Buffalo Nickel

Brief Description

The obverse (front) of the coin features a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs: Iron Tail (Lakota), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and John Big Tree (Kiowa). The reverse (back) depicts an American bison (buffalo). The coin in the image appears heavily worn, making specific details such as the date and mint mark indistinguishable.

Historical Significance

Designed by James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel was part of President Theodore Roosevelt's efforts to beautify American coinage and introduce more distinctly American themes. It replaced the Liberty Head Nickel and was notable for its celebration of Native American culture and American wildlife. Its production ceased in 1938, replaced by the Jefferson Nickel.

Estimated Value

Due to its heavily worn condition, the specific year and mint mark cannot be determined. In this condition, common dates typically range from "$1" to "$10", but could be higher if it were a rare date or mint mark found through closer inspection (e.g., 1937-D '3-Legged' Buffalo, 1913-S Type 2). Without clear details, it's considered a cull or coin with significant wear.

Care Instructions

Handle the coin by its edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin. Store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in archival-safe holders (e.g., Mylar flips, non-PVC coin slabs) to prevent further damage or environmental degradation. Do not clean the coin, as cleaning can significantly decrease its numismatic value, especially for older or less common coins.

Created At: 2025-11-15T11:37:27.475672