Buffalo Nickel Type 2 Reverse 5 Cents PR Matte Finish, 1913-1916 Values

Details

The Buffalo nickel reverse design was significantly overhauled later in 1913 to recess the words FIVE CENTS under a line on which the American bison stands. The Type 2 design also saw the proof mintage during its first year of production. The 1913 Type 2 proofs, as with the Type 1, were struck with a matte finish that is distinctive from business strikes with a satiny finish, crisp details, and squared-off rims.

Production of the matte proof Buffalo nickels didn’t last very long, with all regular proof production spanning only until 1916. After that, the US Mint wouldn’t strike proofs on a regular basis again until two decades later. Interestingly, the matte proof Buffalo nickels seem to have suffered a rather high attrition rate. This is perhaps because many collectors didn’t like the matte proof pieces which, at first glance, seem little different than a really nice business strike. Many matte proof Buffalo nickels ended up being used as regular money and, after a high degree of surface wear, became indistinguishable from ordinary Buffalo nickels.

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.