As the first Proof Buffalo nickel and the only one of the Type I design, the popularity of this issue in numismatic circles knows no bounds. The "high" number was no doubt caused by the excitement of the new design type, as the Proof production in 1914 through 1916 in the denomination dropped considerably each consecutive year.

The mintage is just 1,514 pieces, survivors of which are elusive in all grades and very rare in grades above Proof-66. Although the first-year status of the 1913 Type I ensured that the Mint received many orders from contemporary collectors and other interested parties, the difficulty that the untrained eye had in distinguishing these Proofs from exceptionally well produced circulation strikes conspired against a high rate of survival for the former. 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.

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the June 2018 Baltimore Auction, where it realized $28,800.