The Buffalo Nickel's Storied Past (1913-1938)
The buffalo nickel is a vintage five cent coin that was circulated in the United States between 1913 and 1938. This iconic coin featured an American buffalo and an indigenous American on its obverse and reverse sides, respectively. It was primarily minted at three branches of the United States Mint: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
The buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, was designed by renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser. Introduced in 1913, it replaced the Liberty Head nickel, which had been in circulation since 1883. Fraser's design was chosen due to its celebration of America's Westward expansion and the desire to create a more distinctly American coin.
The Philadelphia Mint, Denver Mint, and San Francisco Mint produced the buffalo nickel throughout its 25-year run. The Philadelphia Mint was the primary producer, while the Denver and San Francisco Mints issued coins with the "D" and "S" mintmarks, respectively.
During its circulation, the buffalo nickel was minted in two varieties: Type 1 and Type 2. In 1913, the first year of production, Type 1 featured a raised mound on the reverse side, upon which the buffalo stood. However, this design caused rapid wear on the inscriptions, leading to the introduction of Type 2 later that year, which had a flat ground and revised placement of the inscriptions.
Buffalo nickels can be found in circulated, uncirculated, and graded conditions. Circulated coins typically show signs of wear from handling and use in everyday transactions, while uncirculated coins were never used in circulation and thus retain their original mint luster and detail.
Some notable dates and mintmarks in the buffalo nickel series include the 1913-S Type 2, 1916/16 double die, 1918/7-D, and 1937-D "three-legged" varieties. These coins are highly sought after by collectors due to their scarcity and historical significance.
In 1938, the buffalo nickel was replaced by the Jefferson nickel, which remains the current five cent coin in the United States. Today, the buffalo nickel continues to be a beloved vintage coin among numismatists and collectors, valued for its uniquely American design and historical significance.
Buffalo Nickel Design and Symbolism
The obverse of the Buffalo Nickel features a profile of a Native American, a composite representation of various tribal leaders from the early 20th century. The reverse showcases a majestic American bison, an emblem of the nation's untamed wilderness. Together, these powerful images embody the spirit of the American frontier and its enduring legacy.
Varieties and Mint Marks
Our Buffalo Nickel collection offers a diverse array of dates, mint marks, and varieties, allowing you to delve deeper into the series' fascinating history. Discover coins from the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints, each with its own unique narrative and charm. As you explore our collection, you'll find a wealth of opportunities to enhance your numismatic experience with these cherished five-cent pieces.
Key Buffalo Nickel Dates and Rarities
For the discerning collector, our selection of Buffalo Nickels includes key dates and rarities that will elevate your collection. Among these exceptional coins are the renowned 1913 Type I and Type II varieties, the elusive 1918/7-D overdate, and the highly sought-after 1937-D "Three-Legged" Buffalo Nickel. These extraordinary pieces are not only rare but also embody the rich numismatic history of the United States.
Buffalo Nickel Quality and Authenticity
We understand that the quality and authenticity of each Buffalo Nickel are crucial to your collecting experience. That's why our curated collection features coins that meet the highest standards of preservation and provenance. From circulated examples with rich histories to pristine, uncirculated specimens, you'll find the perfect Buffalo Nickel to suit your preferences.
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Buffalo Nickels and celebrate America's frontier spirit and cultural heritage with these iconic five-cent pieces. Our carefully curated collection offers a wide range of dates, mint marks, and rarities, making it the ideal destination for both novice and experienced collectors alike. Discover the allure of Buffalo Nickels and expand your numismatic horizons with us today.
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