1913 5c Buffalo, Type 2, DDR, FS-1801 MS

The 1913 Type 2 Buffalo nickel from the Philadelphia Mint was among the very first issues in the series to depict the American bison on the reverse of the coin standing upon a line rather than a mound, as seen on the Type 1 examples. With a mintage of 29,857,186 pieces, about as many 1913 Type 2 nickels were struck at the Philly Mint as there were Type 1, though the Type 2 is perhaps a bit scarcer in grades of MS66 and higher. At present, MS67 is the highest grade awarded to any specimen, and only a few dozen or so examples make the cut at the level.

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 a flat surface.