Numismatic

1916 Buffalo Nickel VF

---

The 1916 five-cent piece stands as a classic representative of early twentieth-century American coinage. Struck in Philadelphia, this coin displays the celebrated artistry of James Earle Fraser. The design departs from traditional neoclassical imagery, choosing instead to celebrate themes native to the North American continent. On the obverse, a detailed profile of a Native American chieftain looks toward the right. The simple inscription of liberty and the date of production, 1916, accompany the portrait. The texture and detail remaining on this specimen indicate its survival in a Very Fine state of preservation, showing the strength of the original engraving. The reverse of the coin presents a powerful American bison standing atop a raised mound of earth. Curving along the upper rim are the words identifying the United States of America, alongside the traditional motto of unity. Below the animal, the denomination of five cents is clearly displayed, completing a design that remains one of the most recognizable in numismatic history.