Numismatic

1914 Buffalo Nickel VF

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The 1914 five-cent piece stands as an early representative of one of America's most celebrated circulating designs. Struck in Philadelphia, this copper-nickel coin carries no mint mark, which was the standard practice for the main facility at the time. Unlike some precious metal issues of the era, this coin contains no silver, relying instead on a durable base metal alloy to withstand the rigors of daily commerce. James Earle Fraser designed both sides of this coin, creating a powerful tribute to the American West. The obverse features a highly detailed, right-facing portrait of a Native American, with the year 1914 clearly visible. On the reverse, a massive American bison stands atop a raised mound. The inscriptions on the coin include the traditional motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the face value of "FIVE CENTS" beneath the bison, completing a design that remains a favorite among historians and design enthusiasts alike.