answersLogoWhite

0

The reverse design of buffalo nickels was changed in mid-1913 because of excessive wear to both the dies used to strike the coins and the coins themselves.

The first buffalo nickels featured the buffalo standing on a raised mound. That design caused dies to wear out three times faster than expected. In addition both the date and denomination started to wear quickly after the coins were in circulation.

In an effort to fix the problem, the coin's designer James Earle Fraser and the Mint's chief engraver Charles Barber modified the design to make it easier to strike and reduce circulation wear. The raised mound was changed to a smaller flat plain, and words FIVE CENTS were altered to make them larger and less subject to wear.

In spite of these changes the coins continued to suffer from excessive die breakage and circulation wear. Even though the coins were extremely popular they were replaced with the now-familiar Jefferson nickel immediately at the end of the statutory 25-year period for new designs.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the value of an 1867 nickel with a buffalo?

The U.S. mint did not issue a nickel with a buffalo on it in 1867.


What is the value of a 1911 buffalo head nickel?

A) The buffalo nickel design was not introduced until 1913B) The buffalo design does not show the head of a buffalo, it shows the entire animal.If you are referring to a 1911 Liberty nickel, its retail value is $3 to $20 depending on condition.If you are referring to a Buffalo nickel (also called an Indian head nickel) you can find a range of values at this site, among others:


What is the F on the buffalo silver dollar stand for?

It stands for James Earle Fraser, the designer of the Buffalo nickel. Since the buffalo silver dollar borrows the design of the buffalo nickel, Fraser's initial is placed on it also.


What is the value of a 1919 us buffalo nickel?

This design is called either a buffalo nickel or an Indian head nickel; both names are about equally common. Please see the question "What is the value of a 1919 US nickel?" for more information.


What is the value of a 1917 buffalo nickel?

This famous design is called either a buffalo nickel or an Indian head nickel; both names are about equally common. Please see the question "What is the value of a 1917 US nickel?" for more information.


When was the buffalo nickel last minted?

Buffalo nickels were minted from 1913 to 1938.Coins dated 1938 were only struck at Denver. At the time the mint was preparing the new Jefferson design but production was delayed. An extra run of the buffalo design was made to meet the need for additional nickels in circulation.


How much is a 1917 Buffalo Indian Head Nickel worth?

This famous design is called either a buffalo nickel or an Indian head nickel; both names are about equally common. Please see the Related Question for more information.


Who is on the buffalo nickel?

The visage of the Indian which dominates the obverse design was a composite of several Native Americans.


How much is a nickel with a bison?

A nickel with a bison design is commonly referred to as a "buffalo nickel" and was minted from 1913 to 1938. The value of a buffalo nickel can vary depending on its condition and rarity, but typically they are worth around $1 to $10 for common dates in circulated condition.


What is the value of a buffalo head nickel that has no date on it?

The buffalo nickel had a design flaw which led to the date wearing off easily. Dateless buffaloes are worth about 10 cents, good for use in crafts or jewelry.


When was Buffalo nickel created?

Buffalo nickel was created in 1913.


Who is image on the buffalo nickel?

The visage of the Indian which dominates the obverse design was a composite of several Native Americans.