1913 Buffalo Nickel - Type 1
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$79,313 MS68+ 04-21-2021 Legend Rare Coin Auctions
Description
The 1913 Buffalo Nickel - Type 1 is a nickel from the Philadelphia Mint, belonging to the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. The U.S. Mint produced 31.0 million examples, making this the highest mintage among 6 variants, accounting for 42% of the year's production. The obverse features a composite Native American portrait combining features of three real tribal chiefs — Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca) and the reverse displays an American bison (often called Black Diamond after the famous bison at the Bronx Zoo) standing on a mound. First year, with two types: Type I (bison on a mound) and Type II (bison on a flat plain with recessed denomination). The Philadelphia Mint, America's oldest coin-making facility, has struck coins continuously since 1792. Estimated market value ranges from $15 to $81 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3915.
External References
Error Varieties(5)
1913 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002
1913 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1913 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003
1913 Typical Die Clash TDC-5C-1913-01
1913 Typical Die Clash TDC-5C-1913-02
Other Strike Types in This Series
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