1913 5C Buffalo Nickel, Type 1 PCGS MS65 (CAC)

Here’s a popular—and affordable—piece to add to your collection. Plus the green CAC sticker gives this coin extra value. PCGS has graded 4,383 as MS65 with 3,371 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $235.00 in MS65. In CAC, there are 268 in MS65 with 797 finer. CAC gives the 1913 Type 1 Buffalo nickel a price of $230.00 in MS65.

David Hall writes, “This issue is typically well struck. Luster is usually satiny and good. While this is not a particularly rare coin, it does have two things going for it. It is the first year of issue and it is a one-year-only type coin.”

James Earle Fraser, who designed and engraved the much loved Buffalo nickel (1913-1938). Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

In 1911 prominent sculptor James Earle Fraser discovered that a new nickel design was desired by U.S. Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh. Fraser contacted and then met with Mint Director George E. Roberts and other mint officials. “I realize that no definite commission has been given me in regard to the designs for the new coins,” wrote Fraser to MacVeagh. 

Nonetheless he acted as if it were a fait accompli. Continuing, the designer wrote that the "idea of the Indian and the buffalo on the same coin is without doubt, purely American and seems to be singularly appropriate to have on one of our national coins …Therefore, I should like to ask whether or not you would consider placing these designs on the new model."

MacVeagh never brought in other artists and “made up his mind that if any change was to be made he wanted the Fraser designs.” The artist was asked to lower the relief and make some other slight changes. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the modified design, which was then signed off by the president.