Numismatic

1913-D Type-I Buffalo Nickel Good

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In 1913, a bold new vision for American coinage debuted. Designed by James Earle Fraser, this five-cent piece departed from traditional classical allegories to showcase imagery deeply rooted in the American landscape. The obverse presents a powerful profile of a Native American, rendered with striking realism. On the reverse, a massive American bison stands atop a raised grassy hill. This particular mound design identifies the coin as a Type I variety, a format minted only during the initial months of production in 1913 before the ground beneath the bison was flattened. Struck at the Denver Mint, this coin carries the 'D' mint mark beneath the denomination. Even in worn condition, this first-year issue captures a pivotal moment in United States coinage design, representing the dawn of the beloved Indian Head series.