1913 Buffalo Nickel. Type I. Proof-68 (PCGS). CAC.This enhancing specimen really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Halos of rich reddish-orange, salmon-pink and cobalt blue peripheral toning frame powder blue centers. The strike is full throughout the design, as befits the method of manufacture, and the satin-finish surfaces are as smooth and unblemished as the day the coin emerged from the dies. The first Proof issue of its type, the 1913 Type I was ordered in large numbers by contemporary Americans seeking a high quality example of the newly introduced design. Even so, survivors from a mintage of 1,520 pieces are not as plentiful as one might expect. Given that the satin finish of this issue was less dramatic than the brilliant and cameo finish used for Proof Liberty Head nickels, many examples were later spent or otherwise mishandled. Today, high quality pieces such as this are exceedingly rare and eagerly sought by astute collectors.PCGS# 3988. NGC ID: 278R.
