United States Buffalo Nickel

Also known as: Indian Head Nickel

Well documentedSupported by multiple reputable specialist catalogues or publications.

Period

1913–1938

Issuing entity

United States

Five-cent coin of the United States designed by James Earle Fraser, showing a Native American head and an American bison.

Historical context

The design replaced the Liberty Head nickel and was itself replaced by the Jefferson nickel in 1938.

Physical characteristics

Denomination
Five cents

Design

Obverse
Native American head facing right
Reverse
American bison standing
Designer
James Earle Fraser

Identification

Variety note
The first 1913 reverse places the bison on a raised mound; a later reverse of the same year lowers the ground line

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.

Research required

  • Composition, weight and diameter to be transcribed from a verified catalogue
  • Full date and mint mark inventory still required
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