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The Buffalo nickel (also known as the Indian Head) was designed by sculptor James Earl Fraser and features the head of an Indian Chief with the word “Liberty” on the obverse and a buffalo (American bison) on the reverse. First released in February 1913, the buffalo was originally pictured standing on a mound; however, the mound caused the denomination to be so raised that it often completely wore off. By May of 1913, new reverse dies had been prepared to feature the buffalo standing on a level plain.
Because of their size and the percentage of the surface that was taken up with the images, Buffalo nickels were a favorite for "Hobo Nickels," a form of American folk art in which carvers modified the pictures on the coins (for example, the Indian Chief’s head may be altered to depict a man wearing a hat, or the buffalo may be turned into a steam train)...
Due to a problem repairing a die, some three-legged Buffalo nickels were produced unknowingly in 1937. These are highly sought-after by collectors, but beware: counterfeits are common.

I started collecting coins when I was five years old, and I started dealing when I was 13 or 14. Most kids start wi… [more]

Founded in 1992, The Original Hobo Nickel Society is mostly devoted to folk art derived from Indian Head or Buffalo… [read review or visit site]

This online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History is a great way to get an overview… [read review or visit site]

An enormous database and online reference encyclopedia dedicated to U.S. coins. You'll be sure to find high res ima… [read review or visit site]

Home to the Society of U.S. Pattern collectors, this well-organized site provides in-depth information on pattern c… [read review or visit site]
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