Whitman Expo
Buffalo Nickel Type 2 Reverse 5 Cents MS 1913-1938 Values
Details
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.
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.
Obverse: 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: 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.
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Type 2 Reverse
Variety 2:
1913-1938
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.2 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, [Date]
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE CENTS
Reverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
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