Numismatic

1917-D Buffalo Nickel AU

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The 1917 Buffalo nickel stands as a classic representative of early twentieth-century American coinage. Struck at the Denver Mint, this five-cent piece captures the spirit of the American West through its bold, sculptural artwork. The design, created by artist James Earle Fraser, departs from traditional classical allegories to celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of the continent. On the obverse, a powerful, detailed profile of a Native American faces right. The simple inscription LIBERTY is placed along the upper right edge, with the year 1917 clearly visible at the base of the neck. The textured details of the hair and feathers showcase the artistic depth of this series, which remains highly visible in this Almost Uncirculated condition. The reverse features a massive American bison standing on a mound, symbolizing the vast wildlife of the plains. The inscriptions on this side include the national motto E PLURIBUS UNUM above the bison's back, the denomination FIVE CENTS along the bottom, and the distinct D mint mark indicating its origin in Denver. This combination of rugged imagery and clean typography makes the coin a fascinating study for anyone exploring the history of United States currency.