Numismatic

1913 Type-I Buffalo Nickel VG

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In 1913, a distinctively American coin entered circulation, departing from traditional neoclassical imagery. The 1913 Type I Buffalo Nickel, struck in copper-nickel, showcases a powerful obverse portrait of a Native American man facing right. This design, created by James Earle Fraser, captures a remarkably lifelike and dignified expression, with the year 1913 clearly visible on the lower left curve of the portrait. The reverse of this initial Type I variety features an American bison standing proudly atop a raised mound of earth. This raised ground distinguishes the Type I from later modifications made in the same year. On this mound, the denomination is boldly inscribed as FIVE CENTS, while the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM grace the upper portion of the design. This particular five-cent piece was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which historically did not place a mint mark on its coinage. Surviving in Very Good condition, this coin offers a tangible look at the very beginning of one of America's most celebrated and artistic circulating coin series.