Numismatic

1913-D Type-I Buffalo Nickel Fine

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The 1913 Buffalo nickel represents the inaugural year of one of America's most recognizable coin designs. Created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, this five cent piece departed from traditional classical allegories to showcase imagery deeply rooted in the American landscape and heritage. This specific coin, minted in Denver, is categorized as a Type I variety, which is distinguished by the unique treatment of the ground beneath the bison on the reverse. On the obverse, a powerful profile of a Native American man faces right. The design captures a realistic, textured portrait that stood out from previous coinage. The reverse features an American bison standing proudly atop a raised mound of dirt. The Denver origin is marked by the letter D, which sits directly beneath the denomination. Because the raised mound on the Type I design elevated the words FIVE CENTS, the text was highly susceptible to wear during circulation. This prompted a design change later in 1913, making this original raised-ground version a fascinating subject for study. Legible inscriptions on this copper-nickel alloy coin include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the denomination FIVE CENTS.