Numismatic

1913-S Type-I Buffalo Nickel AU

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In 1913, a bold new design transformed the United States five-cent piece. Created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, this coin departed from traditional classical allegories to celebrate the rugged beauty of the American West. The obverse presents a powerful, detailed portrait of a Native American chieftain, captured in profile with feathers in his hair. The reverse of this initial Type I variety showcases an American bison standing proudly atop a raised dirt mound. Below this grassy hill, the denomination is clearly inscribed. This specific specimen was struck at the San Francisco Mint, as indicated by the small S mint mark located beneath the mound. Because the raised ground design caused the denomination to wear away quickly in circulation, the Mint modified the design later that same year, making this original mound version a fascinating artifact of American numismatic evolution.