Buffalo Nickel (1913 to 1938)
They are also known as Bison, or Indian Head nickels. In the first year of issue, 1913, there were two distinct varieties, the first showing the bison on a mound, and the second with the base redesigned to a thinner, straight line.
James E. Fraser designed the nickel, employing three different Indians as models. His initial F is beneath the date. The bison was supposedly modeled after "Black Diamond" in the New York Central Park Zoo.
Matte Proof coins were made for collectors from 1913 to 1916. Specimen strikings of 1917 are reported.
On the 1937D 3-legged variety, the buffalo's right front leg is missing, the result of a damaged die.
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Designer; James Earl Fraser
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Weight; 5 grams
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Composition; 0.750 copper, 0.250 nickel
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Diameter; 21.2 mm
• Plain Edge
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Mints; Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco
G-4 GOOD --- Legends and date readable. Buffalo's horn does not show.
VG-8 VERY GOOD --- Horn worn nearly flat.
F-12 FINE --- Horn and tail smooth but partially visible. Obverse rim intact.
VF-20 VERY FINE --- Much of horn visible. Indians cheekbone worn.
EF-40 EXTREMELY FINE --- Horn lightly worn. Slight wear on Indian's hair ribbon.
AU-50 ABOUT UNCIRCULATED --- Traces of light wear on only the high points of the design. Half of mint luster present.
MS-60 UNCIRCULATED --- No trace of wear. May have several blemishes.
MS-63 CHOICE UNCIRCULATED --- No trace of wear. Light blemishes.
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