1913 Proof Buffalo Nickel - Type 1

Coin Details

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Description

The 1913 Proof Buffalo Nickel - Type 1 is a proof nickel struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. With a mintage of 1,520, this is an extremely rare issue — ranked 2nd of 8 mint variants by mintage, with less than 1% of production. The obverse features a Native American portrait that James Earle Fraser described as a composite of several chiefs, including Iron Tail (Lakota) and Two Moons (Cheyenne), and the reverse displays an American bison, traditionally identified as Black Diamond of New York's Central Park menagerie, standing on a raised mound. First year, with two types: Type I (bison on a mound) and Type II (bison on a flat plain with recessed denomination). As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the original U.S. Mint facility, in continuous operation since 1792. Estimated market value is approximately $1.3K. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3988.