Numismatic

1923-S Buffalo Nickel VG

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The 1923 five-cent piece from the San Francisco Mint represents a classic era of American coinage design. Created by James Earle Fraser, this coin departs from traditional allegorical figures to celebrate the native heritage and wildlife of the American continent. Even when worn to a Very Good grade, the strength of the original composition remains clearly visible. On the obverse, a powerful, right-facing portrait of an American Indian dominates the field. The year 1923 is struck on the lower left curve of the bust. This side captures a detailed and dignified representation that stood out from previous coinage styles. The reverse displays a massive North American bison standing atop a raised mound of earth. Below this mound, the denomination is spelled out as FIVE CENTS, while the San Francisco Mint's distinctive "S" mint mark is positioned just underneath the value. The phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM is also integrated into the reverse design, completing a highly celebrated piece of United States numismatic artistry.