1913 Nickel Value (2026 Guide): Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1913 Buffalo Nickel entered circulation on March 4th, 1913 — the very first year the US Mint produced this now-iconic design.

What makes it especially interesting is that the coin came in not one, but two distinct types, each struck at three different mints. That alone gives collectors six separate varieties to track down.

1913 nickel value varies widely depending on which variety you have and what condition it’s in. A well-worn 1913-D Type 1, for example, starts around $19 in Good grade, while a 1913-S Type 2 in similar condition already jumps to $204. Push into Mint State territory, and that same 1913-D Type 2 can reach over $3,200.

Every detail — the mint mark, the reverse type, the surface condition — directly shapes what your coin is worth, and that’s exactly what this article walks you through.

 

1913 Nickel Value By Variety

Not all 1913 Buffalo Nickels are created equal. The mint that struck your coin — Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco — and which reverse type it carries can push the value in very different directions.

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1913 Nickel Worth Money

When it comes to the 1913 Buffalo Nickel, grade and variety make an enormous difference in what collectors actually pay at auction.

Among regular-strike coins, the 1913-D Type 2 in MS68 holds the top spot, having sold for over $143,750. That’s a Denver-minted coin in near-perfect condition — and it sits well above everything else in the regular-issue lineup.

Proof coins occupy their own tier entirely. A PR68 Type 1 Proof has reached $96,938, while a PR68 Type 2 Proof sold for over $66,000. Both Proof types were struck at Philadelphia in very small numbers, which is exactly why they command prices that far exceed regular strikes of the same year.

Error varieties add another layer. The Type 1 “3-1/2 Legs” variety — caused by over-polishing of the die — has fetched over $47,000 in MS65 condition.

Across the board, the 1913 series shows that condition, mint origin, and variety each carry real weight in determining final value.

 

History Of The 1913 Nickel

By the early 1900s, there was a growing push to bring more meaningful American imagery to everyday coinage. The Liberty Head Nickel had been in use since 1883 and was widely considered overdue for a redesign.

Sculptor James Earle Fraser was selected to create the replacement. His design drew on his own experience growing up near the Western frontier, placing a Native American portrait on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse — imagery that felt distinctly rooted in American life.

Production didn’t go smoothly at first. Objections from vending machine manufacturers delayed the release, but by March 4, 1913, the coins were officially in circulation.

That same year, a practical problem emerged. The original reverse design raised the denomination — “FIVE CENTS” — on a flat surface that wore down quickly with normal use. The Mint modified the design mid-year, recessing the text into a lower ground.

That single change created two distinct types within 1913 alone, and every variety collector traces the 1913 Buffalo Nickel back to that one production decision.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Nickels Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

Is Your 1913 Nickel Rare?

Rarity ratings shift depending on the variety and grade — the CoinValueChecker App puts that information in one place, so you can see exactly where your 1913 Nickel sits on the scale without having to piece it together from multiple sources.

 

Key Features Of The 1913 Nickel

The 1913 Buffalo Nickel has a lot going on for a five-cent coin. Both sides carry distinct design elements that were quite deliberate, and a few of the coin’s physical details are worth paying attention to — especially when you’re trying to identify what type or variety you have.

The Obverse Of The 1913 Nickel

The obverse features a right-facing profile of a Native American chief, with strong cheekbones, a prominent nose, and textured hair adorned with braids and feathers.

Fraser did not base this on a single individual. The portrait was reportedly modeled from a composite of three chiefs from different tribes: Iron Tail (Sioux), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Seneca).

The word “LIBERTY” appears along the upper right rim, while the date is positioned at the lower right base of the neck. One small detail worth noting: Fraser’s initial “F” is subtly placed just below the date — easy to miss, but a genuine part of the original design.

The Reverse Of The 1913 Nickel

The reverse was modeled after a bison believed to have been inspired by Black Diamond, a bison residing at the Bronx Zoo at that time. The layout changed mid-year, which is why 1913 produced two distinct types. Here’s what each type shows:

Type 1 (early 1913):

• Bison standing on a raised mound
• “FIVE CENTS” inscribed directly on top of the mound
• “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arched above the bison
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM” positioned below the “AMERICA”

Type 2 (later 1913):

• Bison standing on a flat, straight ground line
• “FIVE CENTS” recessed into a lower area beneath the line
• All other inscriptions remain in the same positions as Type 1

The “FIVE CENTS” inscription on the Type 1 was high in relief and wore down very quickly, which is what prompted the mid-year redesign. The Type 2 fix was a practical one — and it’s the design the Mint kept for the rest of the Buffalo Nickel’s 25-year run.

Other Features Of The 1913 Nickel

The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, measures 21.2 mm in diameter, and weighs 5.00 grams. The edge is plain — no reeding or lettering of any kind.

The 1913 Proof issues carry one additional distinction worth mentioning. Proof Buffalo Nickels from this year were given a matte finish — a surface treatment that produces crisp details and mark-free surfaces, but one that looks quite different from the mirror-like Proofs most collectors were used to. Both Type 1 and Type 2 Proofs were struck, with just over 1,500 produced.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)

 

1913 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The six regular-strike varieties of 1913 were not minted in equal numbers. Philadelphia led by a wide margin — the No Mint Mark Type 1 alone had a mintage of 30,992,000, while the No Mint Mark Type 2 came close at 29,856,186.

Denver and San Francisco produced far fewer, with the 1913-S Type 2 recording the lowest mintage of all six at just 1,209,000.

High mintage, however, does not mean high survival. The No Mint Mark Type 2 — despite nearly 30 million struck — has an estimated survival of only 20,000 coins, giving it a survival rate of just 0.067%, the lowest of any regular-strike variety in the 1913 series.

The 1913-S Type 2 is considered the rarest of the six 1913 issues, and its combination of low mintage and scarce survivors makes it a key date in all grades.

The two Proof types occupy a different category entirely. Each was struck individually — 1,520 for Type 1 and 1,514 for Type 2 — with survival rates above 59%, reflecting the careful storage that collector-issued coins typically receive compared to coins that circulated daily.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1913 Nickel Value

Two things drive a 1913 Nickel’s value more than anything else: the specific variety you have and the condition of the coin’s surface.

Variety comes down to mint mark and reverse type — both visible to the naked eye once you know where to look. Condition is trickier, since even small differences in wear can move a coin into a completely different value range.

A practical starting point is the CoinValueChecker App. Its AI photo recognition reads the coin directly from an image — picking up on details like mint mark placement and surface preservation that are easy to overlook — and returns a value estimate based on what’s actually there.

 

1913 Nickel Value Guides

The 1913 Buffalo Nickel comes in eight distinct categories — six regular-strike varieties across three mints, plus two Proof issues. Each one has its own value range, and knowing which one you have is the first step in figuring out what it’s actually worth.

Here’s a breakdown of every variety:

• 1913 No Mint Mark Type 1 Nickel — Philadelphia’s first-type issue; the most common of all 1913 varieties
• 1913-D Type 1 Nickel — Denver’s Type 1; scarcer than Philadelphia, moderately valued in circulated grades
• 1913-S Type 1 Nickel — San Francisco’s Type 1; among the series’ more challenging finds
• 1913 No Mint Mark Type 2 Nickel — Philadelphia’s revised design; high mintage but surprisingly low survival rate
• 1913-D Type 2 Nickel — Denver’s Type 2; one of the scarcest issues in the 1913 series
• 1913-S Type 2 Nickel — San Francisco’s Type 2; low mintage and strong collector demand across all grades
• 1913 Proof Type 1 Nickel — struck in small numbers for collectors; matte finish, not for circulation
• 1913 Proof Type 2 Nickel — the revised design in Proof format; equally rare and equally sought after

Grade and mint origin move values in very different directions across these eight varieties. The sections below cover each one in detail — what makes it scarce, what condition looks like in practice, and what realistic value ranges are at each grade level.

 

1913 No Mint Mark Type 1 Nickel Value

Philadelphia struck just over 30 million of these in early 1913, making it the most widely minted variety of the year. That high number, however, hasn’t kept top-grade examples from becoming genuinely hard to find.

In circulated grades, values stay relatively modest — MS60 runs around $75. The jump becomes steep once you move into gem territory. An MS65 trades in the $235–$275 range, and MS67 examples have sold between $1,325 and $2,400.

At the very top, an MS68 has reached $9,500 on the PCGS price guide, with auction records climbing as high as $79,313. Very few coins have been certified at that level, which is exactly why the premium exists.

If you come across one in original, unclean condition with full horn detail intact, that alone puts it in a different category from the average survivor.

Verified auction records for this variety are documented going back several years, covering a wide range of grades and certified examples.

Market activity over the past year has remained fairly consistent, with some seasonal variation in transaction frequency.

 

1913-D Type 1 Nickel Value

The Denver mint produced around 5.3 million Type 1 coins in 1913 — a fraction of Philadelphia’s output, and that difference shows up directly in price.

What makes this variety interesting is how sharply values climb between grades. A circulated example in grade 40 sits around $60, but step into MS63 and you’re looking at $185–$210. Push to MS65, and the range moves to $475–$525.

That kind of grade sensitivity matters if you’re buying. A coin that looks close to MS65 but grades at MS63 represents a meaningful price difference — worth having it professionally graded before any serious transaction.

Denver coins from this era also tend to show stronger strike quality than San Francisco issues, which can work in your favor when submitting for grading. An above-average strike in a mid-range grade often presents better than the number alone suggests.

Past auction results for this variety are on record across multiple grading tiers, giving a reliable picture of where the market has priced it over time.

Monthly activity over the last twelve months shows a relatively steady pattern, with occasional quieter periods between stronger stretches.

 

1913-S Type 1 Nickel Value

San Francisco struck only 2,105,000 Type 1 nickels in 1913 — the lowest mintage of any regular-strike variety that year. Combined with a survival estimate of around 10,000 coins, this one holds its value firmly across every grade level.

Even in lower circulated grades, a Grade 4 starts at $65. By MS64, you’re in the $500–$600 range, and MS68 examples can trade at $55,000. An MS67+ has been recorded at $16,800 — a figure that reflects just how few high-grade survivors exist.

The long-term case for this variety is straightforward. Demand from registry set collectors keeps competition steady at the top, and even mid-grade coins don’t sit on the market long.

San Francisco’s comparatively lower strike quality means well-struck examples carry an additional premium that isn’t always reflected in the grade alone.

Auction records for this variety span multiple years and grade levels, reflecting its standing as one of the more actively tracked Type 1 issues.

Market activity over the past year has moved in cycles, with busier months punctuated by softer periods rather than a straight-line trend.

 

1913 No Mint Mark Type 2 Nickel Value

On paper, nearly 30 million of these were struck — almost as many as the Type 1 Philadelphia issue. In practice, this variety is far harder to find in decent condition than those numbers imply.

The survival rate sits at just 0.067%, the lowest of any 1913 regular-strike variety. Most circulated heavily before anyone thought to set them aside. An MS60 starts around $70, and MS63 comes in at $150–$175.

The real challenge is finding one that hasn’t been cleaned or harshly handled. Original surface coins in MS64 and above are genuinely scarce, and that’s where the market reflects it — MS65 runs $475–$625, and MS67 moves into $4,250–$14,000 territory.

For anyone assembling a complete 1913 set, this is often the last piece to fall into place — not because it’s expensive, but because finding a problem-free example takes patience.

Sales records for this variety have been documented across a broad grade spectrum, from circulated examples through certified Mint State coins.

Over the past year, trading frequency has shown noticeable month-to-month variation rather than a consistent pace throughout.

 

1913-D Type 2 Nickel Value

Denver’s Type 2 issue had a mintage of just over 4 million, but with only an estimated 10,000 survivors, it ranks among the scarcest coins in the entire 1913 series.

The market reflects that clearly. Even in G4, this variety opens at $125 — well above its Philadelphia counterpart. MS63 sits at $475–$525, and MS66 has traded between $3,850 and $5,250.

At the top end, an MS68 has reached $143,750. Those figures aren’t driven by speculative interest — they reflect genuine scarcity at the census level, where certified examples in gem condition are counted in the dozens.

This is the variety where grade accuracy matters most. The spread between MS64 and MS65 alone can represent thousands of dollars, so professional certification isn’t optional — it’s the baseline for any serious transaction.

This variety has generated a documented auction trail across grade levels, particularly at the higher end where certified population numbers are thin.

Recent market activity reflects the kind of irregular rhythm typical of a scarce coin — periods of concentrated sales followed by quieter stretches.

 

1913-S Type 2 Nickel Value

The 1913-S Type 2 is the key date of the entire 1913 series. With just 1,209,000 struck and an estimated 14,000 surviving, it commands premiums that start at the bottom of the grade scale and only grow from there.

Even heavily worn examples hold real value — a grade 4 begins at $225, the highest entry point of any regular-strike 1913 variety. That floor reflects how consistently competitive this coin is across all conditions.

High-grade survivors are genuinely rare. Only around 250 examples are estimated to exist at MS65 or better, and auction results show what that scarcity means in practice — MS67 examples have reached between $40,000 and $80,000. Any example in original, problem-free condition is worth serious attention regardless of grade.

Auction records for this key date have been tracked consistently over time, with results spanning every grade from heavily circulated to gem Mint State.

Activity over the past twelve months has fluctuated month to month, which is fairly typical for a coin where individual appearances tend to draw concentrated attention.

 

1913 Proof Type 1 Nickel Value

The Philadelphia Mint struck 1,520 Proof Type 1 nickels in 1913. These were produced using a matte finish technique — the planchets and dies were treated to create a fine, sandblasted texture rather than the mirror-like surface most people associate with Proof coinage.

That surface is both the coin’s defining characteristic and its most fragile one. Because the finish lacks reflectivity, even light contact can leave marks that are difficult to distinguish from actual wear under grading standards. Truly problem-free examples above PR65 are far scarcer than the survival numbers alone suggest.

At PR68, a single example has sold for near $100,000 — a figure that reflects both the certified population at that level and the difficulty of preserving a matte surface in that condition over more than a century.

Past auction results for this Proof issue are documented across the full PR grade range, capturing both standard examples and the scarcer high-grade survivors.

Market appearances over the past year have been intermittent by nature — this is not a coin that changes hands frequently, and the activity chart reflects that.

 

1913 Proof Type 2 Nickel Value

Like the Type 1, the 1913 Proof Type 2 was struck with a matte finish — but the two types aren’t identical in how that finish reads on the coin. The Type 2’s recessed “FIVE CENTS” changes the relationship between the design elements and the flat fields, which affects how light interacts with the surface compared to the raised-ground Type 1.

That subtle difference is something experienced collectors do notice, and it makes side-by-side comparison between the two Proof types genuinely interesting from a technical standpoint.

Values start at $775 in PR60 and climb steadily with grade. A PR65 trades in the $2,750–$2,900 range, and at PR68, examples have reached $66,700. Finding a problem-free example above PR65 remains the real challenge — matte surfaces are unforgiving, and originality matters more here than on almost any other 1913 issue.

Auction records for the Proof Type 2 cover a range of certified grades, providing a reference point for where the market has consistently placed this issue.

Trading frequency over the past year has been modest and uneven, consistent with a low-population coin that surfaces only occasionally in the market.

Also Read: 22 Rare Nickel Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1913 Nickel Error List

The 1913 Buffalo Nickel has more documented die varieties than most people realize. These aren’t general mint imperfections — each one listed here has been formally attributed, catalogued, and verified through third-party grading services. If you come across an unfamiliar detail on your coin, it’s worth looking twice.

1. 1913 Type 1 3-1/2 Legs FS-901 Error

This variety occurred the same way as the famous 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel: excessive polishing of the reverse die removed part of the bison’s front leg. The upper portion of the leg disappears, but the hoof remains — which is exactly what creates the “3-1/2 legs” appearance that collectors look for.

This variety is specific to the Type 1 reverse, where the bison stands on a raised mound. When examining a coin, focus on the bison’s front right leg — the one nearest the “FIVE CENTS” inscription.

Normal circulation wear can make details look soft, but this error shows a structural absence that starts from the body, not just surface flattening.

The variety was not widely recognized until years after its discovery. When a PCGS MS64 example surfaced in 2003, it sold for $19,550 — a dramatic entrance for a coin that had largely gone unnoticed. An MS65 followed a year later at $47,437.50. Certified examples are recommended for any transaction, as altered coins do exist in the marketplace.

2. 1913 DDR FS-1801 And FS-1802 Error

Both of these are doubled die reverse varieties — meaning the doubling occurred during the die-making process, when the hub impressed the design onto the working die more than once with a slight misalignment. The result is a visible echo or shadow effect on reverse design elements.

The FS-1802 appears on the Type 1 reverse. Its auction record stands at $3,600 for an MS65, sold through Heritage Auctions in December 2018. The FS-1801 is the Type 2 counterpart — a separate die, a separate attribution, but the same underlying cause.

These two varieties are sometimes grouped together in discussion, but they are distinct coins with separate certified populations.

Both require magnification to identify properly, and neither is as visually dramatic as the 3-1/2 Legs — which is part of why they’re frequently overlooked in the market. That overlooked status is precisely what makes them interesting to variety-focused collectors.

3. 1913 Type 1 2 Feathers FS-401 Error

The Two Feathers variety is caused by overzealous die polishing in the area of the third, innermost feather — the short one positioned between the back of the chief’s neck and the longest feather in the headdress.

When mint workers polished the die to remove clash marks, they occasionally removed that feather entirely, leaving only two feathers visible on the obverse.

PCGS recognizes 27 distinct Two Feathers varieties across the Buffalo Nickel series, spanning 1913 through 1930, and all three mints are represented.

For 1913 specifically, both the Denver and San Francisco issues carry this attribution. The 1913-D and 1913-S are among the earliest documented examples in the series.

A dedicated PCGS Registry Set exists solely for collectors assembling the complete Two Feathers run. When checking your coin, look at the space between the top feather and the braid at the back of the neck.

On a genuine Two Feathers example, that space is clean — no trace of the third feather remains. The 1913-D version sold for $1,440 in MS65 at Heritage Auctions in March 2019.

4. 1913 Type 2 DDO FS-1101 Error

This is a doubled die obverse variety on the Type 2 reverse — meaning the error appears on the front of the coin, not the back.

The most practical diagnostic to look for is a “pregnant” look to the date, where the numerals appear slightly thickened or pushed outward due to the class VI doubling. A die clash mark under the chin of the Native American portrait is also present on many examples.

What makes this one easy to miss is that the doubling is subtle compared to more famous examples in the series. Most coins pass through hands without the variety being noticed — which is why uncertified examples occasionally trade below their attributed value.

The auction record sits at $3,840 for an MS66, sold through Heritage Auctions in August 2023. In higher grades, the premium over a standard Type 2 coin becomes more pronounced, as the certified population at MS65 and above remains thin.

 

Where To Sell Your 1913 Nickel?

Whatever route you choose, taking a few minutes to compare your options upfront can make a real difference in what you walk away with — platforms, fees, and buyer pools vary more than most people expect.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)  

 

1913 Nickel Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 1913 Nickel

1. How much is a 1913 Nickel worth?

It depends entirely on which variety you have and what condition it’s in. A Philadelphia No Mint Mark Type 1 in Good grade starts around $12.80, while a 1913-S Type 2 in the same condition opens at $204. In Mint State, values stretch from a few hundred dollars for common varieties to over $143,000 for a top-grade 1913-D Type 2.

The eight varieties — six regular strikes plus two Proof issues — each have their own value range. The 1913 Proof Type 1, for example, starts at $950 in PR60 and has reached nearly $100,000 at PR68. Grade and mint origin together drive those numbers more than any other factor.

2. How do I tell the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 1913 Nickel?

Flip the coin to the reverse and look at what the bison is standing on. Type 1 shows the bison on a raised mound with “FIVE CENTS” sitting on top of it. Type 2 has a flat ground line with “FIVE CENTS” recessed below — that single detail is the clearest way to tell them apart.

This distinction matters a lot for value. The 1913-S Type 2 starts at $204 in Good grade, while the 1913-S Type 1 opens at $53 in the same condition. Getting the type right before you look up any price is the most important first step.

3. What does the mint mark on a 1913 Nickel look like, and where is it?

The mint mark is a small letter located on the reverse, just below “FIVE CENTS.” A “D” means it was struck in Denver, and an “S” means San Francisco. Philadelphia coins carry no mint mark at all — a blank space in that location is itself the identifier.

Mint origin has a direct impact on value. The 1913-D Type 2 in Good grade starts at $105.20, compared to $12.96 for the Philadelphia No Mint Mark Type 2 in the same condition. That gap only widens as you move up in grade.

4. Is a 1913 Nickel with no mint mark worth anything?

Yes — even heavily worn Philadelphia coins are worth well above face value. A No Mint Mark Type 1 starts at $12.80 in Good grade and climbs to over $9,500 in MS68. The No Mint Mark Type 2 starts similarly low but is actually harder to find in problem-free condition than its high mintage suggests.

That’s because the No Mint Mark Type 2 has a survival rate of just 0.067% — the lowest of any regular-strike 1913 variety. Despite nearly 30 million struck, only around 20,000 are estimated to exist today. Original, uncleaned examples in MS64 and above are genuinely scarce.

5. Why does my 1913 Buffalo Nickel have a missing leg on the bison?

That’s likely the 1913 Type 1 Three-and-a-Half Legs variety — a documented error caused by excessive die polishing that removed part of the bison’s front leg. The upper portion disappears while the hoof remains, which is what creates the distinctive appearance collectors look for.

This variety is specific to the Type 1 reverse and wasn’t widely recognized until around 1988–1995. When an MS64 example first surfaced at auction in 2003, it sold for $19,550. An MS65 followed the next year at $47,437.50. Altered coins do exist in the market, so professional certification is strongly recommended before buying or selling.

6. What is the rarest 1913 Nickel?

Among regular-strike coins, the 1913-S Type 2 is the key date of the series. With a mintage of just 1,209,000 and only around 250 examples estimated to survive in MS65 or better, it commands the highest entry price of any regular-strike 1913 variety — starting at $225 even in heavily worn G4 condition.

At the top of the grade scale, the scarcity becomes even more pronounced. MS67 examples have reached between $40,000 and $60,000 at auction. Even mid-grade coins don’t sit on the market long, and any original, problem-free example draws serious collector attention regardless of where it grades.

7. Should I clean my 1913 Nickel before selling it?

No — and this is one of the most consequential mistakes a beginner can make. Cleaning removes natural patina and creates microscopic scratches that experienced collectors and graders can spot immediately. A coin that looks dull or dark is better left exactly as it is.

A cleaned coin is typically assigned a “details” grade by PCGS or NGC rather than a numeric grade, which significantly limits its market. In practical terms, a cleaned MS65 can trade for the same price as a circulated example. Original surface is one of the most valued qualities in any coin transaction.

8. What is a Matte Proof 1913 Nickel?

Matte Proofs were made at the Philadelphia Mint specifically for collectors, not for circulation. Instead of the mirror-like surface most people associate with Proof coins, these were given a fine, sandblasted texture that produces crisp detail but no reflectivity. Both Type 1 and Type 2 versions were struck in 1913, with around 1,520 and 1,514 pieces respectively.

The matte surface is also the coin’s most fragile quality. Because it lacks gloss, even light handling can leave marks that are hard to distinguish from wear under grading standards. That’s why truly problem-free examples above PR65 are far scarcer than the survival numbers alone suggest — and why a PR68 Type 1 has sold for close to $100,000.

9. How do I grade my 1913 Nickel at home?

Start by checking the high points of the coin under good lighting. On the obverse, focus on the cheekbone and the braid behind the chief’s neck. On the reverse, look at the bison’s front leg and the area across its hip and shoulder — these surfaces show wear first. A coin with no visible wear and original luster is Mint State; flat or missing horn detail generally indicates Good grade or below.

For anything you plan to buy or sell above $100, home assessment is only a starting point. The spread between MS63 and MS65 on a 1913-D Type 2, for example, can represent over $700. Professional certification from PCGS or NGC removes the guesswork and protects both buyer and seller.

10. What makes the 1913-D Type 2 Nickel so valuable?

Denver’s Type 2 had a mintage of just over 4 million — already lower than Philadelphia’s output — but with only an estimated 10,000 survivors today, it ranks among the scarcest coins in the entire 1913 series. Even in G4, it opens at $125, the highest circulated entry point of any Type 2 regular strike.

Certified examples in gem condition are counted in the dozens, which is why prices at the top are so steep. MS66 has traded between $3,850 and $5,250, and an MS68 has sold for $143,750 — the highest recorded sale for any regular-strike 1913 Buffalo Nickel. Grade accuracy matters enormously here: the difference between MS64 and MS65 alone can represent thousands of dollars.