Numismatic

1914-S Buffalo Nickel Fine

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The 1914 Buffalo nickel, struck at the San Francisco Mint, stands as a classic representative of early twentieth-century American coinage. Crafted from a copper-nickel alloy, this five-cent piece is celebrated for its distinctly American imagery, departing from the traditional European-style allegorical figures that dominated earlier currency. This particular specimen survives in Fine condition, showing honest wear that tells the story of its journey through daily commerce. On the obverse, a powerful, detailed profile of a Native American facing right dominates the design. The year 1914 is clearly visible at the lower left of the portrait. This side also bears a small letter F, representing the initial of the sculptor, James Earle Fraser. The reverse of the coin features a massive American bison standing on a mound, facing left. The legendary motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is inscribed above the animal's back, while the denomination FIVE CENTS is positioned at the bottom. Directly beneath the denomination, the distinctive S mint mark indicates its origin at the San Francisco facility, making this a fascinating piece of early West Coast minting history.