Numismatic

1915-S Buffalo Nickel VF

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The 1915 five-cent piece struck at the San Francisco Mint represents a classic era of American coinage design. Created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, this copper-nickel coin departs from traditional neoclassical imagery to showcase themes native to the North American continent. This particular specimen survives in Very Fine condition, preserving the distinct details of its celebrated artwork. The front of the coin presents a detailed profile of an American Indian, facing right. The word LIBERTY is inscribed along the upper right edge, with the year 1915 clearly visible on the lower left. Fraser utilized a composite portrait to capture a realistic representation of Native American features. On the reverse, a massive American bison stands on a raised mound of earth. The inscriptions surrounding the animal include the country of origin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, along with the Latin motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. Below the bison, the denomination FIVE CENTS is displayed, with the small S mint mark positioned just underneath, indicating its production at the San Francisco facility.