Can The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel Be Made Into Jewelry? A Crafter’s Guide

Introduction: The Crafting Potential of the 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel

Not every coin is suitable for crafting. Let’s look at the metal composition and durability of this piece for jewelry making.

Historical Context: Why the Type 1 Design Was Replaced

The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel holds a special place in numismatic history, not just for its iconic design but also for the manufacturing challenges it presented. As much as I really like them, the Type 1 Buffs had problems that would terminate them.

Type 1 Buffs were better suited to be coined as medals, not circulating coins. The beautiful roughhewn fields played havoc with dies, wearing them prematurely and causing problems with strike quality and small die cracks everywhere.

The “Cents” Wear Issue

But the worst thing that occurred was the premature wearing of “Cents” on the reverse. In 1913 there were still employees that were around, including management that remembered the 1883 fiasco brought about by not including that word “Cents” on the reverse of the V Nickel.

Unscrupulous persons gold plated the nickels and passed them off as five-dollar gold pieces. The black eye the Mint got reverberated for years. It became inevitable that a change had to be made, so Chief Engraver Charles Barber (who never was a fan of the new nickel) got to work on the Type II modification.

Metal Composition and Hardness Analysis

Understanding the metal composition is crucial for any coin ring artisan. The Buffalo Nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, making it a cupronickel alloy. This composition gives the coin several characteristics that affect its suitability for jewelry making.

Hardness Considerations

The cupronickel alloy provides moderate hardness, which is both an advantage and a challenge. The metal is hard enough to hold fine details but soft enough to work with common jewelry tools. However, the Type 1 design’s high relief and rough fields can make even wear difficult, which is problematic for creating uniform rings.

Design Details and Aesthetic Appeal

Type 1 vs. Type 2: A Crafter’s Perspective

I prefer the Type 1 original design reverse over the Type 2. Much more artistic. The Type 1 features a more rugged, textured field that gives the buffalo and Native American portrait a three-dimensional quality that many artisans find appealing.

The Type 2 modification placed the words FIVE CENTS in an exergue to stop the premature wear, and the fields were made smooth for die life. While this made for better coinage production, it sacrificed some of the artistic integrity that makes the Type 1 so desirable for jewelry crafting.

Design Challenges for Ring Making

The high relief of the Type 1 design presents both opportunities and challenges. The buffalo’s hump and the Native American’s profile create natural focal points, but they also create uneven thickness that can complicate the ring-forming process. The word “Cents” on the reverse, while historically significant, is positioned in a way that often gets lost or distorted when the coin is formed into a ring.

Practical Considerations for Jewelry Crafting

Wear Patterns and Durability

Show me a nickel coin that could possibly wear down over a period of 6 months to a year. Ain’t gonna happen. This durability is actually a positive for jewelry making, as Buffalo Nickels in jewelry will withstand daily wear much better than softer metals like silver.

Size and Proportion

The 21.2mm diameter of the Buffalo Nickel makes it an ideal size for men’s rings, particularly when crafted in wider bands. The coin’s thickness (approximately 1.95mm) provides enough material for substantial rings without being overly bulky.

Authentication and Selection Tips

Identifying Type 1 vs. Type 2

When selecting coins for jewelry making, it’s crucial to identify whether you have a Type 1 or Type 2. The most obvious difference is on the reverse: Type 1 has the denomination “FIVE CENTS” written on a raised mound beneath the buffalo, while Type 2 places these words in a recessed area below the buffalo.

Condition Considerations

For jewelry making, circulated examples often work better than mint state coins. The natural patina that develops on circulated nickels can add character to the finished piece. However, avoid coins with severe damage or those that have been cleaned, as this can affect both the appearance and structural integrity of the finished ring.

Conclusion: The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel as a Jewelry Medium

The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel presents a unique opportunity for coin ring artisans. Its historical significance, distinctive design, and durable cupronickel composition make it an excellent choice for creating conversation-piece jewelry. While the Type 2 modification addressed practical coinage issues, the Type 1’s artistic merit and historical importance make it particularly valuable for crafters who appreciate both the aesthetic and historical aspects of their materials.

Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or just beginning to explore coin ring making, the 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel offers a perfect blend of challenge and reward. Its rich history, from the 1883 Liberty Nickel fiasco to its own design modifications, adds layers of meaning to each piece you create. As you work with these coins, you’re not just making jewelry – you’re preserving and reimagining a piece of American numismatic history.

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