NNP

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
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. <BR><BR> 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