Coin Identifier
Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Nickel)
5 Cents ($0.05)

Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Nickel)

United States of America · 1913-1938

The obverse features a profile of a Native American man with a braided hairstyle and feathers. The coin has a distinct copper-red patina and appears worn, which is common for this series as the date was often the first part to wear away.

Country
United States of America
Year
1913-1938
Denomination
5 Cents ($0.05)
Metal
75% Copper, 25% Nickel

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

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Overview

The obverse features a profile of a Native American man with a braided hairstyle and feathers. The coin has a distinct copper-red patina and appears worn, which is common for this series as the date was often the first part to wear away.

Historical significance

Designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin was part of a movement to beautify American coinage. It is celebrated for its uniquely American motifs, featuring a composite portrait of three different Native American chiefs and an American bison on the reverse.

Estimated value

$0.50 - $5.00 (Common date/Heavily worn)

Care & preservation

Store in a PVC-free coin flip or holder to prevent further oxidation. Do not clean or polish the coin, as chemical cleaning can drastically reduce its numismatic value by stripping the original surface and patina.