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![Image for Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 2 Reverse, 1913-1938 MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/Catalog/20250808/l48ip2mhjdlvs7rhpt06.webp?MaxHeight=640&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
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A significant modification was made to the reverse design of the Buffalo nickel during its first year of production 1913, with the mound upon which the bison stands being converted to a line. This change was necessitated to help prevent the denominational inscription FIVE CENTS from becoming virtually obliterated by normal circulation wear.
All of the Buffalo nickels struck with the design of the bison standing on a line are known as Type 2 Buffalo nickels and constitute the vast majority of pieces struck within the series, with the Type 2 variety made from 1913 through the end of production in 1938. The Type 2 Buffalo nickel is represented by many key and semi-key dates, including the 1913-D, 1913-S, 1921-S, and 1926-S, as well as several notable varieties, such as the 1914/3 overdate, 1916 doubled die, 1918-7-D overdate, and the famous 1937-D 3-Legged error, among others.
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.
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: Circulated coins are readily available for common dates such as in the 1930’s. Mint State coins are also plentiful for most issues in the 1930’s. However, certain earlier date and mintmark varieties are scarce. Most varieties of the 1930’s are highly frosty and lustrous.
Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Most Variety 2 Buffalo nickels are poorly struck in one or more areas, and for many Denver and San Francisco issues of the 1920’s, the striking is miserable. However, enough sharp strikes exist among common dates of the 1930’s that one can be found with some patience.
Proof Coins: Matte Proofs of 1913 to 1916 are rare. As these are difficult to distinguish from circulation strikes, be careful when buying. Proofs of 1936 occur with a satiny surface and also with a mirror surface (in the relatively small amount of the open field available). Proofs of 1937 have mirror surface in the fields. The motifs of the 1936 and 1937 mirror Proofs are lightly polished in the die (not frosty or matte).
Catalog Information
GSID:
72361
Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, [Date]
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 2 Reverse
Variety 2:
1913-1938
Coin Date:
Buffalo Nickel
Denomination:
5c
Designation:
MS
Mint Mark:
Various
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
PCGS #:
3919
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Body: Referring page: http://dev.greysheet.com/prices/item/buffalo-nickel-type-two-reverse-five-cents-type-coin-business-strike/gsid/72361 GSID: 72361 Title: Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 2 Reverse, 1913-1938 MS [Type]
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Coin Value History
Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 2 Reverse, 1913-1938 MS [Type]
Value By Grade
Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 2 Reverse, 1913-1938 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 |
|
$6,000 | $1,234 |
| MS68 | - | $3,600 | $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 |
Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 1 Reverse, 1913 MS [Type]
![Buffalo Nickel 5c Type 1 Reverse, 1913 MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/Catalog/20220224/www_davidlawrence_com_product_2199064_-0.20220224083111332.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $4 – $13,000
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
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
1926 Buffalo Nickel. MS-66 (PCGS).
$5,180
1913-S 5C Type Two -- Damaged, Tooled, Corroded -- ANACS Details. XF40 Details. Mintage 1,209,000. ...
$271
1916-S 5C AU58 PCGS. CDN: $170 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS AU58. Mintage 11,860,000. ...
$207
1937-D 5C MS67 PCGS. CDN: $420 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS67. Mintage 17,826,000. ...
$428
1914-D 5C XF45 PCGS. CDN: $200 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS XF45. Mintage 3,912,000. ...
$220
1918-S 5C MS62 PCGS. PCGS Population: 83 in 62, 435 finer (1/26). CDN: $1,440 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS62. Mintage 4,882,...
$1,586
1923-S 5C MS64 PCGS. CDN: $1,200 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS64. Mintage 6,142,000. ...
$1,586
1934 5C MS65 PCGS. CDN: $150 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS65. Mintage 20,213,003. ...
$195
1921-S 5C VF30 PCGS. CDN: $235 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS VF30. Mintage 1,557,000. ...
$293
1914-D 5C AU53 PCGS. PCGS Population: 80 in 53, 1673 finer (1/26). CDN: $255 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS AU53. Mintage 3,912,0...
$317
1916-D 5C MS63 PCGS. CDN: $265 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS63. Mintage 13,333,000. ...
$317
1914-S 5C AU55 PCGS. CDN: $145 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS AU55. Mintage 3,470,000. ...
$177
1927-D 5C MS60 PCGS. PCGS Population: 3 in 60, 1193 finer (1/26). CDN: $150 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS60. Mintage 5,730,00...
$317
1913-S 5C Type Two -- Scratched, Cleaned -- ANACS Details. VF25 Details. Mintage 1,209,000....
$232
1921-S 5C Fine 12 PCGS. CDN: $90 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS Fine 12. Mintage 1,557,000. ...
$114
1921-S 5C VG8 PCGS. CDN: $70 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS VG8 . Mintage 1,557,000. ...
$94
1925-S 5C VF25 PCGS. PCGS Population: 67 in 25, 1439 finer (1/26). CDN: $65 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS VF25. Mintage 6,256,00...
$94
1938-D 5C MS68 NGC. CDN: $2,900 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS68. Mintage 7,020,000. ...
$1,830
1920-D 5C VF35 PCGS. PCGS Population: 48 in 35, 1040 finer (12/25). CDN: $125 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS VF35. Mintage 9,418,0...
$134
1913-S 5C Type Two, VG10 NGC. NGC Census: 86 in 10, 2038 finer (12/25). CDN: $235 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS VG10. Mintage 1,2...
$232
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Tuesday, June 2, 2026
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Wednesday, June 3, 2026