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1913-D Type 2

Nickels · Buffalo Nickels · 1913–1938
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.2 mm
MintDenver
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 4,156,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerJames Earle Fraser
Collector's Key IDCK-1260

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About this coinHistory

Denver's 1913 Type 2 Buffalo nickel mintage dropped to 4,156,000 coins, a decline from the Type 1 production that reflected the facility's limited allocation for the second half of the year. The lower mintage makes the 1913-D Type 2 noticeably scarcer than the Type 1 version, and the coin carries meaningful premiums in all grades among Buffalo nickel specialists.

The coin is available in circulated grades with moderate effort, though Mint State examples are genuinely scarce and Gem-quality pieces are rare enough to command serious collector attention. Denver strikes from this period tend to show the typical branch mint characteristics of slightly softer obverse detail and variable reverse definition depending on die state. Collectors building high-grade Buffalo nickel sets often find the 1913-D Type 2 more challenging than the Type 1 variant despite the two coins sharing the same Denver mintmark.

Identification requires checking both the D mintmark and confirming the Type 2 reverse configuration with FIVE CENTS in the recessed area below the bison. The two diagnostics together establish the variety, and certified examples from PCGS or NGC provide the most reliable attribution. The coin is essential for complete 1913 Buffalo nickel representation.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1913-D Type 2 Buffalo Nickels were minted?
4,156,000 were struck.
What is a 1913-D Type 2 Buffalo Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1913-D Type 2 Buffalo Nickel?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1913-D Type 2 Buffalo Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.