Numismatic

1916-S Buffalo Nickel Fine

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The 1916 Buffalo nickel represents a classic era of United States coinage, showcasing a design that celebrates the heritage of the American West. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this five-cent piece carries the 'S' mint mark, signaling its origin from the Pacific coast during a dynamic period in the nation's history. On the obverse, a detailed profile of a Native American faces right, capturing a powerful and dignified expression. The reverse is dominated by the image of a massive American bison standing on a mound, a symbol of the vast frontier. Legible inscriptions on the reverse include the Latin motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' and the denomination 'FIVE CENTS', which ground the coin's artistic vision in the official traditions of American currency. This particular coin, composed of copper and nickel, survived decades of circulation to be preserved in Fine condition. Created by the artist James Earle Fraser, the imagery on this 1916-S nickel remains one of the most recognizable and admired artistic achievements in the history of the nation's coinage.