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The unprecedented crossover underscores his personal efforts to combat “grade inflation.”
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The first several million Buffalo nickels struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints feature the bison on the reverse of the coin standing upon a mound. While this version of the reverse design is considered quite beautiful by many numismatists, a major concern with this particular iteration of the design was the physically high, or proud, location of the inscription FIVE CENTS. The denominational inscription was recessed midway through 1913 to reduce the chance that it would be worn off the coin through daily use (as commonly happened to the date on the obverse of the Buffalo nickel). To accommodate this significant design change, the reverse was modified in such a way that the Buffalo stands above a horizontal line.
These changes created two major varieties in the Buffalo nickel series, with the mound reverse denoted as Type 1 and the line motif as Type 2. As a class, Type 1 Buffalo nickels are generally much scarcer than Type 2 issues, minted from mid 1913 through 1938. This is particularly true for the mintmarked Type 1 specimens.
Obverse Description
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 Description
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.
Book Reference
Designer: James Earle Fraser. Weight: 5 grams. Composition: .750 copper, .250 nickel. Diameter: 21.2 mm. Edge: Plain. Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco.
Key to Collecting: The Buffalo nickel featured on the obverse depicts an authentic portrait of a Native American, modeled as a composite from three life subjects: Iron Tail (who had bested General George Custer in his “last stand” at the Battle of Little Big Horn in Montana), John Big Tree, and Two Moons (who later toured the amusement circuit showcasing himself as the “Indian on the nickel”). The reverse was modeled from Black Diamond, a bison residing in the Central Park Zoo in New York City.
Unlike any preceding coin made for circulation, the Buffalo nickel had little in the way of open, smooth field surfaces. Instead, most areas on the obverse and reverse were filled with design elements or, especially on the reverse, an irregular background as on a bas-relief plaque. The entire ensemble, in high relief on both sides, was viewed as being very artistic, and the motif was highly acclaimed.
Upon reflection soon after the first coins were released, it was thought that the inscription FIVE CENTS, on a high area of the motif, would wear too quickly. Accordingly, ground under the bison, arranged in the form of a mound on Variety 1, was lowered to become flat, creating the next style (Variety 2).
Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Some coins have areas of light striking, particularly on the higher areas of the Indian’s hair and on the upper part of the bison. However, as a general rule, Variety 1 Buffalo nickels are much better struck than are those of Variety 2.
Matte Proof Coins: Probably no more than half of the original mintage still exists. Expertizing is recommended, as these are difficult to distinguish from circulation strikes. All Matte Proofs have needle-sharp design details and squared rims.
Catalog Information
GSID:
72360
Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, 1913
Reverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE CENTS
Weight (gr):
5 gr
Weight (oz):
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.2
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Plain
Variety:
Type 1 Reverse
Variety 2:
1913
Coin Date:
Buffalo Nickel
Denomination:
5c
Designation:
MS
Mint Mark:
Various
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
PCGS #:
3914
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Coin Value History
Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 1 Reverse, 1913 MS [Type]
Value By Grade
Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 1 Reverse, 1913 MS [Type]
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
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Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS68 |
|
$15,500 | $1,234 |
| MS68 | - | $6,250 | $1,234 |
| MS67 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS67 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS66 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF35 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF30 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF25 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VF20 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F15 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| F12 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG10 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG10 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG8 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| VG8 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| G6 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| G6 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| G4 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| G4 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG3 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AG3 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
1913 5c Buffalo, Type 1 MS
Worth: $4 – $13,000
1913-D 5c Buffalo, Type 1 MS
Worth: $7 – $40,200
1913-S 5c Buffalo, Type 1 MS
Worth: $22 – $19,200
Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 2 Reverse, 1913-1938 MS [Type]
![Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 2 Reverse, 1913-1938 MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/Catalog/20250808/l48ip2mhjdlvs7rhpt06.webp?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $0 – $4,800
1913 5c Buffalo, Type 2 MS
Worth: $4 – $3,120
1913-D 5c Buffalo, Type 2 MS
Worth: $50 – $36,000
1913-S 5c Buffalo, Type 2 MS
Worth: $115 – $30,000
1914 5c MS
Worth: $6 – $4,020
1914/(3) 5c MS
Worth: $150 – $50,000
1914-D 5c MS
Worth: $35 – $21,600
1914-S 5c MS
Worth: $13 – $75,000
1915 5c MS
Worth: $2 – $9,600
1915-D 5c MS
Worth: $8 – $18,000
1915-S 5c MS
Worth: $18 – $50,000
1916 5c MS
Worth: $2 – $16,800
1913 5C Type One MS65 PCGS. CDN: $140 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS65. Mintage 30,993,520. ...
$171
1913 5C Type One MS66 PCGS. CAC. CAC: 471 in 66, 392 finer (1/26). CDN: $230 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS66. Mintage 30,993...
$366
1913-S 5C Type One MS62 PCGS. CDN: $170 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS62. Mintage 2,105,000. ...
$183
1913 5C Type One, MS67 NGC. CDN: $800 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS67. Mintage 30,993,520. ...
$763
1913 5C Type One MS68 NGC. ...
$2,562
1913 5C Type One, MS63 PCGS. CDN: $60 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS63. Mintage 30,993,520. ...
$84
1913-D 5C Type One, MS64 NGC. CDN: $150 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS64. Mintage 5,337,000....
$174
1913-D 5C Type One AU58 PCGS. Mintage 5,337,000. ...
$109
1913-S 5C Type One MS61 ANACS. Housed in a small-sized holder. Mintage 2,105,000. ...
$159
(1913-37) 5C Buffalo Nickel -- Split Planchet After Strike -- XF40 PCGS. 2.78g. PCGS Population: (26/15640 and 0/340+). Mi...
$186
1913-S 5C Buffalo Nickel, Type One -- Reverse Lamination -- VG8 PCGS. PCGS Population: (15/3475 and 0/68+). Mintage 2,105...
$54
1913 5C Type One AU53 PCGS. PCGS Population: (30/15294). Mintage 30,993,520. ...
$234
(1913-1938) 5C Buffalo Nickel -- Split Planchet After Strike 2.42 grams -- Good 6 PCGS....
$77
1913-S 5C Type One AU55 PCGS. Mintage 2,105,000. ...
$384
1913-X 5C Buffalo Nickel -- Split After Strike -- Fine 15 PCGS. (2.56g)....
$94
1913-D 5C Type One AU50 PCGS. PCGS Population: (35/4293). NGC Census: (22/2688). CDN: $46 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS AU50. Min...
$45
1913-S 5c NGC VF30 (Type 1)
$65
1913-D 5c NGC VF35 (Type 1)
$30
1913-D 5c PCGS XF45 (Type 1)
$53
1913-S 5c PCGS VF20 (Type 1)
$60
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