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The 1913 Type II Buffalo Nickel in uncirculated condition represents one of the most iconic and artistically celebrated coins in American numismatics. Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel was introduced in 1913 to replace the Liberty Head Nickel, and it quickly became a symbol of national identity and frontier heritage. The coin’s rugged aesthetic and bold imagery captured the spirit of the American West at a time when the country was transitioning from its frontier past into a modern industrial power. The 1913 Type II issue marks a significant design revision during the coin’s debut year, resulting from technical concerns raised by the U.S. Mint shortly after the coin’s initial release. As such, this version holds a unique and defining place within the broader Buffalo Nickel series.
The original Type I design featured a bison standing on a raised mound on the reverse. While visually appealing, the elevated ground and the prominently placed “FIVE CENTS” inscription were found to wear too quickly in circulation. The Mint, responding to complaints from banks and the public, made adjustments to the reverse design mid-year. The result was the Type II reverse, where the mound was flattened into a line and the denomination was recessed below the rim to improve durability. These practical changes defined the Type II design, and both types were produced only during the initial year, 1913. The Type II thus holds special numismatic significance as both a revised inaugural issue and a design distinct from all subsequent years.
The obverse of the 1913 Buffalo Nickel features a detailed portrait of a Native American chief, facing right. James Earle Fraser created the composite design based on facial features drawn from several Native American individuals, including Iron Tail of the Lakota Sioux and Two Moons of the Cheyenne. The high-relief engraving captures the deep contours of the face, the feathered headdress, and the textured hair, lending a lifelike and dignified presence to the figure. In uncirculated condition, the obverse displays full definition in the cheekbone, hair braids, and feather detail. The word “LIBERTY” is struck sharply along the rim above the forehead, and the date “1913” appears boldly on the shoulder, unmarred by wear. The fields are bright, often exhibiting luster and die polish lines typical of early uncirculated examples.
The reverse of the 1913 Type II Buffalo Nickel depicts a powerful American bison, commonly referred to as a buffalo, standing on level ground. The bison was modeled after Black Diamond, a well-known resident of the Bronx Zoo at the time. The design was altered from the original Type I by removing the mound beneath the buffalo and replacing it with a flat, line-bordered exergue containing the recessed “FIVE CENTS” denomination. Above the buffalo, the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are neatly arranged in arcs along the top edge. In uncirculated examples, the fine details of the buffalo’s shaggy fur, muscular shoulders, and facial features are fully preserved. The tail is clear and fully struck, and the text below remains sharp and legible with no signs of wear or blurring.
The 1913 Type II Buffalo Nickel was struck at three U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”). Mintages for the Type II variety were lower than for the earlier Type I issue due to the mid-year design change. Philadelphia produced 29,857,186 coins, Denver struck 4,156,000, and San Francisco issued only 1,209,000 pieces. The relatively low mintage of the San Francisco Type II makes it a key date for collectors, especially in higher grades. Uncirculated examples from all three mints are considered desirable due to their limited original quantity, early date status, and high-relief design that made fully struck coins difficult to obtain even at the time of issue.
The Buffalo Nickel series is known for its challenges in collecting high-grade examples, particularly due to strike weakness and planchet inconsistencies. Early issues like the 1913 Type II are especially prized in Mint State because of their sharp detail and original mint luster. In uncirculated condition, these coins retain all of their original design features, with no wear on the highest points. Surfaces may display radiant cartwheel luster or subdued satin sheen, depending on the die state and storage history. Toning can range from brilliant silver-gray to subtle golden or iridescent hues, adding character and enhancing eye appeal. Collectors value pieces that show strong definition in both the Native American’s hair and the buffalo’s horn, shoulder, and tail—areas often affected by weak striking.
Due to the widespread use of Buffalo Nickels in circulation, most surviving examples are found in heavily worn grades. As a result, uncirculated specimens of the 1913 Type II are considerably scarcer and often command strong premiums. Collectors pursuing type sets, early 20th-century nickel collections, or complete Buffalo Nickel series by date and mintmark often seek the 1913 Type II as a foundational piece. Its significance as the corrected design from the coin’s debut year and the strength of its symbolism contribute to its enduring appeal. Certified examples graded MS63 through MS66 are particularly popular, offering a mix of preservation, affordability, and beauty, with higher-grade examples becoming increasingly rare and coveted.
The Buffalo Nickel’s rugged, evocative design has made it one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable coins in American history. It symbolizes a national heritage deeply rooted in the frontier and pays homage to both Native American culture and the vanishing wilderness of the American West. The 1913 Type II variant, with its revised reverse and bold execution, embodies the practical and artistic balance that the U.S. Mint sought to achieve. James Earle Fraser’s work endures not only through this coin but also in American art and sculpture, having left an indelible mark on public memory and aesthetic appreciation.
For collectors, the 1913 Type II Buffalo Nickel in uncirculated condition is more than a high-grade coin—it is a statement of historical interest and artistic admiration. It holds the distinction of being part of a one-year design transition and reflects the constant evolution of U.S. coinage to meet practical and aesthetic needs. The coin’s robust imagery and durable composition ensured its place in pockets, tills, and hands across the country for decades. Today, preserved uncirculated examples offer a pristine window into the coin’s original intent and beauty, capturing the bold spirit of early 20th-century American design and craftsmanship.
The 1913 Buffalo Nickel Type II in uncirculated condition remains one of the most sought-after coins in the series, offering collectors a unique blend of artistry, history, and rarity. From its meticulously sculpted Native American portrait to its proud depiction of the American bison, the coin exemplifies the Mint’s shift toward designs that were uniquely American. Uncirculated specimens continue to attract attention for their eye appeal, surface quality, and connection to a pivotal year in the series. Whether acquired as a type coin or as part of a complete Buffalo Nickel collection, the 1913 Type II stands as a cornerstone of classic U.S. coinage, embodying the pride, strength, and rugged beauty of a bygone era.