1913 Buffalo Nickel Type 1 (Variety 1) Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Condition

The 1913 Buffalo Nickel Type 1 (Variety 1) marks the debut of one of the most iconic designs in American coinage. Introduced in 1913, the Buffalo Nickel replaced the Liberty Head Nickel and immediately stood out for its bold artistry and strong symbolism rooted in early American history.

1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel Design

The Type 1 Buffalo Nickel is distinguished by its raised mound reverse design, with the denomination FIVE CENTS prominently displayed on a raised ground beneath the American bison. While visually striking, this design proved prone to wear in circulation, leading to a revised Type 2 reverse later in the year. The obverse features a powerful composite portrait of a Native American, created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, while the reverse depicts a rugged American buffalo, symbolizing strength and the nation’s frontier heritage.

Brilliant Uncirculated Condition

This example is offered in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition, exhibiting sharp design elements, original mint luster, and strong overall eye appeal. BU examples of the 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel are especially desirable, as many coins from this first-year issue quickly entered circulation and experienced heavy wear.

First-Year Issue with Historic Mintage

The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel had a total mintage of 30,992,000 coins. As the inaugural variety of the Buffalo Nickel series, the Type 1 holds lasting appeal among collectors seeking key design types and historically important first-year issues.

Product Specifications

• Year: 1913
• Denomination: Five Cents
• Series: Buffalo Nickel
• Variety: Type 1 (Raised Mound Reverse)
• Designer: James Earle Fraser
• Mint: Philadelphia (No Mintmark)
• Mintage: 30,992,000
• Condition: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)
• Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

*Please note, these are stock photos meant to closely represent the item you will receive in the condition/quality indicated.