What is a buffalo nickel?

The Buffalo nickel or Indian Head nickel is a copper–nickel five-cent piece that was struck by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. It was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. As part of a drive to beautify the coinage, five denominations of US coins had received new designs between 1907 and 1909.

How many cents is a buffalo nickel?

D, S. Centered under "FIVE CENTS" on the reverse. Philadelphia Mint specimens lack mint mark. The Buffalo nickel or Indian Head nickel is a copper–nickel five-cent piece that was struck by the United States Mint from 1913 to 1938. It was designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser.

How do you identify a buffalo nickel?

The key is to identify both the date and mint of each coin. Mintmarks on the Denver and San Francisco issues identify the mint. Philadelphia did not place a mintmark on their production. Collectors typically assemble sets of Buffalo nickels including each mint variety of each year.