Numismatic

1917-S Buffalo Nickel AU

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The 1917 Buffalo nickel, struck at the San Francisco Mint, stands as a classic example of early twentieth-century American coinage. This five-cent piece, preserved in Almost Uncirculated condition, showcases the artistry of James Earle Fraser. The design replaces traditional allegorical figures with imagery deeply rooted in the American landscape and heritage. On the obverse, a detailed profile of a Native American chief faces right, with the word LIBERTY clearly inscribed along the upper right edge. Below the portrait, the date 1917 is boldly displayed. The reverse features a massive American bison standing atop a raised mound, a distinct design element of this series. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM span the top, while the denomination FIVE CENTS rests at the bottom. Just below the mound, the small S mint mark indicates its origin from the San Francisco facility.