Buffalo Nickel (or Indian Head Nickel)
Numismatic / Coinage (Sculptural relief in miniature) • James Earle Fraser (American sculptor, 1876–1953)
Style & Movement
American Renaissance / Beaux-Arts Realism
Medium & Technique
Copper-nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel); Die-struck relief technique
Creation Period
1913-1938 (Specific date worn away, likely early to mid-period)
Dimensions & Format
Diameter: 21.21 mm; Circular format; Mass: 5.0 grams
Subject Description
Obverse features a profile portrait of a Native American man, created as a composite based on Iron Tail (Sioux), Big Tree (Kiowa), and Two Moons (Cheyenne). It includes the word 'LIBERTY' at the top right.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair / Poor (G-4 or lower grade); heavily circulated with significant wear
Estimated Market Value
$0.50 - $2.00 USD (As a 'dateless' circulated specimen)
Auction Estimate
$0.10 - $1.00 USD (Bulk rate value)
Provenance History
Standard US currency; likely circulated within the general public since the early 20th century before being collected as a vintage specimen.
Art Historical Significance
A landmark in American coinage, Fraser’s design moved away from European-inspired allegorical figures toward uniquely American iconography, celebrating the indigenous peoples and wildlife of the American West.
Notable Features
Dateless obverse; visible 'LIBERTY' inscription; the high relief of the original design led to the characteristic premature wearing of the date area.
Condition Issues
Extreme circulation wear; the date (located on the shoulder) has been completely rubbed away, which is a common flaw for this specific design strike; surface pitting and scratches present.
Conservation Recommendations
Do not clean with chemicals or abrasives as this destroys numismatic value. Store in an acid-free 'flip' or PVC-free holder to prevent environmental oxidation.
Collector Notes
Value