Numismatic

1916 Buffalo Nickel AU

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The 1916 five-cent piece stands as a classic example of American coinage, showcasing a bold aesthetic that departed from traditional European-style allegories. This particular coin, preserved in Almost Uncirculated condition, was struck at the Philadelphia Mint during a period of artistic transformation in United States currency. On the obverse, the profile of a Native American chieftain dominates the field. The design integrates the word LIBERTY along the upper right edge, with the date 1916 clearly visible at the base of the neck. The portrait is renowned for its rugged realism and detailed texture, capturing a powerful sense of dignity. The reverse side presents a massive American bison standing atop a raised mound of earth. This depiction of the iconic Western beast is accompanied by the traditional national motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM, positioned just above the animal's lower back. Below the mound, the denomination is spelled out as FIVE CENTS, completing a design that remains one of the most celebrated in the nation's numismatic history.