How to Spot Rare Errors on The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickels really did have to go

Historical Significance

Most people look right past the tiny details that can turn a common item into a rarity worth thousands. The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel represents one of those fascinating stories where design flaws led to major changes in American coinage history.

The Type 1 Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, featured a stunning portrait of a Native American on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. While collectors today admire the roughhewn fields and artistic merit of this design, the practical realities of coin production told a different story.

Design Flaws That Led to Change

The Type 1 Buffalo Nickels really did have to go, and here’s why: the beautiful roughhewn fields that gave the coin its artistic character played havoc with dies, causing premature wear and creating problems with strike quality. Small die cracks appeared everywhere, making consistent production difficult.

But the worst issue was the premature wearing of the word “CENTS” on the reverse. This became a critical concern for Mint officials who remembered the 1883 Liberty Nickel fiasco, where unscrupulous individuals gold-plated coins and passed them off as five-dollar gold pieces. The black eye the Mint received from that incident reverberated for years.

Identifying Key Markers

When examining potential Type 1 Buffalo Nickels, collectors should look for several key characteristics:

• Smooth fields – The Type 1 features rough, textured fields that contrast with the raised design elements
• “Cents” placement – The denomination appears on a raised mound below the bison
• Die cracks – Common due to the design’s complexity and die wear
• Strike quality – Often inconsistent due to the design’s production challenges

Die Cracks and Production Errors

Die cracks were particularly prevalent on Type 1 Buffalo Nickels. The roughhewn fields and complex design elements put tremendous stress on the dies, causing them to crack and deteriorate quickly. Collectors should examine coins carefully for:

• Raised lines across the surface (die cracks)
• Missing design elements due to die wear
• Weak strikes, especially on the bison’s horn and the Native American’s braid
• Die chips and breaks in high-stress areas

Double Dies and Mint Mark Variations

While not as common as on other series, double die varieties do exist on Type 1 Buffalo Nickels. These errors occur when the die receives multiple impressions slightly offset from each other. Look for doubling in:

• The date (especially on 1913 examples)
• The word “LIBERTY” on the obverse
• Lettering on the reverse, particularly “FIVE CENTS”

Mint Mark Variations

Type 1 Buffalo Nickels were produced at three mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The mint marks are located below the bow on the reverse. Collectors should note that:

• Philadelphia issues are most common
• Denver and San Francisco examples command premiums
• Mint mark position and style can vary between dies

Specific Errors to Look For

Beyond die cracks and double dies, several other error types can be found on Type 1 Buffalo Nickels:

• Off-center strikes – Where the design is not properly centered on the planchet
• Broadstrikes – Coins struck without a collar, resulting in a larger diameter
• Clipped planchets – Where the blank was improperly cut from the metal strip
• Wrong planchet errors – Though extremely rare on this denomination

Charles Barber’s Role

Chief Engraver Charles Barber, who never was a fan of the new nickel design, got to work on the Type II modification. The words FIVE CENTS were put in an exergue (a lower area separated by a line) to stop the premature wear, and the fields were made smooth for better die life. This quick fix became the Type 2 design that collectors know today.

Barber’s involvement in coin design controversies didn’t stop there. He had his hand in the V.D.B. fiasco with 1909 Lincoln pennies just a few years earlier, showing his tendency to modify or oppose designs he didn’t create.

Production Timeline and Rarity

The Type 1 Buffalo Nickel was only produced for part of 1913 before the Type 2 modification was implemented. This short production window makes these coins particularly interesting to collectors. The Mint saw the beginning of the wear problems during the first year’s coinage and chose to remedy it even before 1913 ended.

According to David Lange’s authoritative book on Buffalo Nickels, the Mint was overly sensitive about the denomination wearing away, remembering the 1883 fiasco. This historical sensitivity led to the rapid design change that created two distinct types for the 1913 date.

Value Guide

The value of Type 1 Buffalo Nickels varies significantly based on condition and rarity:

• Common dates in Good condition: $2-5
• Key dates (1913-S, 1914-D): $50-500+ depending on condition
• High-grade examples: $100-10,000+ for exceptional specimens
• Proof and Matte Proof examples: $1,000-25,000+

Matte Proof Examples

Matte proof Type 1 Buffalo Nickels are particularly valuable. These special strikes were produced with a sandblasted finish and careful handling. One collector shared images of their Matte Proof and Mint State examples, showing the quality difference between these special strikes and regular circulation issues.

Authentication Tips

When examining potential Type 1 Buffalo Nickels, keep these authentication tips in mind:

1. Verify the roughhewn fields are consistent with genuine Type 1 examples
2. Check the “Cents” placement and style matches known Type 1 characteristics
3. Examine die cracks and wear patterns for authenticity
4. Verify weight and diameter match standard specifications
5. Look for signs of tampering or alteration, especially on key dates

Collecting Strategies

Collectors approach Type 1 Buffalo Nickels in several ways:

• Date and mint mark collection – Assembling a complete set by date and mint
• Type collection – Obtaining one example of the Type 1 design
• Error collection – Focusing on die cracks, double dies, and other varieties
• High-grade pursuit – Seeking premium examples in MS65 or better

Conclusion

The 1913 Type 1 Buffalo Nickel represents a fascinating chapter in American numismatic history where artistic merit collided with practical production concerns. What began as a beautiful design by James Earle Fraser became a production nightmare that Charles Barber had to fix.

Today, these coins are prized by collectors not just for their historical significance but also for the variety of errors and die states they exhibit. From common examples worth a few dollars to rare varieties worth thousands, Type 1 Buffalo Nickels offer something for every collector.

The next time you examine a Buffalo Nickel, take a closer look at those tiny details. You might just discover a die crack, a double die, or some other variation that makes your coin unique. In the world of coin collecting, it’s often these small details that separate the common from the extraordinary.

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