Numismatic

1924-S Buffalo Nickel VG

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The 1924 five-cent piece struck at the San Francisco Mint represents a classic era of American coinage design. Created by sculptor James Fraser, this coin departs from traditional allegorical figures to celebrate the heritage of the American West. The front of the coin displays a detailed profile of a Native American, while the reverse showcases a massive American bison. That majestic animal on the reverse was modeled after a real bison named Black Diamond, who lived in the Central Park Zoo. On this particular issue, the bison is depicted standing atop a raised mound of dirt. The letter S is visible beneath the denomination, indicating its origin at the San Francisco facility.