5 Cents (Nickel)

Buffalo Nickel

United States · 1987 (This appears to be an error in the coin or a novelty item, as Buffalo Nickels were minted from 1913-1938. The date 1987 on the coin in the image suggests it is either a counterfeit, an altered coin, or a privately minted token intentionally designed to resemble a Buffalo Nickel with an anachronistic date.)

The obverse (front) of the coin features a right-facing portrait of a Native American chief. The word 'LIBERTY' and the year '1987' are visible, along with 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. The reverse typically features an American bison.

Country: United States
Denomination: 5 Cents (Nickel)
Metal: Copper-Nickel (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 September 24, 2025More united states coins →

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Overview

Historical significance

The original Buffalo Nickel (1913-1938) is known for its iconic design by James Earle Fraser, intended to depict uniquely American subjects. Its design was a departure from earlier coins featuring classical figures. However, a 1987 Buffalo Nickel as depicted would be highly unusual and not part of official U.S. coinage circulation for that year. If it were a genuine Buffalo Nickel, its significance lies in its artistic merit and its representation of American history and wildlife.

Estimated value

If this coin is indeed a genuine U.S. Mint 'Buffalo Nickel' with a '1987' date, it would be a significant error coin and extremely valuable, likely thousands or tens of thousands of dollars, as no such coin was officially minted. However, it is far more likely to be a novelty item, a privately minted piece, or a counterfeit, in which case its value would be negligible, perhaps a few dollars at most as a curiosity, or its melt value if it's not made of copper-nickel.

Care & preservation

For genuine coins, handle by the edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin, which can cause discoloration over time. Store in a cool, dry place, preferably in archival-safe holders (e.g., Mylar flips, PVC-free coin slabs). Do not clean the coin unless you are an expert and know how to do so without damaging its value and surface (cleaning coins often reduces their numismatic value). Given the unusual date, further authentication by a professional numismatist would be recommended.

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Overview

Historical significance

Estimated value

Care & preservation

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Learn about Buffalo Nickel in the encyclopedia