Numismatic

1913-S Type-II Buffalo Nickel VF

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The year 1913 marked a significant transition for the United States five-cent piece, resulting in two distinct varieties. This particular coin represents the Type II design, which altered how the denomination was displayed on the reverse. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin survives in Very Fine condition, showing clear details from a mintage of 1,209,000 pieces. On the obverse, the profile of an American Indian faces right, accompanied by the year of issue. The design, created by James Fraser, captures a powerful and realistic portrait. The reverse features an American bison standing on a flat ground line, a change from the earlier Type I design where the animal stood on a raised mound. The inscription of the denomination, FIVE CENTS, is positioned below this line, while the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is visible above.