Buffalo Nickels 1913-1918

The Indian Head or Buffalo Type (depending on if you like the front or back better) Nickel was produced from 1913-1938. James E. Fraser used three different Native Americans to model for his design of the “head.” The buffalo model was “Black Diamond,” a bison in the New York Zoological Gardens. With two major varieties and many minor varieties, it can be a fun series to collect. For those looking for the “best of the best” in condition, look to the tip of the horn on the buffalo and the edges of the numbers in the date.

Good reference works for those with more interest in this type of coin are “The Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins” by Walter Breen and “The Complete Guide to Buffalo Nickels” by David Lange.