Numismatic

1920-S Buffalo Nickel XF

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The 1920 Buffalo Nickel, struck at the San Francisco Mint, represents a classic era of United States coinage. This five-cent piece, preserved in Extra Fine condition, showcases the distinct artistry of sculptor James Earle Fraser. His work brought a bold, realistic aesthetic to American pocket change during the early twentieth century. On the obverse, a powerful profile of a Native American chieftain faces right. The simple inscription LIBERTY is placed along the upper right edge, with the year 1920 stamped clearly at the base of the neck. Fraser's design is celebrated for its textured details, capturing a lifelike portrait that departed from traditional classical allegories. The reverse depicts a massive American bison standing atop a raised mound. Above the animal, the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM span the upper arch. Below the mound, the face value is designated as FIVE CENTS, with the small S mint mark of the San Francisco facility positioned just beneath it.