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Buffalo Nickels (1913 - 1938)
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
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