The Buffalo nickel is one of the most popular coins among collectors. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a Native American on its face, and it was minted for only 25 years (1913-1938).
The name “Buffalo” came from collectors who thought that the animal depicted looked like a buffalo when in fact it wasn’t even an American bison. Here are some facts about this historic coin:
The Buffalo Nickel Is a Favorite Among Many Collectors
The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel is a popular coin for collectors. In fact, it is the most collected U.S. coin by Americans and has been for years. The Buffalo nickel has become so famous that it is often referred to simply as the Indian Head nickel.
This coin was minted from 1913-1938 in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco (P/D/S). The coins were made of 90% copper, 10% nickel and weigh 5 grams each.
There are two ways you can collect these coins: Proofs or business strikes (also known as circulation strikes). Proofs have special finishes which make them shinier than regular business strike coins when held up against light; however both types may be available at different prices depending on their condition level.
Native American as a Design Element
The Buffalo nickel was the first U.S. coin to feature a Native American as its main design element. It was also the first time that an Indian Chief’s portrait appeared on a circulating coin.
This design, which featured a profile of an Indian man wearing a feather headdress, was originally created by James Earle Fraser. The other side has an American Bison standing on prairie grasses.
Origin of the Name “Buffalo”
The “buffalo” name for this coin did not originate with the US Mint; it was coined by collectors who thought the animal looked like a buffalo, though it is actually an American bison, also known as a plains bison.
Though its nickname has nothing to do with its design, the Indian Head nickel is notable for being the first U.S. coin to feature a Native American as its main design element. The coin features an Indian chief wearing a headdress on one side and an image of a buffalo standing on top of a mound on the other side.
Further Production
The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel was first minted in 1913 with no “D” or “S” mint mark. In 1914 production moved to San Francisco with an S and Denver with a D. The Indian Head Buffalo Nickel is the first US coin to feature an American Native American on it.
This coin was replaced by the Jefferson Nickel in 1938, which is still being produced today in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco (with different designs).
In Conclusion
The Indian Head nickel is a great way to start your coin collection. It’s affordable, easy to find and has a long history with collectors. If you’re looking for one of these coins, check out online auctions like Blanchard where you can find great deals.