Variety II of the 1913 Buffalo Nickel featured a slightly different design than Variety I, featuring a cut-away so that the Five Cent denomination mark would be protected from normal wear and tear. This decision was made by Charles Barber, who was the chief engraver at the U.S. Mint, after several snafus with the striking of Variety I Buffalo nickels.
The Hobbs Affair
After the release of the new Buffalo nickel, coin-operated machine manufacturers began to question the U.S. Mint about the coin's characteristics. Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh assured these companies that the nickel’s dimensions would not change, just the design. While almost every machine manufacturer was pleased with this decision - however, Clarence Hobbs of the Hobbs Manufacturing Company was dissatisfied with this information and claimed his machines would mark the nickels as counterfeit. Hobbs demanded that they redesign the coin so his machines would work, but eventually the Mint shut Hobbs down on the basis that his coin-machine was widely unpopular.
1913 Buffalo Nickel (Variety II) Values
The 1913 Buffalo nickel (Variety II) is a critical piece of minting history. While not as prone to wear as their Variety I counterparts, the Buffalo nickel is still very special so finding one in great condition is critical. While the average value of this coin sits around ten dollars, finding an uncirculated 1913 Buffalo nickel (Variety II) can fetch a collector up to forty dollars - making this a wonderful and affordable coin to add to your collection.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1913
Mint Mark: No mint mark
Total mintage: 29,857,186
Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Face value: Five Cents
Weight: 5 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Diameter: 21.2 millimeters