Introduction to the Buffalo Nickel Series
The Buffalo Nickel, officially known as the Indian Head Nickel, is one of the most beloved and distinctly American coin series ever minted. Produced from 1913 to 1938, these five-cent pieces capture the spirit of the American West with their powerful imagery. For both seasoned numismatists and new collectors, the Buffalo Nickel offers a fascinating journey into U.S. coinage history, filled with intriguing varieties and challenging key dates.
A Design Rooted in American Heritage
The Vision of James Earle Fraser
The design of the Buffalo Nickel was the brainchild of sculptor James Earle Fraser. Tasked with creating a coin that was unequivocally American, Fraser drew inspiration from his childhood spent in the Dakotas. The obverse features a composite portrait of three different Native American chiefs: Iron Tail (Lakota Sioux), Two Moons (Cheyenne), and Big Tree (Kiowa). Fraser aimed to create a dignified and representative image, avoiding the stereotypical depictions often seen in earlier coinage.
Obverse and Reverse Details
The obverse, or 'heads' side, showcases the stoic profile of the Native American chief, with the word "LIBERTY" prominently displayed to his upper right. The date of issue appears below his neck. The reverse, or 'tails' side, features a majestic American bison (commonly referred to as a buffalo) standing on a mound of dirt. Above the buffalo are the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." Below the buffalo, the denomination "FIVE CENTS" is inscribed. Early issues (Type 1, 1913 only) had "FIVE CENTS" on a raised mound, which quickly wore down, leading to the redesigned Type 2 with the denomination in a recessed area.
Key Dates, Varieties, and Errors to Hunt For
Collecting Buffalo Nickels can be an exciting hunt for rare dates, unique varieties, and fascinating errors. Due to the design's susceptibility to wear, finding well-preserved examples, especially with legible dates, can be a rewarding challenge.
- 1913-S Type 2: A low mintage issue from the San Francisco Mint, highly sought after.
- 1914-D: Another scarce date, particularly in higher grades.
- 1916/1916 Doubled Die Obverse: A prominent and desirable error showing clear doubling on the date and "LIBERTY."
- 1918/7-D Overdate: A popular and visually distinct overdate variety.
- 1921-S: A key date due to its low mintage.
- 1937-D "Three-Legged" Buffalo: Perhaps the most famous error in the series, caused by excessive die polishing that removed one of the buffalo's front legs.
- 1938-D/S Overmintmark: A fascinating variety where a 'D' mintmark was punched over an 'S'.
Tip: Always examine Buffalo Nickels carefully, especially the date, as wear often obscures these crucial details. Many collectors use a magnifying glass to identify faint dates.
Collecting Strategies for Buffalo Nickels
Building a Date and Mintmark Set
Many collectors aim to complete a full set of Buffalo Nickels by date and mintmark. This can be challenging due to the scarcity of certain issues and the difficulty in finding high-grade examples. However, even assembling a circulated set can provide immense satisfaction.
Type Collecting
A simpler approach is to collect the different types: the 1913 Type 1 (raised ground under "FIVE CENTS") and Type 2 (recessed ground) and then a common date from the later years. This allows you to appreciate the design evolution without the expense of a full set.
Condition and Grading
The condition of a Buffalo Nickel significantly impacts its value. Key features for grading include:
- Full Horn: The buffalo's horn should be clearly defined.
- Full Leg: All four legs of the buffalo should be visible and detailed (unless it's the 1937-D error!).
- Date Legibility: This is often the first feature to wear, making legible dates on older coins highly prized.
For more valuable or rare issues, consider professional grading services to authenticate and encapsulate your coins, ensuring their long-term preservation and value.
What to Look Out For: Common Issues
- Date Wear: As mentioned, dates are notoriously prone to wear. Many 'dateless' Buffalo Nickels exist, often salvaged by collectors using acid treatments (a practice not recommended as it damages the coin).
- Weak Strikes: Some mints, particularly San Francisco, occasionally produced coins with weaker strikes, leading to less defined details even on uncirculated examples.
- Cleaning and Damage: Due to their age and widespread circulation, many Buffalo Nickels have been cleaned, scratched, or damaged. Always aim for original, problem-free coins when possible.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Nickel series stands as a timeless testament to American history and artistic achievement. Whether you're drawn to the powerful symbolism, the thrill of the hunt for key dates, or simply the beauty of its design, collecting Buffalo Nickels offers a rich and rewarding experience. Start your journey today and connect with a piece of America's storied past!
