Despite the commission of a new nickel in July 1911, sculptor James Earle Fraser did not receive word of a redesign until January 1912, and he quickly got to work on the long list of requirements given to him by new Mint Director George Roberts. One of the stipulations given to Fraser by Roberts was that "the motto, 'In God We Trust', is not required upon this coin and I presume we are agreed that nothing should be upon it that is not required." By June 1912, Fraser headed to D.C. to present his coin design models to MacVeagh and Roberts.
Coin Design Controversy
Despite previous Mint Director Abram Andrews’ disdain for the 1909 Lincoln penny, new Mint Director Roberts originally wanted to feature Lincoln on the new nickel as well. Despite this instruction, Fraser decided to send in a variety of sketches, one of which featured the buffalo reverse and the Indian Head front. After some consideration, Roberts decided to go with the Indian Head and Buffalo design, which became the iconic Buffalo head nickel.
1913-D Buffalo Nickel (Variety I) Values
As the first Variety 1 1913 Buffalo nickel struck in Denver, this coin is an exciting piece of U.S. Minting history. Buffalo nickels are predisposed for extra wear-and-tear, more than other comparable coins, so its value is directly tied to the condition it’s in. With a little over five million minted, the average cost is around fifteen dollars - while uncirculated mint 1913-D Buffalo nickels (Variety I) can fetch up to seventy-five dollars.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1913
Mint Mark: Denver
Total mintage: 5,337,000
Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Face value: Five Cents
Weight: 5 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: James Earle Fraser
Diameter: 21.2 millimeters