Numismatic

1928-S Buffalo Nickel Fine

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The 1928 Buffalo nickel stands as a classic representative of early twentieth-century American coinage. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this five-cent piece is composed of copper and nickel, carrying the distinctive "S" mint mark on its reverse. This particular coin has survived in Fine condition, showing the honest wear of a piece that once circulated widely in daily commerce. Designed by the artist James Earle Fraser, the coin presents two powerful, iconic images of the American West. The obverse features a highly detailed, dignified profile of a Native American man, facing right, with the word "LIBERTY" and the year "1928" clearly visible. Fraser's design departed from traditional depictions of Liberty, opting instead for a realistic portrayal inspired by multiple living models. The reverse of the coin showcases a massive American bison, often referred to as a buffalo, standing atop a raised mound of dirt. Above the animal, the inscriptions read "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM". Below the mound, the face value of "FIVE CENTS" is displayed, completing a design that remains one of the most celebrated and uniquely American artistic achievements in numismatic history.