When the buffalo nickel was released in 1916, it quickly became a favorite with collectors and the public alike. The favored it for it’s distinctively “American” design. Designed by James Earle Fraser, it features a representation of a Native American on the obverse, and a bison on the reverse. The reason for the title is that while most Buffalo nickels had a superior strike at the time of minting, the design (especially the date) soon wears off after use in general circulation. All my roll searching friends can testify on that. But the proof versions are beautifully struck, even better than the circulation strikes, and as they were only struck for collectors, most (if not all) have their dates. I have had the chance to see multiple of these special strikes, and I was considering buying one as a nice addition for my collection. But, as I do with all of my potential numismatic purchases, I had to do my research. Here’s some things I discovered.�

The proof Buffalo Nickel was minted only six different dates. The proofs began their short lived mintage in 1913 (when the regular strike Buffalo Nickels came out), and lasted until 1916. Then, after a twenty year period of not being minted in proof format, the proof finish came back for the final two years of the series (1936 and 1937). It is important to note that the 1913 Buffalo Nickels were struck in both Type I and Type II formats. In total, there were 16,148 proofs minted, and the low number defiantly makes the coins more appealing. Here is a chart of the exact mintages for each year:

1913 Type I: 1,520

1913 Type II: 1,514

1914: 1,275

1915: 1,050

1916: 600

1936: 4,420

1937: 5,769

The proof Buffalo Nickels could be found in the 1936 and 1937 proof sets, or purchased from the mint for 20 cents each.�

Keep collecting,�

Thatcoinguy�