5 Cents (Nickel)

Buffalo Nickel

United States · 1938

The coin features a portrait of a Native American on the obverse and an American Bison on the reverse. The specific coin pictured is graded PCGS MS66.

Country: United States
Year: 1938
Denomination: 5 Cents (Nickel)
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.

Identified May 19, 2025More united states coins →

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Overview

The coin features a portrait of a Native American on the obverse and an American Bison on the reverse. The specific coin pictured is graded PCGS MS66.

Historical significance

The Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, was minted from 1913 to 1938. It replaced the Liberty Head Nickel and was intended to be more distinctly American. The Native American portrait is a composite of three real individuals, and the bison depicts an American Bison. The coin is highly regarded for its artistic merit.

Estimated value

The value varies greatly depending on condition, mint mark, and specific variety. A 1938-D/S Buffalo Nickel graded MS66 can be worth several hundred to over a thousand dollars.

Care & preservation

Handle the coin by its edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin. Store in the protective slab it is currently in to prevent damage. Avoid cleaning the coin, as this can decrease its value.