Numismatic

1917 Buffalo Nickel Fine

---

The 1917 Buffalo Nickel stands as a classic example of twentieth century American coinage. This five cent piece, preserved in Fine condition, showcases a distinct design that captures the spirit of the American frontier. Created by the artist James Earle Fraser, the coin features two highly detailed, iconic images that depart from traditional classical allegories. On the obverse, a powerful portrait of a Native American facing right dominates the field. The word LIBERTY is inscribed along the upper right edge, with the year 1917 clearly visible at the lower left. This side of the coin presents a composite representation of indigenous peoples, rendered with realistic detail. The reverse of the coin features a majestic American bison standing atop a raised mound. Above the bison, the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM are displayed, while the denomination FIVE CENTS is positioned directly beneath the mound. Because this specimen was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, it does not bear a mint mark, leaving the space below the denomination clean and empty.