Buffalo Nickels Type 1 (1913) The Buffalo Nickel is one of the most iconic designs in U.S. numismatics. Created by period artist James Earl Frasier the obverse depicts an intricate Indian portrait with the date in raised lettering appearing on his shoulder. The reverse has the profile of a bison standing on a mound upon which the denomination is embossed. While visually captivating, the coin was not well suited for rapid production. This was immediately recognized and forced alterations creating a new type within the first year of the new design. The height of the mound caused the wording FIVE CENTS to wear quickly. It was changed to make the area below the buffalo concave with the denomination now appearing in the new recess. Before the change was made, examples of the Type 1 were struck at all three operating Mints. Regardless, the overall depth of the design coupled with the hardness of the nickel alloy continued to present striking issues making sharply executed examples for this type and the remainder of the series more desirable by collectors today.
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