Monday, May 21, 2012

Indian Head (Buffalo) Nickels (1913-1938)

General Coin Information

The Indian Head Nickel was introduced by the US Mint in 1913 and was struck for circulating currency through 1938. While the official name "Indian Head Nickel" certainly describes the coin, most refer to it as the Buffalo Nickel.

Featured on the reverse of the coin is an image of an American Bison, known incorrectly by most as a Buffalo. When settlers first encountered these enormous creatures, they did not know what to call them and compared them to the water buffalo they were familiar with from other continents. Consequently, the name stuck and today Americans use the terms buffalo and bison interchangeably.

Designer James Earl Fraser supposedly used a bison known as 'Black Diamond" in the New York Park Central Zoo as his model for the coin, which originally had the animal on a mound. Premature wear of the denominational inscription of "Five Cents" forced an almost immediate design change to lower the profile of that mound.

Collectors will find that Indian Head Nickels are quite easy and for the most part affordable to collect. It was quite common for many of these coins to be found in pocket change well into the 1960's.

Obverse Design

The obverse of the Buffalo contains an image of a Native American Indian. It is said that the designer Fraser used three different models (all Indian Chiefs) to create the profile. The inscriptions "Liberty" and the date are also found on the obverse.

Reverse Design

Featured on the reverse of the Indian Head Nickel is an image of an American Bison (also known to many as a buffalo), thus giving the coin its nick-name of buffalo nickel. The inscriptions "United States of America," "Five Cents" and the mintmark (if present) are also shown on the reverse.

Indian Head Nickel Coin Specifications

   
   Mint: United States Mint
   Finish/Condition: Circulated
   Metal Content: 75% copper, 25% nickel
   Weight: 5 gms
   Diameter: 21.2mm
   Edge: plain
   Issue Date: 1913-1938
   Face Value: $.05
   Obverse Designer/Sculptor: James Earle Fraser
   Reverse Designer/Sculptor: James Earle Fraser

Featured Indian Head Nickel Auctions

1924 Buffalo Nickel CHOICE FINEXF DETAILSd440
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1916 P Buffalo Nickel High Grade w Full Horn 4
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1920 S Buffalo Nickel NO ACIDFREE SHIPPING b853
1920 S Buffalo Nickel NO ACIDFREE SHIPPING b853
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1 Troy Oz 999 SILVER Clad INDIAN HEAD BUFFALO NICKEL BAR 2012 1 of 999 P1013Q
1 Troy Oz 999 SILVER Clad INDIAN HEAD BUFFALO NICKEL BAR 2012 1 of 999 P1013Q
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1936 Buffalo Nickel SUPER STRONG HORNSENSATIONAL COINd498
1936 Buffalo Nickel SUPER STRONG HORNSENSATIONAL COINd498
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1 2 TROY OUNCE Oz 999 FINE GOLD CLAD BUFFALO NICKELS 5c
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INDIAN HEAD NICKEL BUFFALO NICKEL 1937
INDIAN HEAD NICKEL BUFFALO NICKEL 1937
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Buffalo Nickel Coins 100 • 1 oz each • 999 Copper Bullion • Indian Head
Buffalo Nickel Coins 100 • 1 oz each • 999 Copper Bullion • Indian Head
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1926 D US Denver Buffalo Nickel 5 Cent Coin
1926 D US Denver Buffalo Nickel 5 Cent Coin
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1926 P Good Buffalo Nickel4642
1926 P Good Buffalo Nickel4642
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buffalo nickel lot 5 coins three 1935 one 1935D one 1936
buffalo nickel lot 5 coins three 1935 one 1935D one 1936
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6 Buffalo Nickels 1937 x 4 1930 1935 1936
6 Buffalo Nickels 1937 x 4 1930 1935 1936
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Indian Head Nickel Resources