Numismatic

1921 Buffalo Nickel AU

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The 1921 five-cent piece stands as a classic representative of early twentieth-century American coinage. This particular specimen, graded in Almost Uncirculated condition, showcases the remarkable artistry of designer James Earle Fraser. His work brought a distinctly rustic and naturalistic aesthetic to the nation's pocket change, departing from the more classical European-style allegories that dominated previous eras. On the obverse, a powerful, detailed portrait of a Native American chieftain faces right. The word LIBERTY is inscribed along the upper right edge, with the year 1921 clearly struck at the bottom left of the bust. The design captures a wealth of texture, from the braided hair and feathers to the strong facial features, all of which remain remarkably crisp on an Almost Uncirculated coin. The reverse presents a massive American bison, often referred to as a buffalo, standing on a raised mound. Above the animal, the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is visible, while the denomination FIVE CENTS is positioned at the very bottom. Because this coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, it does not bear a mint mark, leaving the space below the mound clean and highlighting the original sculptural details of the design.