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: 3989 Coin Date: Buffalo Nickel Denomination (Short): 5c Denomination (Long): 5 Cents Variety: Type 2 Reverse Variety 2: Matte Finish, 1913-1916 Desg: PR Composition: 75% copper; 25% nickel Strike Type: Proof Coinage Type: Buffalo nickel Coinage Years: 1913-1938 Mint Location: Philadelphia 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:
The Buffalo nickel reverse design was significantly overhauled later in 1913 to recess the words FIVE CENTS under a line on which the American bison stands. The Type 2 design also saw the proof mintage during its first year of production. The 1913 Type 2 proofs, as with the Type 1, were struck with a matte finish that is distinctive from business strikes with a satiny finish, crisp details, and squared-off rims.
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Production of the matte proof Buffalo nickels didn’t last very long, with all regular proof production spanning only until 1916. After that, the US Mint wouldn’t strike proofs on a regular basis again until two decades later. Interestingly, the matte proof Buffalo nickels seem to have suffered a rather high attrition rate. This is perhaps because many collectors didn’t like the matte proof pieces which, at first glance, seem little different than a really nice business strike. Many matte proof Buffalo nickels ended up being used as regular money and, after a high degree of surface wear, became indistinguishable from ordinary Buffalo nickels. PCGS #: 3989
