One of the most beloved of United States coin designs, James E.
Fraser’s Indian Head/Buffalo Nickel was nearly abandoned at the
outset due to protests from the vending industry that its bold
design would not activate their machines properly. These
concerns proved unfounded, though the coin did have some
technical flaws. The value FIVE CENTS had to be set within an
exergue midway through the first year’s production to protect it
from wear. Sadly, the same was not done for the date, and
countless pieces were rendered unidentifiable after just a
couple decades in circulation. This is among the most popular of
series with date and mint collectors, as there are no rare
issues to prevent its completion. Scarce coins include nearly
all mintmarked examples before 1916, most prominently 1913-S
Type 2 and 1914-D. Still others are condition rarities, readily
available in worn condition but quite scarce uncirculated and
with sharp impressions. This series has a number of very
dramatic varieties, the most desirable being