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Buffalo Nickels (1913 - 1938)

Buffalo Nickel

Information
  • Weight: 5 grams

  • Diameter: 21.2 mm

  • Edge: Plain

  • Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel

  • Designer: James Earl Frasier

  • Mint Mark Location: Reverse, below "FIVE CENTS"

  • Key Dates:

History

The Buffalo Nickel was first introduced in 1913 and was made every year through 1938 except for the years 1922, 1932 and 1933. Coins were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints and before the series ended over 1.2 billion pieces were made. These coins, also called Indian head nickels, had two distinct varieties in their first year of issue. The first showed the buffalo on a mound, on the second, the base was redesigned to a thin line.

James Earl Frasier designed this piece employing three different Indians as models. His initial, "F," is beneath the date. The buffalo was modeled after "Black Diamond" in the New York Zoological Gardens.

Memo

Matte proof specimens were made for collectors from 1913 to 1917.  Buffalo varieties include the 18 over 17-D Buffalo Nickel and the famous 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel.

Grading Guide

Grade

~

G-4 Good

Legends and date readable.  Horns worn off.

VG-8 Very Good

Half horn shows.

F-12 Fine

Most of buffalo's horn shows.  Full obverse rim.

VF-20 Very Fine

Full horn shows.

EF-40 Extra Fine

Full horn, Indian's hair ribbon intact but slightly worn.

AU-50 About Uncirculated

Barely discernable wear on highest points only.  Must have some Mint luster.

MS-65 Mint State

Absolutely no wear anyplace. Full Mint luster.

Proof

Planchets sandblasted or acid treated before striking resulting in extremely granular surfaces but sharp strikes, high rims.

Recommended Reference Books

Buffalo Nickel Reference Books on our New Website

All Reference Books on our New Website

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