The Buffalo Nickel: An Iconic American Coin

The Buffalo nickel is a well-known American coin that many people enjoy collecting. It followed the Liberty Head nickel and came before the Jefferson nickel. This coin is a tribute to Native American history and the American West, making it an important piece of Americana. Eames MacVeagh described it as “a permanent souvenir of a most attractive sort.” Let’s explore the fascinating story behind this iconic coin.

The Earlier Version – The Liberty Head Nickel

Before the Buffalo nickel, the Liberty Head nickel was in circulation. Designed by Mint Engraver Charles Barber, this coin was first issued in 1883. However, its design caused problems. The Liberty Head nickel was nearly the same size as the half eagle (a five-dollar coin), making it easy for criminals to pass it off as a higher value coin. To fix this issue, the word “CENTS” was added to the back of the coin, allowing it to remain in circulation until 1912.

By 1909, the Liberty Head nickel had been in use for 26 years, longer than Congress allowed for a coin to be eligible for redesign. At this time, President Theodore Roosevelt expressed dissatisfaction with U.S. coin designs. In response, the Mint Director asked Barber to create new designs for a nickel.

Key Facts About the Buffalo Nickel

Feature	Description
Designer	James Earle Fraser
Minting Years	1913 – 1938
Composition	75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Design Elements	Native American, American Buffalo
Popular Varieties	1937-D Three-Legged Nickel, 1926-S

Buffalo Nickel Rarity and Value

Nickel Type	Rarity Level	Estimated Value
1937-D Three-Legged	High	$3,000+
1926-S	Very High	$5,000+
General Buffalo Nickels	Variable	$1 – $500+

The New Nickel’s Development

The new nickel was meant to honor George Washington, but instead, it featured a Native American and a bison. James Earle Fraser was the sculptor chosen for this task. He created his designs in 1911. After several months of work, Fraser was commissioned to produce a model focusing on the Native American head and the bison. By June 1912, his models were ready, and Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh approved the design.

However, before the coin could be minted, it had to be tested by manufacturers of coin-operated machines to ensure it couldn’t be easily copied. MacVeagh confirmed that it would maintain the same size as the previous nickel. Nevertheless, one manufacturer, Clarence Hobbs, wanted changes that Fraser opposed. After some disputes and discussions, the design was finalized, and experimental coins were struck in January 1913. Fraser made one minor adjustment based on feedback, but a conflict between him and Hobbs continued, even reaching President Taft.

On February 22, 1913, the first Buffalo nickels were minted, and 40 of them were presented to Indian chiefs at the groundbreaking of the National American Indian Memorial in Staten Island, New York.

The Buffalo Nickel’s Design

James Earle Fraser wanted the Buffalo nickel to be uniquely American, reflecting the nation’s history. He stated, “…when I was asked to do a nickel, I felt I wanted to do something totally American—a coin that could not be mistaken for any other country’s coin.” He thought the buffalo symbolized American history and connected well with Native Americans.

Interestingly, the Buffalo nickel was made of 75% copper and only 25% nickel. The front (obverse) shows a profile of a Native American with the word LIBERTY beside his forehead and the date near his neck. The back (reverse) features an American buffalo, with the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and E PLURIBUS UNUM below, along with FIVE CENTS under the buffalo’s hooves.

As the Buffalo nickel circulated, the date and denomination often wore off. In response, the words FIVE CENTS were enlarged, and the ground under the buffalo was flattened for better visibility. Despite these changes, many Buffalo nickels today do not have discernible dates because of wear and tear.

Collecting Buffalo Nickels

Collectors highly value certain Buffalo nickels. For instance, the 1937-D three-legged nickel is especially sought after. This error occurred when a Denver pressman weakened one leg of the buffalo while trying to remove marks from a reverse die. The 1926-S Buffalo nickel has the lowest mintage, making it quite rare. The quality of the strike also affects value; coins with strong strikes are worth significantly more than those with weak strikes.

In summary, the Buffalo nickel is more than just a coin; it’s a symbol of American heritage and history. Its unique design and connection to Native American culture make it a valuable collectible. The stories behind its creation and the challenges faced by its designer, James Earle Fraser, add to its charm. Collectors today appreciate its beauty and the fascinating history behind it.

Conclusion

The Buffalo nickel is a significant piece of American history that represents Native American culture and the spirit of the American West. Its unique design, created by James Earle Fraser, has made it a favorite among collectors. The stories surrounding its creation and the challenges faced by its designer add to the coin’s charm. Today, collectors appreciate its beauty and the rich history that comes with it. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just learning about coins, the Buffalo nickel remains a fascinating topic. Its legacy continues to thrive in the world of numismatics, and its story is a reminder of America’s diverse heritage.

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