Buffalo Nickel

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At LCR Coin, we specialize in certified rare coins, modern collectibles, Pre-1933 gold, and precious metals backed by over 35 years of industry experience. Whether you are building a collection, investing in gold and silver, or searching for sought-after modern releases, we focus on offering quality products backed by respected grading services and professional customer support.

We specialize in certified coins from leading grading companies including NGC, PCGS, and CAC, along with premium U.S. Mint releases, low-mintage issues, and advanced designation coins. Every order is handled with care, secure packaging, and a commitment to transparency from purchase to delivery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Why buy from LCR Coin?

LCR Coin has been a trusted rare coin and precious metals dealer for over 30 years, offering certified rare coins, modern releases, and gold & silver bullion from the industry’s leading grading services.

As an Authorized Dealer for PCGS, NGC, and CAC, we are committed to providing collectors and investors with high-quality certified coins, competitive pricing, secure shipping, and exceptional customer service.

Estimated delivery dates are provided on the product page and are subject to change based on U.S. Mint or supplier release schedules. 

More About This Collection

Buffalo Nickels (1913–1938)

The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, is one of the most iconic designs in American coinage. Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, the coin features a Native American portrait on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. Produced from 1913 through 1938, the Buffalo Nickel remains a favorite among collectors of historic U.S. coins.

History of the Buffalo Nickel

Former President Theodore Roosevelt had championed the redesign of American coinage, seeking designs inspired by the classical artistry of ancient Greek and Roman coins. Fraser continued this artistic direction, creating a coin that celebrated distinctly American subjects.

When the first Buffalo Nickels were struck in 1913, the Mint discovered problems with the design. The original reverse featured a bison standing on a raised mound, with the denomination FIVE CENTS beneath it. Because the denomination was vulnerable to excessive wear, the design was modified later that year.

The revised 1913 Type 2 Buffalo Nickel placed the bison on flatter ground, with FIVE CENTS recessed beneath a raised line to provide greater protection. This created two collectible varieties: the 1913 Type 1 and 1913 Type 2 Buffalo Nickels.

Fraser's intricate details also presented striking challenges. The Native American's hair, braid, and feathers, along with the bison's horn, shoulder, and tail, were sometimes weakly struck. The date remained particularly vulnerable to wear on circulated examples.

A Distinctly American Design

Fraser wanted to create a coin that reflected the history and character of the American West. The Native American portrait and powerful bison represented subjects uniquely associated with the United States.

Buffalo Nickels were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. Strike quality varied throughout the series, with certain Denver and San Francisco issues particularly known for weakly defined details.

Key Dates and Rare Buffalo Nickel Varieties

The Buffalo Nickel series includes several important dates and varieties that attract collectors.

1916 Doubled Die Obverse: A distinctive variety featuring noticeable doubling in the date and other obverse details.

1918/7-D Overdate: A rare Denver Mint variety featuring remnants of a 7 beneath the final digit of the 1918 date.

1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel: One of the most famous varieties in American coinage. Excessive polishing of a damaged reverse die removed much of the bison's front foreleg, creating the appearance of a three-legged buffalo.

Collectors pursue Buffalo Nickels by date, mintmark, condition, and die variety, with professionally certified examples graded by PCGS, NGC, and CACG, along with CAC-approved coins, offering authenticated examples of this historic series.