The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, is a treasured part of American coin history. Designed by James Earle Fraser, this five-cent coin was minted between 1913 and 1938. Its iconic design features a Native American on one side and a buffalo on the other, capturing the essence of American heritage. The Buffalo Nickel was part of a push to make U.S. coins more artistic and attractive, an idea supported by President Theodore Roosevelt.
Historical Context
The Buffalo Nickel came at a time when the U.S. Mint wanted to improve the look of American coins. It was first struck on February 22, 1913, during a ceremony for the planned National American Indian Memorial in New York. Even though the memorial was never built, the coin became a lasting symbol of America’s history and culture.
Design Inspiration
The coin’s design was inspired by Fraser’s childhood experiences in South Dakota, where he was exposed to Native American culture. The Native American on the obverse was based on three individuals: Two Moons, Iron Tail, and an unnamed third person. The buffalo on the reverse was modeled after Black Diamond, a bison from either the Bronx or Central Park Zoo.
Minting Challenges
The Buffalo Nickel faced many production issues. Charles Barber, the engraver, worried that the coin’s detailed design would wear out quickly. He was right. The coin’s dies wore down much faster than those used for other coins, leading to blurry details and worn-out dates. Although some design changes were made, they didn’t fully solve the problem.
Notable Errors
One of the most famous errors is the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel. At the Denver Mint, a worker polished a die too much, causing one of the buffalo’s legs to disappear. This error wasn’t noticed right away, so thousands of these coins were released. Today, this error makes the coin extremely valuable to collectors.
Collectability and Value
The Buffalo Nickel is popular with collectors because of its unique design and rich history. Many Buffalo Nickels can still be found today, but some rare dates are worth much more. Here are a few valuable varieties:
- 1913-S Type 2: Known for being rare and hard to find.
- 1918/7-D: An overdate coin that has two dates visible due to an error.
- 1937-D Three-Legged: A rare error that is highly sought after.
The value of a Buffalo Nickel depends on its condition and rarity. Common nickels in worn condition might only be worth a few cents, but rare ones can sell for thousands of dollars.
Table of Notable Buffalo Nickel Varieties
| Coin | Value (Approx.) | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1913-S Type 2 | $400 – $1,200 | Rare coin from San Francisco Mint |
| 1918/7-D | $1,500 – $5,000 | Overdate error, highly collectible |
| 1937-D Three-Legged | $500 – $4,000 | Famous mint error with missing leg |
Market Trends
The market for Buffalo Nickels is strong. Collectors are always looking for both circulated and uncirculated examples. Prices vary depending on the economy and the interest of collectors, but rare varieties and coins with errors continue to rise in value.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Nickel remains an iconic piece of American numismatic history. Its striking design captures the spirit of the early 20th century, blending Native American heritage and American wildlife. Although it faced several production issues, including worn-out dates and notable minting errors, these challenges only add to its charm. Today, collectors value the Buffalo Nickel not only for its beauty but also for the fascinating stories behind its creation. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned collector, owning a Buffalo Nickel means holding a small but important part of American history.
FAQs
What is the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel?
The 1937-D Three-Legged Nickel is a famous mint error where one of the buffalo’s legs was removed due to over-polishing during production.
How much is a Buffalo Nickel worth?
The value can range from a few cents for common dates to thousands of dollars for rare varieties or error coins.
Who designed the Buffalo Nickel?
The Buffalo Nickel was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, who drew inspiration from Native American culture and the American frontier.