Bill Jones' 20th century Proof coins
5c Buffalo, Type 2, Matte (1913-1916)

Owner Comments:

Soon after mint began producing the Buffalo Nickel in March 1913, it was noted that two areas on the coin, the date and the denomination “FIVE CENTS” would be vulnerable to excessive wear. Oddly, mint engraver, Charles Barber, did not address the date issue when he modified the design, but he did change the reverse. The new reverse depicted the buffalo standing on a straight line above “FIVE CENTS,” which was now protected in a recessed area. The adjustment worked well for the reverse, but the date, as anyone who has ever tried to collect Buffalo nickels for hoards of circulated coins can tell, was all too quickly worn smooth.

With a mintage of only 1,514 pieces, the 1913 Type 2 Matte Proof Buffalo nickel is very scarce coin. But the similarity of its finish to the to the business strike pieces has limited its popularity among collectors.