The 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel stands as an iconic key-date entry in 20th-century American numismatics. Shortly after James Earle Fraser’s famous design debuted in early 1913, Mint officials realized the raised mound on the reverse caused the "FIVE CENTS" denomination to wear away prematurely in commerce. Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber quickly modified the dies, recessing the denomination below a flat ground line to create the Type 2 design.
With a meager mintage of just 1,209,000 pieces, the 1913-S Type 2 boasts the lowest mintage among all regular-issue, non-variety Buffalo nickels.
Graded Mint State 65 (Gem Uncirculated), this specimen exhibits extraordinary preservation:
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Strike: Crisp detail across the Chief Iron Tail portrait on the obverse and sharp definition on the American bison's shoulder, head fur, and tail on the reverse.
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Luster & Surfaces: Radiant cartwheel luster across satiny planchets with remarkably clean fields, free of distracting contact marks, hairline scratches, or heavy carbon spots.
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Eye Appeal: Superb visual presentation, highlighting the classic relief of Fraser's iconic wild west sculpture.
An essential acquisition for advanced registry set builders and key-date classic US coin investors.
