Numismatic

1913-S Type-II Buffalo Nickel Fine

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The year 1913 marked the very beginning of a new era in United States coinage with the introduction of the Buffalo Nickel. This particular five-cent piece represents the Type II design variant, minted during this inaugural year of issue. Sculptor James Earle Fraser created the artwork, which departed from traditional neoclassical imagery to showcase distinctly American themes. On the obverse, the coin displays a powerful profile of a Native American, facing right. The year 1913 is clearly visible on the lower left of the portrait. The reverse features a magnificent American bison standing on a flat ground line. Below this line, the denomination is spelled out as FIVE CENTS, a key characteristic of the Type II design which modified the original Type I mound to protect the inscription from premature wear. This specimen bears the S mint mark, indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint. Graded in Fine condition, the coin shows honest wear from its time in circulation while retaining the essential details of Fraser's celebrated design.