Metal Live Price Gold: $2,243.35 Silver: $25.15 Platinum: $923.20

Buffalo Nickels (1913-1938)

The Indian nickel, more popularly known as the "Buffalo" nickel, replaced the Liberty Head nickel in 1913. There are 2 so-called "Types" of Buffalo nickels.


The Indian nickel, more popularly known as the "Buffalo" nickel, replaced the Liberty Head nickel in 1913. There are 2 so-called "Types" of Buffalo nickels.

The Type I has the Buffalo (or Bison) standing on a raised mound with FIVE CENTS inscribed on it. Unfortunately it was found that the relief of the mound caused it to wear quickly, thus the bottom was redesigned creating the Type II.

The Type II has the Buffalo (or Bison) standing on a line of plane with "FIVE CENTS" inscribed in recess to help prevent it from wearing so quickly.

James E. Fraser, a well known sculptor, created the design of the nickel. The obverse (front) was a composite image of 3 Native American models and the reverse (back) was styled from a bison at the Bronx Zoo.

There are a few very popular varieties that collectors highly seek.

The most famous of these is the 1937 D Three Legged Buffalo Nickel.

Other popular varieties include:

The 1918 over 17 D Buffalo Nickel
The 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Nickel
The 1938 D/S Buffalo Nickel
And the 1914/1913 (overdate) Buffalo Nickel

Related Products

Buffalo Nickel Album 1913-1938

Buffalo Nickel Album 1913-1938

Continue your nickel album collection with the official Buffalo Nickel Album 1913-1938 coin album. G..

$5.95

Buffalo Nickels in AG Condition

Buffalo Nickels in AG Condition

These Buffalo Indian Head nickels are all graded in the About Good (AG) condition category..

$0.00

Buffalo Nickels in XF Condition

Buffalo Nickels in XF Condition

These Buffalo, Indian Head nickels are all graded in the Extra Fine (XF) condition categor..

$0.00

Buffalo Nickels in VF Condition

Buffalo Nickels in VF Condition

These Buffalo, Indian Head nickels are all graded in the Very Fine (VF) condition category. You..

$0.00

Buffalo Nickels in Fine Condition

Buffalo Nickels in Fine Condition

These Buffalo, Indian Head nickels are all graded in the Fine (F) condition category. You can c..

$0.00

Buffalo Nickels in VG Condition

Buffalo Nickels in VG Condition

These Buffalo, Indian Head nickels are all graded in the Very Good (VG) condition category..

$0.00

Buffalo Nickels in Good Condition

Buffalo Nickels in Good Condition

These Buffalo, Indian Head nickels are all graded in the Good (G) condition category. You can c..

$0.00

Tags Buffalo Nickels, nickels, nickel, coins, indian head, indian head nickel, buffalo, bison coin