Numismatic

1913-1938 Buffalo Nickels (Culls)

---

The five-cent coin issued by the United States between 1913 and 1938 stands as one of the most distinctly American designs in the nation's numismatic history. Commonly known as the Buffalo nickel, this copper-nickel alloy coin replaced the Liberty Head design and brought a bold, rustic aesthetic to everyday commerce. The series spanned a quarter of a century, capturing the spirit of the American West on a small metal canvas. On the obverse, the coin displays a powerful right-facing profile of a Native American. This detailed portrait is accompanied by the word LIBERTY and the year of mintage. The design was created by James Fraser, who drew inspiration from the faces of real individuals to compose the iconic image. The reverse side of the coin features a magnificent American bison standing on a mound, an image that became synonymous with the American wilderness. Below the animal, the denomination is clearly inscribed as FIVE CENTS. Even in heavily worn or cull condition, the striking silhouettes on both sides of this coin remain instantly recognizable, representing a fascinating era of United States coinage.