1913 Buffalo Nickel - Type 1
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.
Auction Record
- Price realized
- $79,313
- Sold
- Grade
- MS68+
- Auction house
- 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 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). 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(4)
1913 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002
1913 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003 / DDR-002
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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