Numismatic

1919 Buffalo Nickel XF

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The 1919 Buffalo nickel stands as a classic example of early twentieth-century American coinage. Created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, this five-cent piece captures a distinctively rustic aesthetic that departed from the more traditional, European-inspired designs of earlier eras. Because this coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, it does not bear a mint mark, leaving the focus entirely on its bold, textured surfaces. On the obverse, a powerful profile of an American Indian faces right. The simple inscription LIBERTY is positioned along the upper right edge, with the year 1919 clearly visible at the base of the neck. The design relies on deep contours and realistic textures rather than flat, idealized features, giving the portrait an immediate sense of presence. The reverse side showcases a massive American bison standing atop a raised mound. The animal dominates the center of the coin, surrounded by the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM above, while the face value of FIVE CENTS is positioned directly below the mound. This particular specimen is preserved in Extra Fine condition, displaying crisp details that highlight the strength and character of Fraser's original artwork.