Numismatic

1914-S Buffalo Nickel VF

---

The 1914 Buffalo nickel stands as a classic representative of early twentieth-century American coinage. Minted in San Francisco, this five-cent piece is composed of copper and nickel, carrying the distinctive 'S' mint mark. This particular specimen is preserved in Very Fine condition, showcasing the enduring details of its rugged, uniquely American imagery. On the obverse, the coin displays a powerful right-facing profile of a Native American. The word 'LIBERTY' is inscribed along the upper right edge, with the year '1914' clearly visible at the base of the portrait. This design, created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, captured a realistic representation of Indigenous peoples rather than a traditional idealized figure. The reverse of the coin features a magnificent American bison standing on a mound. Above the animal, the legendary motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' is inscribed, while the denomination 'FIVE CENTS' rests at the very bottom. This coin serves as a fascinating window into a transitional era of United States coinage design, celebrating the native heritage and wildlife of the American continent.