Buffalo Nickels (1913-1938)

Historical Context

Sculptor James Earle Fraser designed the Buffalo nickel, struck from 1913 to 1938; he said the portrait combined the features of several Native American men who sat for him. Philadelphia struck 51,424,029 in 1917. That April 6 the United States entered World War I.

Buying Power

In 1917 this nickel had the buying power of about $1.30 today.

Condition

[Est. VG-10] Circulated, with even nickel-gray surfaces. The full date is readable, which counts on this series, where the raised date often wears away. LIBERTY is clear and the hair braid and feathers show their outlines. On the reverse the bison's head and shoulder fur show some detail, the horn is worn flat and FIVE CENTS is bold. Light scratches and marks on both sides, including fine lines across the bison (see the close-ups). Checked the date and LIBERTY for doubling: none seen. Grade estimated; not professionally graded. Currently still legal tender, but value to collectors is far higher due to its age.

Also In Our Store

More coins: https://www.ebay.com/str/tfauctionsintl?_nkw=coin

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

In May 1927, Charles Lindbergh flew the Spirit of St. Louis nonstop from New York to Paris.

Condition

[Est. VG8 Details Polished] Circulated. The surfaces appear to have been polished at some point; see the photos. The grade is our estimate from the images; the coin has not been professionally graded.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

1913 was the first year of the Buffalo nickel, struck until 1938 when the Jefferson nickel replaced it. The raised date wore away quickly in circulation, so many surviving examples show heavy wear at the date.

Condition

[Est. G4 Details Polished] Circulated. The surfaces appear to have been polished at some point; see the photos. The grade is our estimate from the images; the coin has not been professionally graded.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

In August 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act.

Condition

[Est. VF20 Details Polished] Circulated. The surfaces appear to have been polished at some point; see the photos. The grade is our estimate from the images; the coin has not been professionally graded.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

Sculptor James Earle Fraser designed the Buffalo nickel, struck from 1913 to 1938; he said the portrait combined the features of several Native American men who sat for him. Philadelphia struck about 119 million in 1936, the highest mintage of the series. That August Jesse Owens won four gold medals at the Berlin Olympics.

Buying Power

In 1936 this nickel had the buying power of about $1.20 today.

Condition

[Est. F-12] Circulated, with gray surfaces and red-brown deposits in the recesses of the portrait, the feathers and the date, with a few on the bison (see the close-ups). Bold full date and clear LIBERTY; the hair braid, the bison's head and its fur show good detail, and the horn is worn. Light marks and fine scratches on both sides. Checked the date and LIBERTY for doubling: none seen. Grade estimated; not professionally graded. Currently still legal tender, but value to collectors is far higher due to its age.

Also In Our Store

More coins: https://www.ebay.com/str/tfauctionsintl?_nkw=coin

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.