1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel - PCGS AU53

This 1913-S Buffalo Nickel, graded AU53 by PCGS, is a key coin in the American numismatic history. It is a Type 2 variety, representing the revised design of the Buffalo Nickel series that features a detailed rendition of an American bison on the reverse.

Obverse:

The obverse of this nickel features the iconic right-facing profile of a Native American, intricately designed by James Earle Fraser. The inscription “LIBERTY” appears on the upper right, and the date “1913” is displayed at the bottom of the coin. This profile is a combination of three Native American chiefs: Iron Tail, Two Moons, and Big Tree, symbolizing strength and resilience.

Reverse:

The reverse showcases the American bison standing on a mound of earth, a feature that characterizes the Type 2 design of this series. Above the bison, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are inscribed. The “S” mint mark, representing the San Francisco Mint, is located below the denomination “FIVE CENTS,” indicating this coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint.

Certification & Grade:

Graded AU53 by PCGS, this coin displays light wear on the high points but retains much of its original detail and luster. The AU53 grade signifies a coin that is almost uncirculated, with approximately 75-80% of its mint state detail intact.

Historical Significance:

The 1913 Buffalo Nickel is highly significant as it represents the transition from the Liberty Head “V” Nickel to the more modern design of the Buffalo Nickel. This Type 2 variety, with its redesigned reverse, is particularly popular among collectors. Coins minted in San Francisco tend to have lower mintages compared to other mints, adding to the desirability of this coin.

Key Features:

• Year: 1913
• Mint: San Francisco (S)
• Grade: PCGS AU53
• Variety: Type 2 (Revised reverse design)
• Designer: James Earle Fraser
• Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
• Diameter: 21.2 mm
• Weight: 5 grams
• Face Value: 5 cents

This 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel is a must-have for any serious collector of early 20th-century U.S. coinage, combining historical significance, rarity, and design excellence.