The reverse design of buffalo nickels was changed in mid-1913 because of excessive wear to both the dies used to strike the coins and the coins themselves.
The first buffalo nickels featured the buffalo standing on a raised mound. That design caused dies to wear out three times faster than expected. In addition both the date and denomination started to wear quickly after the coins were in circulation.
In an effort to fix the problem, the coin's designer James Earle Fraser and the Mint's chief engraver Charles Barber modified the design to make it easier to strike and reduce circulation wear. The raised mound was changed to a smaller flat plain, and words FIVE CENTS were altered to make them larger and less subject to wear.
In spite of these changes the coins continued to suffer from excessive die breakage and circulation wear. Even though the coins were extremely popular they were replaced with the now-familiar Jefferson nickel immediately at the end of the statutory 25-year period for new designs.
The U.S. mint did not issue a nickel with a buffalo on it in 1867.
A) The buffalo nickel design was not introduced until 1913B) The buffalo design does not show the head of a buffalo, it shows the entire animal.If you are referring to a 1911 Liberty nickel, its retail value is $3 to $20 depending on condition.If you are referring to a Buffalo nickel (also called an Indian head nickel) you can find a range of values at this site, among others:
This design is called either a buffalo nickel or an Indian head nickel; both names are about equally common. Please see the question "What is the value of a 1919 US nickel?" for more information.
Buffalo nickels were minted from 1913 to 1938.Coins dated 1938 were only struck at Denver. At the time the mint was preparing the new Jefferson design but production was delayed. An extra run of the buffalo design was made to meet the need for additional nickels in circulation.
This famous design is called either a buffalo nickel or an Indian head nickel; both names are about equally common. Please see the Related Question for more information.
The U.S. mint did not issue a nickel with a buffalo on it in 1867.
A) The buffalo nickel design was not introduced until 1913B) The buffalo design does not show the head of a buffalo, it shows the entire animal.If you are referring to a 1911 Liberty nickel, its retail value is $3 to $20 depending on condition.If you are referring to a Buffalo nickel (also called an Indian head nickel) you can find a range of values at this site, among others:
It stands for James Earle Fraser, the designer of the Buffalo nickel. Since the buffalo silver dollar borrows the design of the buffalo nickel, Fraser's initial is placed on it also.
This famous design is called either a buffalo nickel or an Indian head nickel; both names are about equally common. Please see the question "What is the value of a 1917 US nickel?" for more information.
This design is called either a buffalo nickel or an Indian head nickel; both names are about equally common. Please see the question "What is the value of a 1919 US nickel?" for more information.
Buffalo nickels were minted from 1913 to 1938.Coins dated 1938 were only struck at Denver. At the time the mint was preparing the new Jefferson design but production was delayed. An extra run of the buffalo design was made to meet the need for additional nickels in circulation.
This famous design is called either a buffalo nickel or an Indian head nickel; both names are about equally common. Please see the Related Question for more information.
The visage of the Indian which dominates the obverse design was a composite of several Native Americans.
The buffalo nickel had a design flaw which led to the date wearing off easily. Dateless buffaloes are worth about 10 cents, good for use in crafts or jewelry.
The visage of the Indian which dominates the obverse design was a composite of several Native Americans.
Buffalo nickel was created in 1913.
This famous design is also frequently called an Indian head nickel. Please see the question "What is the value of a 1920 US nickel?" for more information.