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1913 (S) Buffalo Nickel - Type 1

Strike Type
1913 (S) Buffalo Nickel - Type 1

Coin Details

Year
1913
Denomination
Nickel
Mint Mark
S
Strike Type
Regular Strike
Series
Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938
Designer
James Earle Fraser
Mintage
2,105,000
Composition
75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Weight
5g
Diameter
21.2mm
Edge
Plain

Value Estimates

$289 - $1,523

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

$16,800 MS67+ 04-25-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1913 (S) Buffalo Nickel - Type 1 is a nickel produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Buffalo Nickels 1913-1938 series. With a mintage of 2.1 million, this is a scarce issue — ranked 2nd of 6 mint variants by mintage, with 3% of 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). Struck at the San Francisco Mint, established during the California Gold Rush and now primarily producing proof and collector coins. Estimated market value ranges from $289 to $1.5K 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 #3917.

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