Numismatic

1924-S Buffalo Nickel Fine

---

The 1924 Buffalo Nickel, struck at the San Francisco Mint, stands as a classic representative of early twentieth-century American coinage. This five-cent piece, graded in Fine condition, carries the distinct character of a coin that circulated through daily commerce during the interwar era. Its surfaces display the honest wear of history while preserving the essential details of its celebrated, rustic artwork. On the obverse, the coin features a powerful right-facing portrait of a Native American, created by sculptor James Fraser. The word LIBERTY is positioned along the upper right edge, and the date 1924 is stamped clearly at the base of the profile. This design was a departure from traditional allegorical figures, opting instead for a composite portrait that captured the strength and dignity of America's indigenous peoples. The reverse depicts a massive American bison, modeled after a famous resident of the Central Park Zoo named Black Diamond. The majestic animal stands atop a raised mound, with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM placed above its back. Below the mound, the denomination FIVE CENTS is inscribed alongside the 'S' mint mark, indicating its origin at the San Francisco facility. This coin remains a favorite for those who appreciate the intersection of natural beauty and historical American currency.