Whitman Expo
1913 Buffalo Nickel, Type 2 MS Values
Details
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: 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 a flat surface.
Basic Information
GSID:
3078
Coin Date:
1913
Denomination:
5c / 5 Cents
Designation:
MS
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
29,857,186
Coinage Type:
Buffalo nickel
Coinage Years:
1913-1938
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Buffalo, Type 2
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Weight:
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.2 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
