Numismatic

1913-S Type-I Buffalo Nickel VF

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In 1913, a classic American coin series made its debut, introducing a design that celebrated the heritage of the American West. This five-cent piece, struck at the San Francisco Mint, represents the original Type I variety of the Buffalo nickel. It is distinguished by a specific reverse design where the central figure stands upon a raised mound of earth, a feature that was modified later in the same year. The obverse of this nickel presents a detailed profile of a Native American chieftain, facing right, with the word LIBERTY inscribed along the upper right edge. Below the portrait, the year of issue is clearly visible. The artist James Earle Fraser created this iconic imagery, capturing a powerful representation of early American identity. On the reverse, a massive American bison dominates the field, positioned on a raised grassy hill. The denomination of FIVE CENTS is placed directly on this mound, below the animal. Just beneath the mound, the small S mint mark indicates its origin from the West Coast minting facility. This specific piece has survived in Very Fine condition, allowing observers to appreciate the fine details of the bison's texture and the strong lines of the native portrait.