Numismatic

1921 Buffalo Nickel Fine

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The 1921 Buffalo Nickel stands as a classic representative of early twentieth-century American coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this five-cent piece is composed of a copper-nickel alloy rather than precious metal. Because it was minted in Philadelphia, it does not display a mint mark, distinguishing it from issues struck at branch facilities. The coin's design, created by James Earle Fraser, captures a distinctively American aesthetic. The obverse features a detailed profile of a Native American chieftain, facing right, with the word "LIBERTY" and the date "1921" clearly visible. On the reverse, a massive American bison stands atop a raised mound, accompanied by the denomination "FIVE CENTS" and the country inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". This particular specimen is preserved in Fine condition, showing the honest wear of a coin that circulated during a fascinating era of American history.