THE HISTORY OF THE BUFFALO NICKEL

[D. MARQUIS]

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The Buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, is a coin that was minted by the United States government from 1913 to 1938. The coin features a Native American on the obverse (front) side and a buffalo on the reverse (back) side, giving it its unique name. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of the Buffalo nickel, its design, and its significance in American numismatics.  LEARN MORE ABOUT COLLECTING COINS

In the early 1900s, the United States Mint was looking to update the design of its coins, and in particular, the nickel. The previous design featured a shield on the obverse and the Roman numeral V on the reverse, which had been in use since 1883. The Mint held a competition for the new nickel design, and the winning entry was submitted by a sculptor named James Earle Fraser.

                       Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

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Fraser's design featured a Native American on the obverse, with the word "LIBERTY" above his head and the date below. The reverse showed a buffalo standing on a raised mound, with the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" (Latin for "out of many, one") around the edge. The coin's denomination of "FIVE CENTS" was placed at the bottom.

Fraser was inspired by his experiences growing up on the American frontier and his interactions with Native American tribes. He modeled the Native American on the obverse after three different people: Iron Tail, a Sioux chief; Two Moons, a Cheyenne chief; and Big Tree, a Kiowa chief. The buffalo on the reverse was based on Black Diamond, a bison who lived in the Central Park Zoo in New York City.

The first Buffalo nickels were minted in 1913 and quickly became popular with the public. However, there were some issues with the design. The date and the word "FIVE CENTS" were raised above the surface of the coin, which caused them to wear down quickly and become illegible. In 1916, the Mint changed the design slightly by lowering the relief of the date and denomination, making them less susceptible to wear.
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The Buffalo nickel was produced for 25 years, until it was replaced by the Jefferson nickel in 1938. During its time in circulation, it became an iconic symbol of American culture, and its distinctive design has made it a favorite among collectors.

Today, Buffalo nickels are highly prized by coin collectors, with some rare dates and mint marks fetching thousands of dollars at auction. They remain a popular item for both novice and experienced collectors, and their unique design continues to capture the imagination of Americans over a century after they were first minted.

In conclusion, the Buffalo nickel is a fascinating piece of American numismatic history. Its unique design, inspired by the American West and Native American culture, made it an instant classic when it was first minted in 1913. Although it was only in circulation for a relatively short time, its enduring popularity among collectors is a testament to its timeless appeal.

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