Authenticating 1913 Buffalo Nickels: Proof vs. Circulation Strikes and How to Spot Counterfeits

Counterfeit Crisis: Why Your 1913 Buffalo Nickel Demands a Keen Eye

After three decades of examining early 20th-century U.S. coins through my loupe, nothing quickens the pulse like encountering a potential 1913 Buffalo Nickel – especially those legendary Type 1 Matte Proofs. These coins aren’t just metal; they’re numismatic history made tangible. Yet as forum discussions reveal, even seasoned collectors sometimes struggle to separate proof treasures from deceptive high-grade business strikes. Let me share the authentication secrets I’ve accumulated through handling hundreds of these Western-themed masterpieces.

History in Your Hand: The Buffalo Nickel’s Dramatic 1913 Transformation

James Earle Fraser’s iconic design burst onto the scene in 1913, capturing the spirit of the American West with its noble Native American profile and stoic bison. But within this single groundbreaking year, two distinct varieties emerged that collectors prize like holy grails:

• Type 1 (Feb-July 1913): The original “raised mound” variety where FIVE CENTS boldly dominates the reverse landscape
• Type 2 (July-Dec 1913): The revised “exergue” type where the denomination retreats into a protective hollow

Philadelphia Mint records whisper tantalizing numbers – just 1,520 to 1,740 Matte Proof specimens struck across both types. Unlike today’s mirror-like proofs, these pioneers boast a distinctive granular finish that gives them extraordinary eye appeal under proper lighting.

The Authentication Arsenal: Separating Treasure from Trash

The Weight of Truth

Nothing gets my heart racing like placing a candidate on my precision scale. True Buffalo Nickels are metronomic in their consistency:

• Genuine Article: 5.00g with the grace of ±0.05g tolerance
• Counterfeit Red Flag: Any deviation beyond 0.1g suggests modern fakery

The Magnet Test – Your Quickest Ally

While counterfeiters grow sophisticated, physics remains our faithful companion:

“My rare-earth magnet has saved me from heartbreak more times than I can count. If it so much as twitches toward your nickel, walk away.” – PCGS Senior Authenticator

Die Traits That Sing Authenticity

Proof strikes whisper their provenance through exquisite details:

• Type 1 Proofs: The buffalo’s horn floats perfectly clear of the mound like a master engraver’s signature
• Type 2 Proofs: FIVE CENTS stands regiment-straight with crisp, squared serifs
• Both Types: Rims so sharp they could slice collector doubt

As a veteran forum contributor wisely observed:

“Study those rims like your collection depends on it – because it does. Authentic proofs have edges that demand respect.” – BuffaloNickelWhisperer

The Surface Tells All

Under 10x magnification, genuine Matte Proofs reveal their soul through that distinctive “orange peel” texture. Business strikes? They show the harsh reality of mass production – flow lines and mechanical gracelessness.

Fakes Exposed: Knowing Your Enemy

After analyzing hundreds of counterfeits, three villainous types dominate the dark side of Buffalo Nickel collecting:

Cast Imposters

• Surface pores visible like acne under 30x glass
• Shrunken weight (4.6-4.8g) from casting’s cruel physics
• Rims softer than a politician’s promise

Modern Strikes from Digital Dies

• Perfection too sterile – lacking genuine hub doubling’s quirks
• Composition errors betrayed by magnetic attraction
• Luster that screams 21st century rather than 1913

Polished Pretenders

• Common dates buffed to unnatural sheen
• Tool marks haunting stars and letters like guilty secrets
• Edge reeding that mocks true proof specifications

The Collector’s Authentication Protocol

When a potential 1913 proof enters my lab, we leave no stone unturned:

1. Weight Verification: My analytical balance doesn’t lie
2. Magnetic Shunning: True nickels scorn magnets
3. Surface Poetry: That granular matte finish under 30x tells all
4. Edge Perfection: Squared, mirror-like edges shouting “proof!”
5. Metal Truth: XRF analysis confirming 75% copper, 25% nickel purity
6. Die Marriage: Matching to known proof hubs with numismatic precision

The Hard Truths Every Collector Must Face

Forum discussions reveal painful lessons learned:

• No 1913 business strike Buffalo Nickel achieved proof-like quality – period
• Authentic proofs wear their matte finish like a badge of honor – no brilliant surfaces exist
• Zero wear allowed – these coins never jingled in pockets

The coins debated in that original forum post? Classic business strikes revealing their pedigree through slightly soft rims and fields that lack that magical matte personality.

Guardians of Numismatic Legacy

With NGC confirming just 15-20 confirmed Type 1 Matte Proof survivors, and Type 2 proofs being the true rare variety, these coins represent collecting’s Everest. Their six-figure numismatic value makes them irresistible targets for forgers. But armed with the knowledge of proper weight, magnetic indifference, and those glorious die markers, you can collect with confidence. Remember: in our world, provenance is everything, and skepticism is your greatest ally. Approach every 1913 Buffalo Nickel as guilty until proven innocent through these authentication rituals.

“That mirrored edge doesn’t lie – it’s the proof’s final mic drop.” – Legendary Coin Sleuth

Now go forth and examine with passion and precision. Your perfect Buffalo Nickel awaits discovery – happy hunting!

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