Numismatic

1916-D Buffalo Nickel XF

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The 1916 Buffalo nickel, struck at the Denver Mint, stands as a classic representation of early twentieth-century American coinage. This five-cent piece, preserved in Extra Fine condition, showcases the rugged, texture-rich artistry of designer James Earle Fraser. Crafted from a copper alloy, the coin features two distinct, powerful portraits that capture a specific era of American design. On the obverse, a detailed right-facing profile of a Native American dominates the field. The word LIBERTY is inscribed along the upper right edge, while the year 1916 is clearly struck at the bottom left. The textured surfaces of the hair, feathers, and facial features remain remarkably defined, illustrating the strength of the original engraving. The reverse depicts a massive American bison, modeled after a famous animal named Black Diamond. The bison stands on a flat mound, a characteristic design element of this year. Above the animal, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM are visible. Below the mound, the denomination FIVE CENTS is accompanied by the D mint mark, indicating its origin at the Denver facility.