Numismatic

1930 Buffalo Nickel MS-65 PCGS

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The 1930 Buffalo Nickel stands as a classic representative of early twentieth-century American coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this five-cent piece captures a rugged, distinctly American aesthetic. The coin is graded in exceptional Mint State 65 (MS-65) condition, preserving the vivid textures and sharp details originally envisioned by its creator, James Fraser. On the obverse, a powerful right-facing profile of a Native American dominates the field. The simple inscription "LIBERTY" is positioned along the upper right rim, while the year 1930 is clearly struck at the bottom left. This portrait represents a departure from traditional allegorical figures, opting instead for a realistic depiction of indigenous heritage. The reverse features a massive American bison, modeled after a famous animal named Black Diamond. The bison stands on a raised mound, symbolizing the vast western plains. Surrounding this central figure are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the Latin motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" above, with the denomination "FIVE CENTS" anchored firmly at the bottom.