NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation with Whitman Brands, based on catalog data organized by the Greysheet Identification System (GSID).
Entry Details
PCGS Number: 3919 Coin Date: Buffalo Nickel Denomination (Short): 5c Denomination (Long): 5 Cents Variety: Type 2 Reverse Variety 2: 1913-1938 Desg: MS Mint Mark: Various Composition: 75% copper; 25% nickel Strike Type: Business Coinage Type: Buffalo nickel Coinage Years: 1913-1938 Diameter: 21.2 Weight (Grams): 5 Weight (Ounces): 0.1608 Designer: James Earle Fraser Edge: Plain Obverse Description: James Earle Fraser's famous and simple design depicts a Native American chief with the word LIBERTY from 1-2 o'clock. The date is placed on the lower left of the chieftain's bust. Reverse Description: A full portrait of the bison, Black Diamond, with the words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA at the top periphery with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM just underneath. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out at the bottom. For the Type 1, the denomination is embossed on a flat surface. General Notes: A significant modification was made to the reverse design of the Buffalo nickel during its first year of production 1913, with the mound upon which the bison stands being converted to a line. This change was necessitated to help prevent the denominational inscription FIVE CENTS from becoming virtually obliterated by normal circulation wear.
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All of the Buffalo nickels struck with the design of the bison standing on a line are known as Type 2 Buffalo nickels and constitute the vast majority of pieces struck within the series, with the Type 2 variety made from 1913 through the end of production in 1938. The Type 2 Buffalo nickel is represented by many key and semi-key dates, including the 1913-D, 1913-S, 1921-S, and 1926-S, as well as several notable varieties, such as the 1914/3 overdate, 1916 doubled die, 1918-7-D overdate, and the famous 1937-D 3-Legged error, among others. PCGS #: 3919
