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The Certified 1913-S Type 1 Buffalo Nickel in VF20 condition, graded by PCGS, is a distinguished example of the first issue of one of America’s most iconic coin designs. Introduced in 1913, the Buffalo Nickel—officially known as the Indian Head Five-Cent piece—marked a dramatic departure from previous U.S. coinage styles, showcasing bold imagery reflective of the nation’s frontier heritage. The Type 1 subtype, produced for only part of the year, is especially notable for its raised mound on the reverse beneath the bison. The 1913-S Type 1, minted at the San Francisco Mint, is a scarcer issue in the series and highly sought after by collectors, particularly in certified, problem-free condition like this PCGS VF20 specimen.
The obverse of the Buffalo Nickel features a powerful profile of a Native American man facing right. Designed by renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser, this portrait is believed to be a composite of several Native American individuals, including Iron Tail and Two Moons. In VF20 (Very Fine 20) condition, the major features of the portrait are well defined. The feather headdress and braids show moderate wear but retain distinguishable lines. LIBERTY is fully legible at the upper right rim, and the date “1913” remains clear, though it may exhibit some softness due to wear. This level of detail preserves the coin’s artistic strength and makes it appealing for collectors who value both history and design.
The reverse of the Type 1 Buffalo Nickel is particularly distinctive. It depicts a rugged American bison, commonly referred to as a buffalo, standing on a raised mound with the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above and “FIVE CENTS” boldly displayed beneath. While visually striking, this design was found to wear down too quickly in circulation, especially the mound area and the denomination, prompting a redesign to the Type 2 format later in 1913. In this VF20 example, the overall shape of the buffalo remains clear. The head, hump, and front legs are defined, though finer fur details and tail features have worn away. The mound is partially flattened from circulation, but the FIVE CENTS and mintmark “S” remain fully legible.
The 1913-S Type 1 Buffalo Nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a reported mintage of 2,105,000 pieces. This figure makes it the lowest-mintage Type 1 Buffalo Nickel from any mint and adds a degree of scarcity to this already desirable issue. San Francisco coins are generally known for strong strikes during this period, and while many 1913-S Type 1 nickels entered circulation, fewer remain today in well-preserved condition. Certified pieces, especially those graded by PCGS, are particularly valued in the numismatic market for their assurance of authenticity and accurate grading.
PCGS, or the Professional Coin Grading Service, is among the most respected coin grading services in the industry. A PCGS VF20 designation certifies that the coin has seen moderate circulation, with wear on the high points of the design, yet retains strong visual elements and no significant damage. Collectors can trust that this coin is problem-free, original, and accurately graded. The encapsulated holder also protects the coin against further wear and environmental damage, preserving it for future generations.
VF20, or Very Fine 20, is a mid-range circulated grade that indicates noticeable but even wear across the coin’s surface. For Buffalo Nickels, this means that details such as the Indian’s facial features, hair braids, and headdress are worn but present, and the bison’s major body contours are intact. Although intricate textures and minor design features have softened, the coin’s key elements—including legends, date, and mintmark—are readable and prominent. A VF20 example strikes an ideal balance between affordability and detail for collectors building circulated sets or seeking an early Buffalo Nickel with strong character.
The Buffalo Nickel series was inspired by a national movement to create coins with distinctly American motifs. Fraser’s design drew from the culture of the American West, using real individuals and animals as models. The coin’s introduction in 1913 was part of the broader artistic renaissance in U.S. coinage that also included the Lincoln Cent and the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. While beautiful, the Type 1 reverse quickly proved impractical for heavy circulation, leading to the flatter Type 2 design that debuted later the same year. As such, the 1913-S Type 1 stands as a tangible symbol of both artistic ambition and practical evolution in U.S. Mint history.
The composition of the Buffalo Nickel remained consistent throughout its run: 75% copper and 25% nickel. This durable alloy gave the coin a silvery appearance and good resistance to corrosion, though it was still prone to wearing quickly in commerce—especially the coin’s raised reverse features. This is particularly true of Type 1 nickels, where the elevated mound beneath the bison invited rapid flattening. In this VF20 coin, those effects are evident but not excessive, suggesting it circulated responsibly and was well-preserved before certification. The coin likely shows light, even patina, contributing to its vintage appeal and originality.
Among Buffalo Nickel collectors, the 1913-S Type 1 is a key date for several reasons. It’s not only the first year of issue for the series but also one of the only two mint-marked Type 1 coins (the other being the 1913-D). Its relatively low mintage and artistic significance make it an essential acquisition for collectors pursuing a complete set of Buffalo Nickels, a set of Type 1 issues, or early 20th-century type coins in general. Its certification by PCGS adds reliability and permanence to the coin, ensuring its authenticity and increasing its marketability for resale or long-term investment.
In conclusion, the Certified Buffalo Nickel 1913-S Type 1 VF20 PCGS is a cherished numismatic artifact from a pivotal moment in American coinage history. With its iconic design by James Earle Fraser, scarce mintage from the San Francisco Mint, and desirable first-year-of-issue status, this coin encapsulates the spirit of early 20th-century America. Its VF20 grade provides collectors with a well-detailed yet accessible example, backed by the confidence of PCGS certification. Whether part of a type set, Buffalo Nickel collection, or historical showcase, this coin stands as a proud tribute to America’s frontier heritage and artistic legacy.