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The 1913-D Type 1 Buffalo Nickel in Uncirculated condition is a treasured piece of American numismatic history, representing both the inaugural year of the iconic Buffalo Nickel series and a transitional moment in U.S. coinage design. Struck at the Denver Mint during the first months of production, this coin belongs to the earliest form of the series—referred to as “Type 1”—before the design was modified later that same year. As the first Denver-minted issue of the series, the 1913-D Type 1 occupies a place of importance in the hearts of collectors, appreciated for its strong relief, bold imagery, and connection to the American frontier spirit embodied in James Earle Fraser’s classic design.
The Buffalo Nickel was introduced in 1913 to replace the Liberty Head “V” Nickel, which had been in circulation since 1883. Seeking a more distinctly American design, the U.S. Mint commissioned sculptor James Earle Fraser, a student of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, to produce a coin that honored the culture and heritage of the American West. Fraser responded with a powerful design featuring a Native American profile on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. His vision stood in sharp contrast to the classical motifs used on earlier coins, setting a new tone for American numismatics that would influence coin design for decades to come.
The obverse of the 1913-D Type 1 Buffalo Nickel showcases a highly detailed right-facing portrait of a Native American man, composed from a blend of features drawn from several real-life individuals Fraser encountered. The portrait is marked by deeply incised facial contours, a braided hairstyle, and two eagle feathers extending from the crown. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed along the upper right edge, and the date “1913” appears on the shoulder. On Uncirculated examples, the cheekbone, brow, and braid details remain sharply defined, with no evidence of wear. Mint luster radiates across the fields, accentuating the depth and realism of the portrait.
The reverse of the coin, known as the Type 1 design, features an American bison standing on a raised mound of earth. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are arranged above the bison, and the denomination “FIVE CENTS” is prominently placed below, curved along the base of the mound. The letter “D” mintmark, denoting the Denver Mint, appears just below the denomination. The mound design was later replaced in mid-1913 with a flat plain to reduce excessive die wear and improve striking quality. In Uncirculated condition, the bison’s shaggy coat, horns, and muscular legs retain their full detail, while the raised mound and rim elements remain crisp and free from flattening.
The Denver Mint struck a total of 5,337,000 Type 1 Buffalo Nickels in 1913, a modest mintage by modern standards but relatively robust for the time. However, because the Type 1 design was only used for part of the year before being replaced by Type 2, these coins enjoy added collector interest. The Denver issues, while not as rare as the San Francisco counterparts in higher grades, are still highly sought after—especially in Uncirculated condition, where well-struck, lustrous examples can be difficult to locate. Many coins from this era were heavily circulated, making pristine survivors all the more valuable and appealing to collectors seeking to assemble full-date sets or focus on early issues of the series.
The Type 1 design, while artistically praised, posed technical challenges at the Mint. The raised “FIVE CENTS” inscription and mound on the reverse wore down quickly, causing concerns about legibility and coin longevity. As a result, the design was modified later in 1913 to the Type 2 version, which featured a recessed denomination and a flatter base beneath the bison. This modification gave Type 1 coins a one-year-only design status, instantly creating a sub-variety within the series. The 1913-D Type 1 remains a favorite among variety collectors who appreciate its bold, high-relief features and historical significance as part of a short-lived design experiment.
In Uncirculated condition, the 1913-D Type 1 Buffalo Nickel exhibits sharp detail, vibrant mint luster, and full design features that are often lost on circulated examples. The obverse retains strong strike definition across the cheek, hair, and feathers, while the reverse showcases full detail in the bison’s fur, horn, and tail. The raised mound on which the bison stands is well-preserved, and the lettering around the perimeter remains bold and well-centered. While minor contact marks or planchet flaws may be present, as is common on early 20th-century coins, these do not detract from the overall brilliance and eye appeal of a true Uncirculated specimen.
Collectors of Buffalo Nickels often seek out the 1913-D Type 1 as part of a complete year-and-mintmark set or as a key representative of the Type 1 subtype. Its combination of bold design, early date status, and distinctive mintmark make it a cornerstone of any comprehensive Buffalo Nickel collection. For many, it serves as a starting point for assembling a series that spans from 1913 to 1938, offering a rich tapestry of American iconography and minting history. High-grade examples such as this Uncirculated 1913-D coin are increasingly difficult to find, especially with original surfaces and strong eye appeal, making them excellent candidates for both display and long-term investment.
Buffalo Nickels continue to be among the most admired U.S. coin series for their unique artistry, historic relevance, and collecting challenges. The 1913-D Type 1 is particularly meaningful as part of the coin’s inaugural year, capturing Fraser’s unmodified vision of the American West before practical minting considerations forced changes to the reverse. The Denver Mint’s strong production quality in 1913 resulted in some of the finest Type 1 strikes, allowing today’s collectors to appreciate the full beauty of the design in Uncirculated condition. Each detail—from the sculpted bison to the facial expression of the Native American—reflects the pride and purpose of early 20th-century American coinage design.
The 1913-D Type 1 Buffalo Nickel in Uncirculated condition stands as both a historical artifact and a work of numismatic art. Its blend of aesthetic excellence, technical intrigue, and transitional rarity makes it an indispensable part of any advanced coin collection. Whether valued for its symbolism, its place in Mint history, or its condition and eye appeal, this coin continues to captivate collectors over a century after its release. With its bold strike, dynamic imagery, and connection to America’s cultural identity, the 1913-D Type 1 remains one of the most celebrated and sought-after issues in the entire Buffalo Nickel series.