What is a buffalo nickel?

The Buffalo nickel (sometimes called the Indian Head nickel) was produced from 1913 to 1921 and 1923 to 1938. A five-cent coin made of copper-nickel, it depicts the bust of a Native American profile on the front and an American bison (often called a buffalo) on the reverse. The intricate design of this coin was its downfall.

Why are Buffalo nickels called Indian Head nickels?

Buffalo nickels are sometimes known as Indian Head nickels due to the composite portrait of an American Indian chief found on the coin's obverse. This iconic design also appears on modern gold bullion coins called American Gold Buffalos. The Gold Buffalo has been issued by the U.S. Mint each year since 2006.

Why are Buffalo nickels so popular?

In addition to its rugged design by James Earle Fraser, one of the many reasons the Buffalo nickel series has enjoyed timeless appeal is its numerous key dates, semi-keys, and varieties. Buffalo nickels are sometimes known as Indian Head nickels due to the composite portrait of an American Indian chief found on the coin's obverse.