history. From its iconic design to its rich variety of collectible dates, it offers something for every numismatist. Whether you’re building a type set or pursuing rare varieties, this series promises a rewarding journey.

Find Buffalo Nickels at ParadimeCoins.com

Explore our curated selection of certified Buffalo Nickels at ParadimeCoins.com. From Type I and Type II examples to rare dates and Proofs, we offer high-quality coins backed by professional expertise. Start or expand your collection today with Paradime Coins!